So if an Indian holds up a mirror for an American to have a look, or the other way round, it always serves a purpose.

However, when a nation decides to launch a ‘war-against-terror’ covering the whole earth (if not the cosmos) and begins to invade other countries, and then continues to occupy these illegally for years (whatever be the reasons), then the whole scenario undergoes a change.

So, I assume that you agree that India should be out of Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh.

Holly – Shush? Quite frankly, who are you to shush anyone? And what gives you the right? You especially should not being telling people that they shouldn’t be expressing their views and feelings.

If you have an objection to what I am saying, then say so, and answer them. In the meantime, I will continue to express myself as I see fit here, within the rules, I might add.

However, when a nation decides to launch a ‘war-against-terror’ covering the whole earth (if not the cosmos) and begins to invade other countries, and then continues to occupy these illegally for years (whatever be the reasons), then the whole scenario undergoes a change.
So, I assume that you agree that India should be out of Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh.

Holly – Shush? Quite frankly, who are you to shush anyone? And what gives you the right? You especially should not being telling people that they shouldn’t be expressing their views and feelings.

If you have an objection to what I am saying, then say so, and answer them. In the meantime, I will continue to express myself as I see fit here, within the rules, I might add.

Quick point on ‘obsession’ part: US, like any other country, shows more interest only on those things that are important to its policies and politics. It probably explains why Musharraff’s visit to Washington carries more media coverage than Indian Prime Minister’s visit.

Same thing can be said about Indian media. Indian News outlets have an American obsession as well. How many Indians are interested in news from Russia , Spain or genocide in Darfur?

I too used to get baffled by the quality of ‘World Reports’ here which sometimes might include a story from Florida! Again, there is nothing wrong – this is not very different from what happens in other countries. It would be wrong to pick only on American media/ journalists.

Swaraaj Chauhan Says:

One can understand the myopia and utter selfishness of a few top leaders, and the suicidal course they have chosen to follow, but why should thinking people anywhere in the world support such barbaric and ruthless actions, especially when they consider themselves as a superior civilization?

Swaaraj,
Great post! Well thought out… Well organized… and Well said! Thanks.

Holly in Cincinnati Says:

Swaaraj – as far as I know, the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan were justified and are legal.

Holly,

I had some not-so-nice observations on your comment to Swaaraj but thought better of it before hitting the Submit Comment button.

Instead I will ask for your “center-left” views on the justification(s) for our going to war with Iraq.

Swaaraj – as far as I know, the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan were justified and are legal.

Agreed that if you belong to a particular country you would be more interested in reading/writing about what’s happening there. It is natural and understandable.

However, when a nation decides to launch a ‘war-against-terror’ covering the whole earth (if not the cosmos) and begins to invade other countries, and then continues to occupy these illegally for years (whatever be the reasons), then the whole scenario undergoes a change.

Then American media and policymakers cannot limit themselves to their own affairs. For the simple reason that the actions (or inaction or bad actions) of the US administration have a bearing on the life and property of people worldwide. Even peace and tranquility is threatened.

I have no issues if the American media and policymakers wish to live in their own world. But then please get out of the countries you are hell bent on devastating. So long the American troops are asked to continue to occupy foreign lands, the American media/policymakers/common citizens will have to take notice of things outside their immediate areas of interest.

American media and policymakers, by and large, do not seem to be intersted in knowing about the cultures and complexities of the countries the US troops have been sent to invade, or were allowed to fiddle around with. This bull in the China shop situation is creating a havoc worldwide.

I have been blogging for more than a year but I have yet to read any story which brings out the plight of an average citizen in Iraq or Afghanistan. Yes, there are some honourable exceptions, but you can count them on your fingers.

On the other hand, I have now felt that the tone and tenor of the writings in the US suggest that the people in Afghanistan and Iraq are somehow deserving of their horrible plight.

One can understand the myopia and utter selfishness of a few top leaders, and the suicidal course they have chosen to follow, but why should thinking people anywhere in the world support such barbaric and ruthless actions, especially when they consider themselves as a superior civilization?

The US media’s/bloggers’ obsession with things/issues American is an old and familiar story.

When you stop obsessively blogging about Indian and Pakistani issues, then you will have the right to criticize.

Of course American bloggers main focus is about things related to America. But perhaps I have miss all the Middle East, European Union, Australian, African, South American, and Russian issues posted about here, in the MSM, and on many other blogs.

Wait. No I didn’t. There have been TONS lately written about and reported on in those areas. Perhaps you are unhappy that we have ANY discussions of America, or that not every entry is as consistently anti-American and anti-Bush as your body of work.

Or maybe you are jealous that all those other areas I mentioned resonate more than Indian-related issues (and they do) with the American public.