Indian meddling

The Parliamentary Committee on National Security in Pakistan has provided enough evidence of Indian involvement in terrorist activities in Pakistan.

The committee, comprising senators and members of all parliamentary groups recommended bringing this matter to the attention of world powers. I believe the matter should be taken up with the United Nations for appropriate action. The US and UK should put pressure on India to desist from such activities.

It is of no use bringing the matter to the attention of India directly; they will simply say they know nothing about it.

I have been saying for some time that India is involved in Balochistan and the tribal areas of Pakistan and is the main cause of insurgency and terrorism there. Pakistan must confront India aggressively and send them a strong message.

There should be no negotiations with Indians until they change their behavior.

However, I doubt if this will ever happen as our leaders are looking for a peace with India whose doctrine is to harm and damage Pakistan as much as possible. They are already responsible for the creation of Bangladesh.

Zafar Raja, London published 6 November 2009

Moro separatists

This refers to your report, “Manila rejects rebels’ offer (Nov. 4). It is obvious that Moro separatists are trying to blackmail the Philippines people and government. They never assume responsibility for the actions of their men in the field or in the areas that they take over militarily. A separate complaint of various human rights abuses must be forwarded to the International Criminal Court against the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF). Organization of the Islamic Conference should rethink their political support for this group.

Marim Villasanta, By e-mail published 6 November 2009

Arab peace plan

The peace plan devised by Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah and endorsed by the Arab summit is the best way to solve the Arab-Israeli conflict but Israel should accept it in toto. This means the terms are not negotiable. We should tell in one voice: Israel must vacate every inch of land captured in the 1967 war. Period. Take it or leave it.

Muslim countries are large in number and well placed geographically so threats and sanctions will not hurt us.

Dilshad Ali Khan, Jeddah published 6 November 2009

Obama and Mideast

Perhaps the truth is emerging slowly but surely. The recent announcements made by US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton during her meetings with Israeli politicians including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu indicate the direction in which the Obama administration is moving. We got the impression that Washington was fully endorsing the Israeli policy on settlements.

Perhaps President Barack Obama and Hillary are taking the Arabs for a ride.

Well, Obama and Clinton are sadly mistaken. One thought the experience of Vietnam, Iraq and Afghanistan would have opened American eyes.

Of course this is not what the world expected of Obama or the impression he created in the minds of the people the world over.

What a pity that Obama will end up as a politician who used his power to perpetuate himself in office instead of using it for the good of humanity including the Americans.

Amza, By e-mail published 6 November 2009

ASEAN summit

This is in response to your editorial on the ASEAN summit (Oct. 25).

There must be a more cohesive Asian bloc that can work to build a more streamlined economic zone. A recent article at asiachroniclenews.com looks at this and considers the possibilities.

Dersu Ouzala, By e-mail published 6 November 2009

It’s time to unite

I found your editorial on European unity thought-provoking (Nov. 4). This should serve as an eye-opener to Arab leaders.

For the Arab world, there is much to learn from Europe. Over the years there has been so much talk about Arab unity. But it is always that — just talk. There has to be action. Without it, what chance there is of the Arab voice being taken seriously by the world community? What chance there is of Arab demands on Palestine and other issues being met? Only political unity will win the Arabs the respect they deserve. But there is not even an Arab common market as of yet, let alone something as advanced as the European Union. The Arabs on the street yearn for unity. The latest stage in Europe’s evolution puts us to shame.

Nawabzadah Shajee Nawab, By e-mail published 6 November 2009

Hillary Clinton’s visit

US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has failed to win the hearts and minds of the Pakistani people. In the worst attack in the city’s history more than one hundred people were killed in Peshawar on the first day of her visit. Still a smiling Clinton joined Pakistani politicians for a photo session. This only added to the anger of Pakistanis.

In her discussion with selected groups of journalists, Clinton could not satisfactorily answer questions about US drone attacks killing innocent people and the Kerry Lugar Bill.

Most people in Pakistan believe that the US has shifted the theater of operations from Afghanistan to Pakistan and the US presence is a main cause of their misery. The US presence is providing opportunities for militants to recruit more suicide bombers and hit targets inside Pakistan.

Due to the ground offensive in Waziristan, more than two hundred thousand people have already migrated to safer areas. These displaced persons, living in miserable conditions without the basic necessities of life, will only swell the ranks of militants.

Khawaja Umer Farooq, Jeddah published 6 November 2009

Fake vehicle parts

I share the concerns highlighted in the news item, “Fake parts main cause of accidents” (Oct. 29). Hardly a day goes by without my seeing evidence for this — the fake windscreens preventing drivers seeing the stop lights, the cheap and nasty indicator lights flashing right when the driver intends to turn left, etc. I urge the authorities to act on this now and bring order and tranquility to the Kingdom’s highways.

Alex Sykes, Jeddah published 6 November 2009