Mohan,
I suspect my comments came across more gruff then intended. Sorry about that. It is, however, a raw nerve as I see nuclear armament as a "no turning back" situation. From the posts on this thread I get a feeling that we ( I mean the all inclusive collective "we") have become somehow inured to the terrible possibilities. I am reminded by history that no weapons have ever been developed without them seeing usage in real situations. Thats why the military rubbed their hands in glee, before and after, the Persian Gulf incident. It was such a great opportunity for them to use their new toys.
Now, before anyone suggests I am a raging, simple minded, pacifist, please understand that I think I appreciate the realities of the world. How to balance stable military might that results in a deterrant is the sad state we are in, no matter what I feel or say. I know that. So, to that end, I felt the non proliferation treatys represented real progress. I also felt the same about the dismantling of the Soviet Union, the progress of China towards real memebership in the commercial minded globe, the progress in Southeast Asia AND India to reduce poverty levels (formerly known as the Asian Economic Miracle), and the remarkable reduction in U.S. military spending, all as great progress also. So, please understand why I feel so outraged and concerned that the BJP has decided to rattle the sword. Its a major step backward. Mohan, honestly I can think of no legitimate reason for them to do so if not the nationalistic verson of machismo. I am eager for you to enlighten me but a simple argument of "to establish a clear signal of independence" doesn't persuade. What were the urgent threats to India's autonomy to cause them to bring the technology down from the shelf and so demonstrably test it? I submit the question to you because you alluded to some reason(s). I promise you all due respect on your reply should you want to venture it. Or anyone else for that matter.
Best,
Stitch |
