3 boys dead, Israel to vote for war?

The rockets and counter air-strikes have been relentless, and wise men have been suggesting that Israel re-occupy Gaza. Now comes the news, the bodies of the three missing teenagers have been found.

The Israeli cabinet will meet @ 230 PM (Eastern Standard Time) and probably take a decision one way or the other. There will be pressure from the USA to not escalate matters, then again one of the kids is an Israeli-American.

If yet another war breaks out then whatever is left of the mid-east will be consumed in flames. These are interesting times indeed.
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The bodies of three Israeli teenagers who were kidnapped in the West Bank earlier this month have been found north-west of the city of Hebron, the Israeli Defense Forces confirmed today.

Maharajah Ranjit Singh

 Today (June 30) is the 175th death anniversary of the Sher-e-Punjab.

When the Sikh sun was at peak noon, the empire was bound by Peshawar (North-West), Srinagar (North-East), Amritsar (central), and Multan (south).

When the downfall came it was at the hands of the perfidious Albion. The Sikhs did not dwell much on this humiliation and became (along with the Gurkhas) a pillar of the British Indian Army. Then came Jalian Wala Bag, the hanging of Bhagat Singh, the brutalities of Partition,...... OTOH during the dark days of 1984, it was the BBC Foreign Service (and Mark Tully) which kept the Sikhs within India and outside informed about the true extent of crimes against God and men (and women).

As we understand the (mainly expat) Sikhs still dream of restoring the lost kingdom. The only problem is a corridor to the sea. During the peak revolution days of the 1980s there was a proposal to grab Karachi unbeknownst to patron-in-chief General Zia. Another proposal was to annex Gujarat and establish a corridor via Rajasthan.
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The SGPC observed his anniversary at Dewan Manji Sahib hall in the Golden Temple complex. A religious function was held and prayers were offered in the memory of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, often described as the greatest Sikh ruler, whose kingdom stretched from the Sutlej river in the east to Kabul in Afghanistan.

Iraqis screwed but Khilafah restored

The pious lot have done it again. After destroying Syria; a war is being waged on Iraq's ancient heritage. Death, disease and food shortage is fast catching up with Iraq's second biggest city-Mosul. Though as per Praveen Swami, nearby UNHRC run refugee camps in Kurd controlled regions are still better off than Delhi's slums!    

Not satisfied with their grand territorial achievements, ISIS has taken the next step and renamed itself Islamic State (not confined to any country) and on first day of Ramadan, announced a Caliphate with Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi as "the caliph"- leader for Muslims everywhere. Some believe this may cause divisions in Jihadist circles as boys with higher personal ambitions may refuse to work under the new Caliph. Nevertheless, for the time being, there seems to be lots of excitement in Jihadi circles. 

1. 90 years, 3 months and 26 days ago, the #Caliphate was abolished by a #Turkish secularist. Today the #Khilafah is restored in accordance
— Abu Umar (@AbuUmar8246) June 29, 2014

#Syria: People of #Raqqa celebrated the declaration of Khilafah with #IS mujaheddin http://t.co/CFDYN7PXyx
— Islamic State Media (@ISIS_Conquests) June 29, 2014

The Khilafah Requirement Must be Muslim Must be Mature Must be Sane Must be a freeman… http://t.co/rsqnxzfBFy
— ابو العبد (@UmarAbuAbd) June 30, 2014

Pledge bayah to Khalifa Abu Bakr al Baghdadi (ha) http://t.co/PLG7t9Z6rn #KhilafaRestored
— Shami Witness (@ShamiWitness) June 29, 2014

Boys closer home also seem to be excited

Now it's not #ISIS, but #IS "The Islamic State", bcuz the #Khilafah isnt limited to Iraq &Sham, but covers the whole Muslim World.
— Tehrik e Taliban™® (@Muhib_TTP) June 30, 2014

#Note: Those who mock the #Khilafah system, remember it's an integral part of Islam itself. #IslamicState #KhalifaRestored
— Tehrik e Taliban™® (@Muhib_TTP) June 30, 2014

. #IRAQ: #ISIS K #Sunni Mujahiden Ne Apny Jaari Karda Naqshy Me "Islamic State Of Khurasaan" K Naam Se #India Ko B Fatah Karny Elan Kia He..
— SK Urdu (Official) (@SunniKilling) June 29, 2014

Support To ISIS , Al Qaida , TTP from Srinagar Kashmir. First day of Ramadhan & Khilafah Restored. Such a great news pic.twitter.com/4jUX7u9VWc
— Waqar Ali (@ali_waqa) June 30, 2014

Tyranny naturally arises out of democracy. #kashmir #ISIS #Khilafah
— Junaid (@warjunaid) June 30, 2014

Shia Kafirs of #Kashmir want to fight against #ISIS in #Iraq. Let them Go I want to see their chopped heads under the feet of Mujahideen
— Shahid (@KashmirIsPak) June 28, 2014

Bin Laden's dream is declared a reality, as the Islamic Caliphate is announced by the #ISIS rebels today.
— I_Resist (@ShaalKak) June 29, 2014

PS: Going by social media feeds, ISIS boys seem to be way more hiphop than their boring desi cousins-Taliban. Lots of young 'educated' recruits from western/globetrotter circles running the show.

PSLV defies Gravity

“...Gravity. I am told the cost of sending an Indian rocket to space is less than the money invested in making the Hollywood movie,” ......Experts say the secret is India's ability to copy and adapt existing space technology for its own needs....

As the West evolves it will produce more and more expensive science fiction movies which attempt to show us how civilization will end if we do not mend our high carbon-footprint ways.

OTOH, poor but technically proficient nations like India should be able to show us how low cost technology can improve human lives, even that of westerners. The Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV-C23) today helped launch French, German, Canadian and Singaporean satellites. Modi has also spoken about a South Asian (SAARC) satellite. This will be an excellent confidence building measure.

At the end of the day our goal should be to leave behind a world that treats the next generation more humanely than previous ones. Technology can solve many of the problems but in our opinion we have to find new ways of conflict management at the personal, society, national and global level. The human touch is often free of cost but the most valuable. While developing technology let us not ignore the human touch.
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Dragon slayer

We think islamists (both dictators as well as non-state actors) are monsters for having killed a few million kaffirs. Those numbers pale in comparison to the 40-50 million Han Chinese who were murdered by Mao. There were sons who snitched on their mothers (who were never heard of again). The Chicoms are ever-ready to roll tanks over civilians. All of this happens without the benefit of a dot of remorse or awareness. If anything they are rather proud of their omlette making skills.

Frankly speaking, everything about China/Chinese scares the shit out of the rest of us. The way the Chicoms can lay down dictates (in the next decade birth rate shall be xxx) and the way the people manage to follow such dictates is scary. The way they declared the entire China sea as their property is scary. The way they performed 400 mil abortions by force (essentially eugenics in all but name) is scary.

Just the thought that someone can beat them is a fantasy. Because in order to do so you must stop feeling scared. You must persuade yourself to NOT drop your rifle (metaphorical or not) and run away at the mere sight of the "yellow peril."

But if you beat them just one time, beat them at their own game, it is like a tiny blob of light that shines out through the fog. Suddenly the fear is gone (even if momentarily). Well done to Sania for having done the impossible.

There is a message in this for India as well. Both Sania and now Smriti Irani (the new education minister) have noted that their families were unhappy with them being born. Just think about that. Abort the world-beaters and you will remain a third-class country for ever. Treasure the girl child and there may yet be some hope to spare. 
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India's Saina Nehwal became the first non-Chinese shuttler to win a women's singles Super Series title in 2014 after clinching the Australian Badminton Open at the State Sports Centre on Sunday.

Kashmir: End of Militancy but not of Militarisation

A decade back, More people were dying every month in militancy-countermilitancy associated violence in J&K than there are now in entire year! Total casualties have fallen to the level when militancy began (1988-89) and  unlike the bad old days, most casualties nowadays are of the militants (and not civilians).

'	Incidents	Civilians	Security Force Personnel	Terrorists	Total
1988	390	29	1	1	31
1989	2154	79	13	0	92
1990	3905	862	132	183	1177
1991	3122	594	185	614	1393
1992	4971	859	177	873	1909
1993	4457	1023	216	1328	2567
1994	4484	1012	236	1651	2899
1995	4479	1161	297	1338	2796
1996	4224	1333	376	1194	2903
1997	3004	840	355	1177	2372
1998	2993	877	339	1045	2261
1999	2938	799	555	1184	2538
2000	2835	842	638	1808	3288
2001	3278	1067	590	2850	4507
2002	NA	839	469	1714	3022
2003	NA	658	338	1546	2542
2004	NA	534	325	951	1810
2005	NA	521	218	1000	1739
2006	NA	349	168	599	1116
2007	NA	164	121	492	777
2008	NA	69	90	382	541
2009	NA	55	78	242	375
2010	NA	36	69	270	375
2011	NA	34	30	119	183
2012	NA	16	17	84	117
2013	NA	20	61	100	181
2014	NA	10	16	42	68
Total*	47234	14682	6110	22787	43579

*Data till June 22, 2014 (Source: South Asia Terrorism Portal) 

In an ideal scenario, end of militant violence ought to be followed by demilitarisation and a political settlement with the weakened militant elements. The script has been played out in Bodoland, Nagaland and Mizoram with decent results (though inter-ethnic/tribal violence is yet end in Nagaland and Bodoland). There has indeed been less visible military presence in Valley's cities. But, right now, prospects of complete demilitarisation or any significant 'drawdown' from Valley's internal cities seem dim for several reasons:

1. Elections and a cautious Indian State: Kashmir Valley recorded the lowest regional turnout in Indian Parliamentary elections. Barring Kupwara district and a few Shia/Gujjar dominated pockets; Separatists largely succeeded in ensuring a boycott in Valley- at places (Srinagar's Bemian, Sopore) through genuine sympathy for Hurriyat's call; and at other places (rural South Kashmir) through assassination of Panches & creating a fear-psychosis. This has been a slap on the face for Indian State. Now, the State assembly elections are due later this year. Usually, State and Panchayat (unlike National) elections, record decent turnout in Valley. Given the ignominy faced in Parliamentary polls, Indian state would not like to do anything radical, that holds the potential to spoil the state elections (and discredit itself further).
2. BJP in Centre: With BJP in Power, even Article 370, is no longer a holy cow.  Defence Minister Jaitley has already made trips to Srinagar, mainly to assess the Security preparedness against Terrorist threats. Modi will do the same in early July.  
3. Kashmiri Pandit Repatriation: There have been some overtures by Central and State Government, for resettling Kashmiri Pandits in Valley. Whether these overtures materialise or not, talk for the same means there will have to be Central security forces in valley to reassure Pandit community.
4. Af-Pak muddle next door and ISIL, Al-Shabab, Boko-Haram adventures in far off lands: Requires no further elaboration.

There is little doubt that in past, Central Governments in Delhi have acted in a autocratic manner (spark for insurgency itself was started by a rigged state assembly election in 1987) and there exists a really huge and horrible laundry list of rights violation by the security forces stationed there with virtually no convictions. At times, Kashmiri students have also been attacked by their hypernationalist college mates in North India.

Having said that, It has to be recognised that (unlike her esteemed neighbors) as of today; Kashmir is free of polio, and (unlike Syrians, Afghans, Sri Lanka's Tamilians and Pakistan's Ahmedis/Shias) Kashmiris are not jumping onto overcrowded boats in Indian ocean or crossing over to neighboring countries for political or religious asylum (infact many who did cross LoC, at peak of militancy, now wish to return home). Nor do Kashmiris go around blowing themselves in mainland Indian cities. Also despite out-migration of Valley's Pandits and multiple attacks by separatist militants in Jammu's temples and pilgrims in past, by and large, Jammu region's communal harmony has been retained (leaving aside 1947 killings). Things could have been a lot  worse. Credit (be it to the local culture or the Security forces) must be given, where it is due.

Or is it a case of Confirmation Bias? I am no longer in immediate demilitarisation camp

A year back, I would have backed complete demilitarisation of Valley and handing law and order entirely to Local Police. But events in Iraq, Nigeria and Pakistan have turned me into an agnostic inclined towards holding one's ground. Given the existing popular disenchantment amongst the Sunni Kashmiri majority and presence of significant Islamist firepower in region; there is a very realistic chance of many a cities falling into the hands of Islamist militants as soon as Central military/para-military forces withdraws- assuming here that J&K State police is no better than State Police elsewhere in India and like Iraq- if push comes to the shove, Police may very well switch sides or simply run away. 

This, in my view, will not be followed by any dawn of Azadi. Instead like Waziristan, Northern Sri Lanka, and now Tikrit; Fighter Jets and heavy artillery may end up bombing the entire place to retake cities, causing major civilian casualties and mass migrations. Kashmiri separatists, even with Pakistani assistance, are too small a lot to defeat India by force. How all of this will impact with Jammu's (if not rest of India's) multireligious settlements is anybody's guess. What looks certain is that, end result could very well be far far worse than the present ground situation and would take decades to heal. For long-lasting peace and prosperity in Kashmir Valley, A popular political reconciliation/settlement in a hate free environment has to be the goal; but at the moment, priority, has to be not allowing Kashmir to descend into a Syria/Afghan level hellhole.

Indian Navy on watch at the Gates of Hell

The old man implores comrades to repent..."Look at me, I am digging my own grave...". The video ends abruptly with what looks like the swish of a blade falling upon the victim and a one-word caption: "slaughtered".

It is starting to look like a real Grapes of Wrath scenario. Indian warships have now moved to the Persian Gulf and emergency evacuations may be ordered. Last time such mass scale evacuations happened were the Libyan war in 2011 and the Israel-Hezbollah war in 2006 (when 2,500 Indians, Sri Lankans and Nepalese migrants were evacuated from Lebanon).

Our heart goes out to the hundreds of men (also women) who must be in mortal danger from these all-out loonies. A serious suggestion for people who are in touch- please request the captives to convert to Islam. It may mean the difference between life and death. Nothing matters apart from survival- you do not want to be digging your own grave.
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An Indian naval warship reached the Persian Gulf on Saturday as part of New Delhi's contingency plans for a possible evacuation of Indians stranded in Iraq.

The navy has deployed INS Mysore, a 6,900-tonne guided missile destroyer, in the Persian Gulf to cut down on reaction time if orders for evacuation are given.