I had an interesting discussion about a charitable organization set up to support the requirements of the North West Frontier of Pakistan taking an information subscription that costs the earth with its money. I could not see the need although i was glad for the revenue in my territory.

Our discussion revolved around a novel which spoke about all the negatives of the western world's interests in the oil rich regions and how they used all kinds of ways to move dollars back to themselves. How even my salary is in some way going back to them because since I joined an MNC, i have visited Hard Rock Cafe and spent money there more times than I ever did before.

Today I am unsure of my expectations on Barack Obama. There was a time when I believed he might be good for us all. Today i worry about his intentions to send in US troops to Afghanistan, to hit inside Pakistani territory. I guess it is too long since the UN was set up and people have forgotten that they could instead take care of this cracking edifice and use it as a third party to safeguard failed states. The need of the hour is to set a clear vision to set up a good local government. Allow basic democratic tools like a constitution to work and give them a chance to rise above what could in 2011 be a take over by the Taliban if the US troops do go in.

I know there is no easy solution but why not the UN? WHY SHOULD THE GLOBAL COP think they can do it better?

I feel pride in the fact that India is a far better Nation today for all its ills only because of our democracy. Out of over 60 countries that got freedom 60 years ago, we alone stand out as a successful democracy except for the brief madness of 1977 and Indira Gandhi. If it can be done, why can we not expect our Muslim neigbours to renonce the Taliban who anyways treat even there own, especially the women very badly.
Instead of spending on troops and ammo, maybe spending on education, new technology and green technology would be a better way to ensure development. Who needs oil when we have the sun? Why not go solar?

So many questions and no answers. I wish all the smart people would save the world...