Regional catalyst

With an economic growth rate of eight per cent per annum, (the target being ten), the new Indian regime, led by two economic wizards, have to (indirectly) fulfil expectations of the one and a half billion people living in the SAARC region. Bangladesh also has an experienced finance minister to add to this team effort. Pakistan too, has to pitch in economically, as signs of economic progress impress those citizens of the member states who are not directly interested in politics. With more money in circulation amongst the lower income groups, the politically sensitive issues would automatically take a back seat, for calmer approach to political solutions. Beware of the whisper: keep political issues alive. Is it good politics?

The region is rich, potentially, in multi-purpose ways, and foreign eyes are watching the booty for exploitation. It looks silly if the lack of political consensus offers prasad to foreign sharis, to rule and subjugate the hard working people once again.

US imperialism is now showing in naked form, with consultancy services from the abdicators of the former British Empire. The Indian Raj fed and sustained the lords and ladies for two centuries; so why can't a united SAARC sustain the declining industrialised countries? The products and services of the region are for sale -- but freedom is not for sale. History should not be allowed to repeat itself. This challenge is easy to overcome with a united stand.