PRAGOTI

It was a shock and surprise for the entire nation when on 9th February morning news channels flashed that Afzal Guru; one of the accused in the Parliament attack case was hanged in Tihar jail and last rites was performed in jail. The Home Minster addressed the press without giving much details, except for timing of hanging, some brief about the rejection of mercy plea by the President, etc.
 
 

Pragoti has received a message from Women Resource Centre (WRC), Armenia. WRC had organised a candle light vigil in front of Indian Embassy in Armenia earlier, to express their solidarity with the Indian activists, who are demanding justice after Delhi gang rape. We are uploading the message sent by the WRC activists. 

What role does SAARC have to play in lessening tensions between India and Pakistan? Established in 1985, South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) is still struggling to establish its identity in the region. SAARC represents eight South Asian countries, which includes India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, Maldives and Afghanistan.

A blogpost that expresses dismay with the newly formed SP led government in Uttar Pradesh. 

Omar S. Dahi and Vijay Prashad have published a statement in support of Palestinian-Syrian intellectual and activist Salameh Kaileh. The statement is reproduced here. Original link for the published statement is found here. 

 Introduction: Iran is presently in centre of international controversy with Israel leading a strong campaign against it. As per the logic of Tel Aviv, nuclear programme of Iran pose an existential threat and it is ready to take all measures to ensure its survival. Similarly, Washington and the European Union are also up in arms and giving several reasons to justify sanctions against Iran.

 India and Afghanistan are now strategic partners and it is a welcome move but there are critical issues for consideration, before declaring it a diplomatic victory.  This strategic partnership was envisaged in past but never brought on table contemplating the strong opposition of Pakistan. The signing of strategic partnership divulges that present Kabul establishment is completely frustrated with Pakistan.

 Mumbai is once again attacked by terrorists and all possible clues are indicating that declared as dormant Indian Mujahadeen (IM) easily succeeded in breaching the security of Mumbai. Timer bombs were used to trigger serial blasts in different parts of Mumbai and it is placed carefully to inflict maximum damage to the life of innocent people. There are also some unconfirmed reports that suicide bomber was used in Zaveri Bazar but it appears more of media speculations because suicide bombing squad is not common with every terrorist organization.

 While taking a wrong approach on the nuclear deal once again a section of Indian strategic community is vigorously pursuing the agenda of India – NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organisation) dialogue. This is only a precursor for a future alliance with NATO.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

There are several changes witnessed in the last couple of years particularly in the post financial crisis phase that has had severely affected the power dynamics of the world.  The developed capitalist countries led primarily by the USA have gone down.