[Kursed]

The issue isn't entirely as 'black' and 'white', as we'd like to think.

No country can 'blackmail' the other, in order to support it. We've to have certain aces up our sleeves as well.

Why's India important for the US? The way I see it, for a couple of reasons;

1. Its ever increasing middle-class; with a buying capacity that forms an attractive option for American corporations. (It still is a capitalist world, the last time I checked and we're not Israel)

2. United States' strategic ambitions vis a vis China. India is more than ready to play US's top dog in the region, in order to check (and when possible curtail) China's sphere of influence in the immediate region.


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Given that scenario, what're our realistic chances to survive and further our gains in this ever changing geo-political scenario?

For a second, forget about the current security challenges that faces Pakistan.


1. Get our asses back to work. There is absolutely no short-cut towards success, and we as a nation have failed to realize that over the course of last 6 decades. We do not want to work towards the success of our country, because we simply do not see a 'personal stake' in this country. That's where our politicians, intelligentsia and military have failed.

2. Put importance on economics, technical education (specially in science & technology). We've to have a workforce that is technically apt to operate, build and maintain new-age machines. Only then will we be able to push ahead of local challenges. We lose out on plenty of chances to incorporate new technology, simply because we lack in local workforce that is apt enough to incorporate, operate and maintain such technology.

3. China while successful is still lacking when it comes to an English speaking work-force; hence still looses some business to India. Whilst India OTOH is lacking in city infrastructure, even if it does have an English speaking work force.

Where do you think Pakistan features on that list?

All in all, if we want other nations to take us seriously. We have to take ourselves seriously, first.


What we can do?

1. Think that next time Pakistan should sign an agreement with any nation (for defense purposes or whatever involving aid), one of the clauses should include that nation in question would open a university and a poly-technical institution inside Pakistan.

2. Information technology. If there is one place, where we still have a chance at doing remarkable progress, without really busting our purse in order to get a good enough work-force. It's information technology.

3. Reduce regular development fund, spend over 5 billion USD / year on poly-technical colleges, regular colleges and schools for next 10 years. It's not like we can not afford it. The question is whether we'd like to do it or not, or if we can control our natural tenacity for corruption.

Let me know if you folks have got more points to add to my list, or if you'd like to correct me anywhere.