Posted on 04/17/2005 6:41:53 PM PDT by blam
Musharraf cheered by Indian cricket fans
By Peter Foster in New Delhi
(Filed: 18/04/2005)
Indians gave Gen Pervez Musharraf, Pakistan's president, a rousing reception at a New Delhi cricket match yesterday in a show of support for detente between the two nations.
Gen Musharraf, an ardent cricket fan, watched two hours of a one-day international with his Indian counterpart, Dr Manmohan Singh, before talks aimed at improving relations between the old enemies.
Gen Musharraf and Dr Singh: ‘It needs two hands to clap’
The two sides yesterday announced a joint council to improve trade links and plans to open a rail link between the Indian state of Rajasthan and the Pakistani province of Sindh by December.
A joint committee will also explore ways to end the military stalemate on the Siachen Glacier in the high Himalayas which every year needlessly costs Indian and Pakistan lives and resources.
Last week, for the first time in almost 60 years, a bus link was opened between Pakistan and Indian-controlled Kashmir, to the general jubilation of ordinary citizens who are keen to push the process forward.
"People's wishes and aspirations have overtaken their leaders' and their governments. Therefore, I think the [peace] process is irreversible," Gen Musharraf said at a banquet over the weekend.
"The period of conflict management is over. We have entered an era of conflict resolution," he added. "It needs two hands to clap. They say it takes two to tango. We may be too old to tango but my hand is extended to clap."
chirp, chirp?
Wow, these cricket fans sure are gracious.
Meanwhile, mexicans boo the Americans at their soccer games, and Algerians boo at the French anthem at their games..
As an Indian, I'm surprised.. usually Indians are gracious toward leaders of any nation from any corner of the globe (even from Muslim nations like Saud/UAE), but draw a line at Pak and its leaders for obvious reasons.
This news item shows maybe things are starting to improve over there.. especially, the crowd seem to have cheered Musharraf despite the fact Pakistan beat India in that match ;)
Of course, Indians wouldnt boo a british head of state if he visited their country as they dont hate britishers like the way Algerians/moroccans hate the French. Its obviously due to the non-violent struggle that Indians participated in and the fact that Indians didnt have to "kill" britishers to achieve their independence.
I think I know the real reason Pakistan has not attacked India lately. Too many Pakistanis now are hooked on Bollywood Indian movies. They can't bring themselves to attack India because they might hurt their favorite movie stars and interfere with movie production. That is the key to peace. :)
Things have gotten a bit serious since Mushy grabbed power actually.
Hey Desidude,
Read your about page. What is wrong with the landscape in Texas? It's pretty varied if I recall; you've got ocean, mountains (well, hills anyways), deserts, forests - pretty much anything you want. Of course you might have to drive 8 hours to see it. :-) And I'd think the climate would remind you of your home country. When I was visiting Houston I saw lots of Indians (and enjoyed some really good Indian food.) I assumed they like it there because the weather (hot & humid) reminds them of India. Steak, eh? One of my Indian friends who also loves steak told me that it is only the Indian cows that are holy! ;-)
Anyways, this is good news. I hope the Pakistanis can reciprocate the Indian's graciousness when the opportunity presents itself.
Well, I wrote down the first things that came into my mind, when thinking about those places .. try this: think a place and quickly jot down the things you like and dislike as fast as you can.. its fun.
Admit, I didnt keep in mind, Keemah or Bastrop or Big bend or Galveston, while thinking about texan landscape.. the first thing I remembered was the route from College Station to Houston, where I go every other weekend, and its pretty drab.
And I'd think the climate would remind you of your home country.
It surely does remind of the worst season of the place where I come from. Both Texan and Indian summers suck ;)
Steak, eh? One of my Indian friends who also loves steak told me that it is only the Indian cows that are holy!
yeah, thats a good way to try to get away with it ;) some folks like me find it hard to eat beef and keep a straight face to their parents back home, its much easier to "get away" with it here.
hyper cool !
"...while thinking about texan landscape.. the first thing I remembered was the route from College Station to Houston, where I go every other weekend, and its pretty drab."
Fair enough, while in Houston on business I did part of that drive and it is pretty damn boring. Been to the Hill Country a few times and really like it there; Wimberley is especially nice. By the way, what is your research area?
"yeah, thats a good way to try to get away with it ;) some folks like me find it hard to eat beef and keep a straight face to their parents back home, its much easier to 'get away' with it here."
I practically grew up on hamburgers and pot roast but haven't eaten beef for many years. My parents always give me a hard time for not eating it. Oh well, just can't win! ;-)
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