Gwynne Dyer on Containing China

Veteran journalist Gwynne Dyer discusses the alarming prospect of World War III, the parameters of which the US is laying down by forming an Asian alliance to contain China. India's drift into the American camp is particularly alarming, as it may snap relations back to the frostiness of the cold war, while destroying all the hard won gains of the peace process of the last four years. Listen here to the Dyer Interview.

Kashmir Tragedy

When a disaster like this comes along, we must repeatedly ask, why are the poor left to their own devices? Why is the state almost purposefully incompetent and inadequate in its response? This article by Aasim Sajjad goes further and revisits the painful recent history of Kashmir, while squarely framing it within the political economy of the region.

The difficult terrain has also complicated matters, and the UN has just recently claimed that this may be the worst logistical nightmare the agency has ever faced, even worse than the Tsunami. Aid contributions have been way below the enormous need, and have only trickled into the region through the high mountain roads. Here's the BBC article that also provides a link to some relief agencies.

The death toll has already passed that of the last 16 years of insurgency. However, the few positive signs of increased Indo-Pak cooperation seem dwarfed by the sheer size of this catastrophe.

The New Silk Road

This is a fascinating article about the fast developing links between China and Central Asia, in effect, resurrecting the Silk Road for the twenty-first century. Although framed as a cautionary note for US interests which will be eclipsed by these developments, the economic upswing is benefiting those involved in the trade. Interesting thing too, is that Islam is finding a welcome home in Beijing as a result.

As the United States greets the Islamic world with increasing fear and hostility, China is embracing it with an astonishing enthusiasm, and young Muslim youths are responding in increasing numbers –– in effect, creating a modern Silk Road culture.

China’s boom in trade and technology is exerting a powerful pull. Its first-rate universities, tremendous employment possibilities and economic opportunities look increasingly attractive compared to those in the West. The price is right, too.

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