Author: Humayun Khan
Gopalaswami Parthasarathy/David Page
Editor(s): David Page
Publisher: Roli Books
Year: 2004
Language: English
Pages: 138
ISBN/UPC (if available): 8174363092
Description
Diplomatic Divide is the first volume of a publishing initiative entitled Cross - Border Talks which attempts to provide a new forum to debate the issues that divide India and Pakistan. An overview of bilateral relations by two senior retired diplomats who have served as Ambassadors to each other's countries, the canvas the book paints is vast, stretching from the early 1980s to the present day. It covers the end of the Cold War, the liberalization of world trade, the growth of fundamentalism and a revolution in communications.
The two accounts provide first-hand impressions of prime movers-Indira Gandhi, Rajiv Gandhi, Atal Bihari Vajpayee, General Zia ul Haq, Benazir Bhutto, Nawaz Sharif and General Musharraf-as well as descriptions of significant episodes: hijacks by Kashmiri separatists, India's Punjab crisis, Operation Brass Tacks, Vajpayee's bus yatra to Lahore, the Kargil confrontation and the Agra Summit. Thoughtful and insightful, Diplomatic Divide attempts to bridge the divide.
REVIEWS
Acting on the basic assumption that India’s ultimate aim has always been to destroy Pakistan (an assumption I have never subscribed to) it was argued that internal unrest in a border state weakened the enemy’s military bridgehead and consequently reduced the danger of an invasion. This is quite understandable in a country which is obsessed with its security.
-Dr Humayun Khan
Pakistan is today at the crossroads of its history. It can either choose the path of giving primary importance to issues of economic and human development or continue with its present policies of confrontation with India, advocacy of jihad and worldwide Islamic causes. If it chooses the former path, then India should be prepared to reciprocate.
-G Parthasarathy
Contents
1. Introduction
DAVID PAGE
2. Reflections of an Ambassador
DR HUMAYUN KHAN
3. Memories of Pakistan
G PARTHASARATHY.