David Coleman Headly a.k.a. Daood Sayed Gilani

At first glance, it seems to be a case of thorough investigations for the FBI to track down David Coleman Headly, a Pakistani-American businessman based in Chicago who changed his name from Daood Gilani to David Headly. But the selected leaks into the media seems to suggest a different story. Especially, the story about Jihadis infiltrating the Pakistani military seems to be a alibi to ensure India doesn't blame the Pakistani establishment of actively support and abetting the terrorists in India. The reluctance of the FBI (quoting various laws) denying Indian investigators access to to Headly and Rana seems to be a well orchestrated sham. Post 9/11, there have been changes to the legal system and civil rights act, I find it difficult to believe that it protects accused from joint investigations.

On the other hand, Pakistan seems to be caught between the devil and the deep blue sea. US wants Pakistan to act against the very terror apparatus that they both created. If it acts, Pakistan knows what deadly repercussions await it. They have always watched it first hand being unleashed on neighbors. They now need an external enemy to galvanize all its forces (including jihadis) to unite for a common cause. Unfortunately, the bait seems to be India. Finding an Indian hand in Jihadi activity is preposterous and may help quell the concerns of your average Pakistani citizen.

I think the US should introspect on its strategy towards ensuring US security. Long term security cannot come by setting up sacrificial lambs.

High and mighty fall

When the big and mighty fall, they come down spectacularly. The man in question (figuratively speaking) is Tiger Woods, born Eldrick Woods on Dec 30th 1975. At 34, he is one of the most successful sportsman in the world today. However, it is his bedroom sports that have been the talk of the entire planet the recent week. So much so, that he is now talking of a hiatus from the sport. There are talks of a divorce in the new year. For the sake of his kids, I hope the new year brings some peace to the family.

On a more global note, in Copenhagen, the world leaders still seem to be more interested in their own country's well being. They would do well to understand, there might not be a country to fight for in a few decades. Of course, there is 2012 to cross. Doomsday theories anyone?

Coming to cricket, India managed to get it's act together and square the 20/20 series 1-1. The beauty of Indian cricket is the unpredictable nature of the team. They can surpass insurmountable odds but falter to accomplish the most humble targets. The team continues to be the enigma that moves our country to raptures or condemns us to the depths of misery.

Monday morning is almost here and closely following that would be the Monday morning blues. So, good night while I will go and fight my blues.

Quo vadis?

That is what I would like to ask the youth of this country. This is the picture of students from Osmania university out on a rampage. Can you see the anguish in their eyes, the fury in their faces, the determination writ on their forehead? Well, I can't. What I see instead is a group of idiots thinking its fun to smash windows on public property, maybe cane an innocent bystander or two. And if god forbid, they get lathicharged by the police, the media will ensure there is no end to the tamasha. Look at them. They seem to find the whole thing funny. Its a disgrace. These are the maniacs who should be locked up ..probably for good.

Telangana

The congress high command has played a dangerous game. In a corner about their reluctance to grant statehood to Telangana, they decided to let each and every politician worth his votes make their stand clear. Someone like Chandrababu Naidu who decided to support the Telangana vote, just to make alliances are now in soup. They either need to actually support the resolution or come out and say "we are against". This is political suicide for him either ways. And he (and other parties like Praja Rajyam) can no longer be cat on the wall, ready to take either stand to suit the scenario as it unravels. Now they have to take a clear stand. But by putting everyone in the hot seat, the central government has abdicated its responsibility of maintaining law and order. The current situation is volatile and is bound to get explosive soon. Not to mention, setting a bad precedent. On what basis was Telangana granted but the same cannot be applied to other statehood demands.

Sad state of affairs; This could also be a nobel peace prize winning idea, by the way. The "root" problem of Kashmir can be solved in a matter of days if Zardari decides to go on a 10 day fast asking India to give up its claim on Kashmir. Imagine solving a 62 year problem with no solution in sight, in a matter of 10 days.

What next????

Well.. I opened this blog as a personal diary but after 5 years of opening it and only 3 posts, I have come to realize I will never develop the habit of maintaining a diary, least of all online. So from today, I prefer to call it my random musings... watch out for my first musing