The Rivalry Between India And Pakistan History Essay

The Rivalry Between India And Pakistan History Essay If there were only two men in the world, how would they get on. They would help one another, harm one another, flatter one another, slander one another, fight one another, make it up; they could neither live together nor do without one another. Voltaire, Philosophical Dictionary, 1764. INTRODUCTION 1. The South Asian region, which includes states of Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka has long been significant in world affairs. It is a region of great racial diversity with innumerable cultures, languages, and religions. No other region in the world possesses such unique distinctions and characteristics. India has common boundary with all other six states of this region, but no other country has a common boundary with each other. So India is assumed as the core of the South Asian system. This geo-strategic reason has made India a regional power. 2. Throughout history, South Asia has faced many wars. In the 8th and 12th century, Arab and Turkish Muslims took over the control of this region from Hindus fighting many wars. Religion and expansion of territory were the main causes of those wars. Then came the Mugals in the 15th century and fought innumerable wars for establishing control and expanding their territory. In the 17th century the British came and gradually took over the region through numerous wars in establishing their colonies. Though Nepal was the only the nation that the British Empire failed to colonise. Then the people of this sub-continent started their movements for independence against British Imperialism inspired by nationalism. Ultimately the British had to leave the region in 1947. 4. After India becoming independent, this region also faced different conventional and unconventional wars. There were four conventional wars fought in this region: between India and Pakistan in 1948, 1965 and in 1971 and between India and China in 1962. There were many unconventional wars in this region: Sikh, Naga, and Mizo problems in India, Baluch and Sindh problems in Pakistan, Chakma insurgency in Bangladesh, Tamil insurgency in Sri Lanka, and Maoist insurgency in Nepal; etc. Interestingly, India is assumed as one party of this conflict within this region directly or indirectly. 5. South Asia, the most poorest region of the old utilising their budget mostly in other sector like defense and solving conflicts instead of in the development sector. In the case of Nepal, she is also using a good amount of budget in the peace process and conflict management. CAUSES OF WARS IN SOUTH ASIA 6. Study of the conflicts in South Asia shows that the numbers of conventional wars are less in number and in severity than the unconventional wars. There were multifarious causes of wars in South Asia. No single cause was directly responsible for any war or conflict in this region. The causes of wars in South Asia in general are discussed in the following paragraphs. Consequence of the Cold War 7. Since independence of the countries of this region, it has been an arena of clashing interests and economic, political and diplomatic competitions of the major powers. But those powers did not engage themselves in direct large-scale military confrontation. For all the countries of South Asia, large and small, relations with the United States, the former Soviet Union, and China are extensive and of great significance. 8. In 1947 India established good relation with USSR. In 1949 Pakistan also established good relation with Soviet Union as a result of Indias relation with USA. A Cold war was introduced in this region when Pakistan joined South East Asian Treaty Organization (SEATO) in September 1954 and the Baghdad Pact in September 1955. India and Pakistan both took the chance of strained relations between the two super powers due to the cold war. In this context the USA supported Pakistan and the USSR supported India. India and Pakistan both received Military aid worth of billions of dollars from these two super powers. Pakistan also established good relation with China to counter India and was supported substantially. 9. It can easily be deduced that in addition to heavy economic assistance, vast quantities of military supplies flowed into the sub-continent, which led to the endless arms race between India and Pakistan since independence. Nuclear tests by both the countries in 1998 were a clear example of the severity of the arms race between these two countries. Also both of them were competing as a nuclear country that they made nuclear tests one after another. The arms race between India and Pakistan and the role played by the major powers due to the cold war situation were responsible in leading to the Indo-Pakistani wars (in 1965 and 1971). These were also responsible for the border war between India and China in 1962. India Factor 10. Geo-strategically India has a greater advantage than other states of this region. This region is Indo centric, which is unique in the world system. Geographically, economically and population wise India is largest country in this region. India occupies 72% of the area of this region and bears 77% of its population. She also generates 78% of the gross national product of this region. So India is known as the regional super power for South Asia. Its assumed that India was the one of the participants of all conventional and unconventional wars fought in this region directly or indirectly. 11. India is in advantageous position to intervene in the internal affairs of other countries of this region. Study of insurgencies and communal violence in this region also proves that it is India, who directly or indirectly helped the militants. Involvement of India can be clearly understood in the Tamil crisis in Sri Lanka, the Chakma crisis in Bangladesh, the Nepalese exiles; etc. 12. India as a regional power always wanted to dominate the region. She also wants to limit the influence of outside power, upon her neighbours, as she takes into account her neighbours as an integral part of her security. India was always sensitive about the presence of extra-regional power in South Asian politics. Rise of Sub-State Nationalism 13. The South Asian region is one of the most populous areas in the world. There are numerous communities in this area who are from different religions, tribes, and speak in different languages. Since the primitive days there were conflicts between the communities. In a multi-racial and multi-cultural society when a particular group of people establishes domination over power and hampers equal distribution of resources and other amenities, trouble starts within a country. Indians fought their British rulers as one entity, but once near the freedom they were split and become two countries as Pakistan (Muslim majority) and India (Hindu majority). Lately in 1971 West Pakistan also separated as Bangladesh (Bengali majority). Most countries within this region were/are facing internal conflict; e.g. Maoist problem of India in some states, Tamil problem of Sri Lanka, Maoist and Terai problem in Nepal. 14. In present context the Janajati leaders of Nepal are uniting for a caste system state. Madhesi parties are uniting for Terai demanding one Madhesi state. Far western people say that they need a undividable far eastern state and some demand Tharuhat, Limbuwan, Tansaling, Tamuwan, Newa State; etc. This shows the rise of sub-state nationalism. Not only Nepal, but most of the South Asian countries are facing this sort of problem; e.g. Gorkhaland state fighters at Paschim Bengal India. Neo-Colonialism 15. Nowadays the concept of domination by capturing the land physically is almost over. Today powerful states try to exert their influence on less powerful states by neo-colonizing them; i.e. by controlling them economically as well as politically. Market domination is one of the major measures for neo-colonizing other states in this age. India always wanted South Asia as her secured market for industrial as well primary products. She is almost successful in achieving her purpose, only Pakistan is in a challenging position. Rivalry between India and Pakistan 15. South Asian conflicts revolved basically around the traditional and endless conflicts and rivalry between India and Pakistan and their respective relationship with other states of the region. The roots of the conflict are complex and can be traced back to the demand for a separate homeland for the Indian Muslims. The organizing principles of the two states are different; one based on religion and the other on secularism. This has affected their internal politics. They also have disputes over territories, have mutual suspicions and distrust. At present a situation of low intensity conflict is prevailing between India and Pakistan on the Kashmir issue. But it is not expected to achieve anything bilaterally due to the nature and state of relations between the two; also the stalemate over Kashmir is likely to continue for an indefinite period. 16. The nuclear tests by both the countries in 1998 have further complicated the situation. The conflict between India and Pakistan is too emotional. They are also lacking sophisticated command and control system for nuclear weapons. All these might spark an accidental nuclear war between these two countries, which may have spill over effect on all other countries of the region. Poverty of South Asia 17. This region is the most poorest in the world. Every Nation bearing this problem because of bad governance, internal conflicts, corruption; etc. Per capita income of all nations is low and GDP is also low. Because of poverty, living standards of the majority of the people within this region is horrible. Some of the internal conflicts of the region are just because of poverty; e.g. insurgency in Nepal, Maoist problem in some states of India; etc. Conclusion 18. Causes of wars varied with the changes of world systems in different ages. In the primitive days people used to fight wars for very simple causes. But with the technological and social advancement these causes have become complex and multi-dimensional. Today the contemporary schools of war divide the causes into two groups. Sometimes the State itself becomes the cause of war. Nationalism also considered as a major cause of war. Role of special interest groups in a state cannot be ruled out both in developed and under-developed countries. 19. The South Asia region has long been significant in the world affairs. Throughout the history this region was the focal point of the western interest, which caused many wars. These ranged from minor irritants and non-violent disputes to full-scale wars since the World War II. So far four conventional wars were fought in this region of which three were between India and Pakistan. 20. Poverty within South Asia is one of the most challenging problems in the region. Boarder disputes, rivalry between India and Pakistan, sub-state nationalism are also the problems for this region which may cause wars. Solving this problem requires good leadership in each nation, regional cohesiveness and far sight vision of regional leaders is necessary.

Same-Sex Marriages :: social issues

Same-Sex Marriages Same-Sex Marriages (Should it be allowed? Should it involve children?) â€Å"If a man lies with a man as one lies with a woman, both of them have done what is detestable. They must be put to death; their blood will be on their heads.†- Leviticus 20:13. â€Å"Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: ......homosexual offenders.....will not inherit the kingdom of God.†- 1 Corinthians 6:9-10. â€Å"Do not lie with a man as one lies with a woman; that is detestable.†-Leviticus 18:22. According to the Bible same-sex marriages would be immoral and sinful. Being gay and loving another person is certainly not illegal, but uniting that couple in marriage is not only rejected by most of society but also by Judaism, Christianity and Islam. As a Christian I find same-sex marriages unacceptable, but I know that not all people believe in the Bible and we do have freedom of religion in the US . Courts in Hawaii would not allow same -sex marriages and that is now being looked at as unconstitutional. Not allowing the marriages discriminates against certain groups that are United States citizens and that is unconstitutional. Even though I don’t approve of same-sex marriages, according to our laws there is really no reason why the marriages shouldn’t take place. But I do think there should be limitations. Marriages of the same-sex should not involve children. There is no natural way that two people of the same-sex could possibly have children of their own and should not be given custody of a child or the ability to adopted a child. Governor Wilson, California republican is proposing to ban â€Å"Second-parent adoptions, which in the past have been approved. These regulations would require marital status to be given to the Department of Social Services. I don't believe that gay parents will cause such a child to be gay. But all things being equal, I do believe that child is being deprived of crucial, necessary two-sex ingredients essential in parenting. That it takes a man and a woman to produce that third person is the most basic proof that a child needs both a mommy and a daddy. Children who have parents of the same-sex would be unbearable harassed by other children and considered an outcast. An innocent child put in a situation that would be emotionally stressful for most of their youth-there is no need. Same-Sex Marriages :: social issues Same-Sex Marriages Same-Sex Marriages (Should it be allowed? Should it involve children?) â€Å"If a man lies with a man as one lies with a woman, both of them have done what is detestable. They must be put to death; their blood will be on their heads.†- Leviticus 20:13. â€Å"Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: ......homosexual offenders.....will not inherit the kingdom of God.†- 1 Corinthians 6:9-10. â€Å"Do not lie with a man as one lies with a woman; that is detestable.†-Leviticus 18:22. According to the Bible same-sex marriages would be immoral and sinful. Being gay and loving another person is certainly not illegal, but uniting that couple in marriage is not only rejected by most of society but also by Judaism, Christianity and Islam. As a Christian I find same-sex marriages unacceptable, but I know that not all people believe in the Bible and we do have freedom of religion in the US . Courts in Hawaii would not allow same -sex marriages and that is now being looked at as unconstitutional. Not allowing the marriages discriminates against certain groups that are United States citizens and that is unconstitutional. Even though I don’t approve of same-sex marriages, according to our laws there is really no reason why the marriages shouldn’t take place. But I do think there should be limitations. Marriages of the same-sex should not involve children. There is no natural way that two people of the same-sex could possibly have children of their own and should not be given custody of a child or the ability to adopted a child. Governor Wilson, California republican is proposing to ban â€Å"Second-parent adoptions, which in the past have been approved. These regulations would require marital status to be given to the Department of Social Services. I don't believe that gay parents will cause such a child to be gay. But all things being equal, I do believe that child is being deprived of crucial, necessary two-sex ingredients essential in parenting. That it takes a man and a woman to produce that third person is the most basic proof that a child needs both a mommy and a daddy. Children who have parents of the same-sex would be unbearable harassed by other children and considered an outcast. An innocent child put in a situation that would be emotionally stressful for most of their youth-there is no need.

Fire Prevention and the Federal Government Essay

Many government agencies make fire prevention as part of their mission. America has the highest fire death rate is the highest in the world. Fires kill 3,700 and injure over 20,000 people each year. Property loss is about $11 billion per year. The United States Fire Administration (USFA) has helped to reduce fire deaths by half. They have contributed to fire prevention and suppression more than any other government agency. In 1974, Congress established the United States Fire Administration . Their mission is to provide national leadership to local fire and emergency services. It is a division of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). FEMA became part of the Department of Homeland Security on March 1, 2003. Their mission is to â€Å"reduce the loss of life and property and protect the Nation from all hazards, including natural disasters, acts of terrorism, and other man-made disasters† (â€Å"About USFA†, n. d. ). The Department of Homeland Security was formed after the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. Their primary mission is to protect the country from terrorism. Since the USFA was created for the sole purpose of the prevention, preparedness, and response to fires and other emergencies, it has contributed the most to the cause. â€Å"America’s fire death rate is one of the highest per capita in the industrialized world† (â€Å"About USFA†, n. d. ). Thus, it is still an improvement since more than twenty years ago. In 1971, 12,000 people and 250 firefighters died as a result of fires. USFA continues to make our communities and society safer today. Reference U. S. Fire Administration. About the U. S. Fire Administration. Retrieved August 3, 2008 from http://www. usfa. dhs. gov.

Supreme Authority Understanding Power in the Catholic Church Free Essay Example, 2750 words

It is evidently clear from the discussion that the Catholic faith has had a long tradition of reaching out to the poor, the sick and the ones in need. A tension between the church and the commitment of the community has existed centuries ago. This could be attributed to the cynicism which is largely founded on control among groups of people. The organization often leads to a sense of nervousness among others because it creates a sense of belongingness within the group but at the same time could lead to ostracizing others. The fundamental fact that leadership creates an obligation to lead its members towards what is deemed to be right and what must be done yields certain resentments. The hierarchy that coincides with it makes it open to vulnerabilities and criticism from those who may not belong to the organization but takes part in the community. But despite all of these, the Second Vatican Council established the pursuit of peace and justice which now becomes the aim of various chu rch organizations. The church is a movement. It is a concerted effort that goes beyond the confines of its architectural establishment. We will write a custom essay sample on Supreme Authority: Understanding Power in the Catholic Church or any topic specifically for you Only $17.96 $11.86/page This is necessary to create a linkage among the people in general. Not just because they are Catholics but because they are all the children of God. In all of these, one cannot dismiss that it involves the agenda of spreading the gospel. Regardless, the desire to help is the subliminal message of these actions of reaching out. Latin American base communities are encouraged to be made models by European and U. S. communities. American Hispanics are attuned into creating tight-knit communities as opposed to those within developed countries.