ENIGMA CALLED THE AMERICAN PSYCHE

I wonder whether Barack Obama, like his predecessors, nurtures a mistaken notion that God Almighty has entrusted him with the right to shoulder heavy responsibilities, both internal and external, to have a close watch on the goings on in the nations across the World and if found necessary to interfere in their internal affairs even without seeking their permission. One is reminded of Atlas, the Ancient Greek Mythological figure, who was believed to have shouldered the entire World and if he felt like shrugging, the entire edifice would crumble down.

Look at a few instances of USA’s intervention in various parts of the World. Iraq came under their attack in 2003 and since then that nation is reeling under the onslaught of American Military prowess. George Walker Bush - (his “fond memories” are indelibly imprinted in the minds of citizens around the world) - Obama’s predecessor went on the offensive defying even the diktats of United Nations, with the help of his submissive allies charging Iraq with keeping Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMDs) which later turned out to be an utter falsehood. Iraq was pounded mercilessly and in the process caused immense destruction of properties and lakhs of Iraqi citizens were brutally done to death - the aftermaths of that murderous war still persist in that nation’s psyche causing nightmares to the surviving men, women and children. The occupation, even after six years have not ended. The incumbent President Barack Obama, while on his hectic election campaign had assured the electorate- most of them are bitter critics of USA’s intervention in Iraq - of his resolve to withdraw the armed forces from the soil of Iraq with in 16 months of his rule. Now the time limit for withdrawal has been extended up to 2011. Assurances still remain assurances. According to the estimates of Nobel Laureate, Joseph Stilglitz, USA has already squandered U.S $ 2.3 Trillion which is sufficient to feed more than half of the starving millions across the World. Bush has gone with a warm smile on his lips for all the “good deeds” accomplished during his eight years of Presidency. A happy man indeed! Before vacating White House, he could ensure the collapse of American economy which is reeling under recession now and economic collapse and its aftermaths later turned out to be Global Financial Downturn.

Even when sweating it out to rescue the American economy from the clutches of recession which was his promise to the electorate during his whirlwind campaign tour through the American States- Barack Obama has not evaded from his “international obligations”. Really heartening! His stimulus package of US $ 787 Billion as a bail-out, has not helped much to overcome the mounting economic crisis is another sad truth. Further bail-out packages are in the pipe-line.

The man is really smart! Simultaneously he is closely watching the developments in Afghanistan, Pakistan and India, to name a few. A decision was already made- to deploy more American troops- “a surge” in the words of George W Bush- to tackle the menace of terrorism and also the “hard-liners” of Taliban, the militant organization who are bent upon installing an Islamic regime in Afghanistan. The defiance of overbearing authority of any nation is a trait in the character of a typical Afghan citizen and his unending thirst for freedom is famous.

That might be one of the reasons behind Obama’s efforts to befriend the “soft-liners” in the militant organization. His determination to eliminate all terrorists particularly those of Al-quaida is well-known who are hiding in their safe havens along the North-West frontier of Pakistan bordering Afghanistan fomenting incessant provocations in Afghanistan as well as Pakistan.

By waging a relentless battle against the elements who are bent upon overthrowing the Karzai regime by American troops along with the help of Pakistani soldiers and the “soft-liners” in Taliban (?) Obama is confident enough of freeing Afghanistan from the clutches of terrorists and the “hard-liners” in Taliban.

After taking over the reins of power from George Bush eventhough belatedly, Obama has discovered the epicentre of terrorism- Pakistan. So far so good! Hence his mission extends up to Pakistan, to be precise, he has come to the conclusion that only by tackling the terrorist menace in Pakistan first can he concentrate his attention fully in Afghanistan. Unfortunately the remedy he has in mind is aiding Pakistan with weapons and billions of dollars. Inevitably, the power behind the throne in Pakistan is not even the Pak army but a govt. in a faraway Country, ie. USA. Asif Ali Sardari, Yusuf Raza Gilani and General Ashfaq Parvez Kiyani are now the puppets in the hands of American rulers. The weapons as well as billions of dollars as financial aid pumped into Pak by USA could be a detrimental to India in the long run.

The other day a news report relating to Indo- American Civil Nuclear Deal appeared in the newspapers. At a seminar in the prestigious Broolyns Institution, John Steinberg, the deputy Secretary of State, USA, is reported to have given the assurance to India to proceed with the Nuclear deal. Simultaneously he has requested India to co-operate with US in crafting a NPT regime. It is pertinent to note here that India is not a signatory in the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. He has also appealed to India to help US in strengthening CTBT (Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty). By becoming a signatory, to the treaty a nation is banned from conducting nuclear tests- either for peaceful purposes or for assembling nuclear weapons. Syam Saran, India’s permanent envoy on climate change, who was present in the seminar outrightly turned down the request of Mr. Steinberg. He also asserted that if all countries are ready for a nuclear disarmament, the controversy over the CTBT would “recede into background”.

Whenever USA decides to keep India in good humour, we can very well presume that there is some motive behind their sweet words. Same is the case with this turn of events. Mr.Steinberg has appealed to India to co-operate with USA by fighting with their troops in Afghanistan and Pakistan along with Pakistani troops against the Taliban and terrorists holed-up in safe havens along the border with Pakistan. The developmental works undertaken by India in Afghanistan was also profusely applauded by the gentleman. Imagine the consequences if Indian troops were also dragged into that quagmire at a moment the Taliban and Al-quaida militants are hand-in-glove with the Pakistani terrorists who are determined to upset the secular fabric of our nation and to cause maximum damage in India.

Palestine, Israel, Iran, Georgia, Ukraine, the Latin American nations which are pro-left, North Korea- an unending list actually, where USA lose no opportunity in intervening either directly or indirectly to display its might.

It is often said that charity begins at home. It is better if Obama is willing to withdraw from the turbulent zones of other countries and devote his full attention to the internal problems particularly the problems on the economic front shedding the halo of Atlas in the coming days.