Search found 276 matches

by Skanda
14 Jun 2022 23:52
Forum: Strategy, Politics & International Relations Forum
Topic: 2021 Strategic and Political Analysis-1
Replies: 14901
Views: 2811652

Re: 2021 Strategic and Political Analysis-1

One more thing-- I'm not a lawyer, so any input from legal eagles here would be much appreciated on this. Can BJP (with its 300 seat majority) pass a law that allows for emergency intervention by central law-enforcement in states, without necessarily going through the whole rigmarole of dismissing ...
by Skanda
30 Jul 2021 23:17
Forum: Strategy, Politics & International Relations Forum
Topic: 2021 Strategic and Political Analysis-1
Replies: 14901
Views: 2811652

Re: 2021 Strategic and Political Analysis-1

Add Clubhouse to that mix as well. You get some great discussions here and there but overall, its an ocean of negativity.
by Skanda
25 Apr 2021 08:38
Forum: Strategy, Politics & International Relations Forum
Topic: India-US relations: News and Discussions IV
Replies: 8713
Views: 2268498

Re: India-US relations: News and Discussions IV

Already the Democratic party corporate media of the Washington Post, NYT, CNN, MSNBC, Time, Newsweek, and others are piling on. Hindsight is 2020, but Modi coming out so strong for Trump means Biden and his admin feels no obligations to try help India now. Like the saying goes, every dog has its da...
by Skanda
08 Apr 2021 10:44
Forum: Strategy, Politics & International Relations Forum
Topic: Understanding the US - Again
Replies: 7464
Views: 1635452

Re: Understanding the US - Again

The George Floyd death trial result will be an interesting event for race relations in United States. From what I have been able to follow from India, it would appear that the officer in question. On the basis of evidence and prosecution witness statements might not be convicted for murder. The med...
by Skanda
30 Mar 2021 22:05
Forum: Strategy, Politics & International Relations Forum
Topic: India-US relations: News and Discussions IV
Replies: 8713
Views: 2268498

Re: India-US relations: News and Discussions IV

A lot of white guys apparently harbor sexual objectification fantasies about east-southeast Asian women. They somehow see them as soft, docile and compliant. “Massage parlor” businesses intentionally cater to those fantasies. Usually the women there are severely exploited. KLNM, not to take anythin...
by Skanda
22 Mar 2021 22:46
Forum: Strategy, Politics & International Relations Forum
Topic: Neutering & Defanging Chinese Threat (15-11-2017)
Replies: 6236
Views: 1740410

Re: Neutering & Defanging Chinese Threat (15-11-2017)

Apparently, CCP issued a directive to its citizens to not discuss military matters in any forums... https://www.flightglobal.com/opinion/online-crackdown-bad-news-for-china-aerospace-watchers/142927.article and China is all set to invade Taiwan, pocket TSM https://www.bloomberg.com/opinion/articles...
by Skanda
16 Feb 2021 04:10
Forum: Strategy, Politics & International Relations Forum
Topic: Understanding the US - Again
Replies: 7464
Views: 1635452

Re: Understanding the US - Again

Frozen wind turbines hamper Texas power output, state's electric grid operator says Wind farms across the state generate up to a combined 25,100 megawatts of energy. But unusually moist winter conditions in West Texas brought on by the weekend's freezing rain and historically low temperatures have ...
by Skanda
02 Feb 2021 06:59
Forum: Strategy, Politics & International Relations Forum
Topic: Wuhan Coronavirus Resource Thread
Replies: 14441
Views: 2717669

Re: Wuhan Coronavirus Resource Thread

Not sure why most developed nations are hoarding multiple times over their population. Maybe because of their rules and bureaucracy. Thousands of Covid-19 vaccines wind up in the garbage because of fed, state guidelines Why is this happening? Covid-19 vaccines have a short shelf life once they are ...
by Skanda
30 Jan 2021 03:26
Forum: Strategy, Politics & International Relations Forum
Topic: 2021 Strategic and Political Analysis-1
Replies: 14901
Views: 2811652

Re: 2021 Strategic and Political Analysis-1

After a brief stroke of luck due to Khalistani rampage, govt has missed another opportunity and let Tikait etc regroup (with AAP and Congress help) instead of moving in for the kill. This will drag on for more time, with BIF simply ensuring the baton of the 'de-legitmimize Modi' movement was passed...
by Skanda
29 Jan 2021 23:31
Forum: Strategy, Politics & International Relations Forum
Topic: 2021 Strategic and Political Analysis-1
Replies: 14901
Views: 2811652

Re: 2021 Strategic and Political Analysis-1

The leadership vacuum is so evident if one-hit wonders like Tikait are being touted as the next best thing. Ecosystem must be getting pretty jittery looking at the current opposition leadership. No one to bank on. Even the great hope, Mamatha can't muster 100 of her own MLAs to pass a bill. Kejriwal...
by Skanda
26 Jan 2021 09:50
Forum: Strategy, Politics & International Relations Forum
Topic: Understanding the US - Again
Replies: 7464
Views: 1635452

Re: Understanding the US - Again

The US is not very different from us. They also have the very Chankian, "Strategic Patience" We’ve seen over last few yrs that China is growing more authoritarian at home & more assertive abroad &Beijing is challenging our security,prosperity&values in significant ways that req...
by Skanda
26 Jan 2021 09:26
Forum: Strategy, Politics & International Relations Forum
Topic: 2021 Strategic and Political Analysis-1
Replies: 14901
Views: 2811652

Re: 2021 Strategic and Political Analysis-1

Any idea what time does the parade start? 9AM?
by Skanda
16 Jan 2021 00:48
Forum: Strategy, Politics & International Relations Forum
Topic: 2021 Strategic and Political Analysis-1
Replies: 14901
Views: 2811652

Re: 2021 Strategic and Political Analysis-1

Hindsight is 20/20. But looking back, I can't seem to understand what skills was Ms. Razdan bringing to the table. Like it or not, Harvard is a top dog in higher education. That, they would give an Associate Prof to someone without a PhD does not makes sense, especially when Associate Profs have ten...
by Skanda
13 Jan 2021 04:21
Forum: Strategy, Politics & International Relations Forum
Topic: India-US relations: News and Discussions IV
Replies: 8713
Views: 2268498

Re: India-US relations: News and Discussions IV

Previously secret details of Trump administration's Indo-Pacific strategy revealed On India: The document speaks of the need to "align our Indo-Pacific strategy with those of Australia, India and Japan", of deepening trilateral cooperation with Japan and Australia, and a quadrilateral sec...
by Skanda
13 Jan 2021 03:58
Forum: Strategy, Politics & International Relations Forum
Topic: Understanding the US - Again
Replies: 7464
Views: 1635452

Re: Understanding the US - Again

So some fraud is found and the election is overturned, then what? The calls of "Not My President", "#Resist" and continuous protests started 4 years ago with Trump's election. The country will be right back to that mode. This is a particular vulnerability of the US democratic sy...
by Skanda
13 Jan 2021 03:52
Forum: Strategy, Politics & International Relations Forum
Topic: Understanding the US - Again
Replies: 7464
Views: 1635452

Re: Understanding the US - Again

Some thoughts on the recent intifada that happened in the US Capitol. 1. The "Right" has been completely delegitimized because of the protests. Pictures and videos of the protests will be used to batter the right and rob them off any questions that the "Right" may genuinely ask. ...
by Skanda
09 Jan 2021 14:39
Forum: Strategy, Politics & International Relations Forum
Topic: Social Media Watch Thread
Replies: 1896
Views: 476254

Re: Social Media Watch Thread

With Big Tech firmly in control of US, their monopoly will only increase in the new US administration. All this talk of breaking up FB is now passé. Also, no point in demanding ban of Social Media in India without an alternative. Social Media gave an opportunity for Modi to put forth his views when ...
by Skanda
09 Jan 2021 13:50
Forum: Strategy, Politics & International Relations Forum
Topic: 2021 Strategic and Political Analysis-1
Replies: 14901
Views: 2811652

Re: 2020 Strategic and Political Analysis-1

What if the difference is itself unreasonable? By suggesting the farmers take their very reasonable grievance to court, the GOI has provided a reasonable Avenue to dissent.
by Skanda
04 Dec 2020 03:15
Forum: Trash Can Archive
Topic: 2020 Strategic and Political Analysis-1
Replies: 10196
Views: 2084359

Re: 2020 Strategic and Political Analysis-1

Not sure how true it is. But since you quoted twitter, I too will post. There was a round of shadow boxing in the first meeting a few days ago. In that meeting farmers were offered tea only. This message was interpreted as <you know what >. I wouldn't get too worked up on the mind games. https://ww...
by Skanda
18 Nov 2020 01:18
Forum: Strategy, Politics & International Relations Forum
Topic: 2020 US election results discussion
Replies: 901
Views: 121011

Re: 2020 US election results discussion

I agree. For many things that the US does correctly in terms of the administrative state, handling elections is done so poorly. Overall, I think this has to do with how the US society internally functions. Too much trust is placed on an individual not to make mistakes "by design". So, eve...
by Skanda
19 Oct 2020 05:23
Forum: Trash Can Archive
Topic: 2020 Strategic and Political Analysis-1
Replies: 10196
Views: 2084359

Re: 2020 Strategic and Political Analysis-1

Sorry for bringing this up. The GD thread is long gone.

As the US elections come closer, there will be a tendency for the US India thread to invariably veer off discussions elections. Can a new thread be created just to discuss US elections and the other threads be spared.
by Skanda
07 Oct 2020 00:53
Forum: Trash Can Archive
Topic: 2020 Strategic and Political Analysis-1
Replies: 10196
Views: 2084359

Re: 2020 Strategic and Political Analysis-1

Hardly any real punishment for govt entities. ‘It is like Draupadi’s Cheerharan’: Four get life imprisonment for gang-raping Dalit woman in Alwar, Rajasthan while husband held hostage https://www.opindia.com/2020/10/rajasthan-alwar-dalit-woman-gang-rape-convicted/ Is it too much to expect Judges to...
by Skanda
22 Sep 2020 22:50
Forum: Trash Can Archive
Topic: 2020 Strategic and Political Analysis-1
Replies: 10196
Views: 2084359

Re: 2020 Strategic and Political Analysis-1

I think its because he is frustrated by the inability & unwillingness of BJP to even touch topics which are civilizationally important for us: Culture ministry, Education have all been a joke. Its all vikas, a breadcrumb or two thrown the Hindu way & a futile attempt to get some Muslim vote...
by Skanda
19 Aug 2020 23:05
Forum: Strategy, Politics & International Relations Forum
Topic: Understanding New China After the 19th and 20th Congresses
Replies: 1287
Views: 322112

Re: Understanding New China after 19th Congress

Suraj, always excellent points. Maybe for another thread, but 2 questions: 1. There has been enough experiences and circumstances world-wide to see that the transition from non-democratic setups to democracy is often bloody and destructive. For eg: Iraq has never really recovered. Yet we have people...
by Skanda
19 Aug 2020 13:35
Forum: Trash Can Archive
Topic: 2020 Strategic and Political Analysis-1
Replies: 10196
Views: 2084359

Re: 2020 Strategic and Political Analysis-1

Book Discussion on '2019: How Modi Won India' by Rajdeep Sardesai Part 1 Book Discussion on '2019: How Modi Won India' by Rajdeep Sardesai Part 2 Sorry to derail this thread. I took the pain of watching these videos and see Rajdeeps attempt to explain the Modi phenomenon. The 90-minute 2-part video...
by Skanda
18 Aug 2020 23:03
Forum: Strategy, Politics & International Relations Forum
Topic: Terroristan - November 11, 2019
Replies: 2848
Views: 923955

Re: Terroristan - November 11, 2019

KMV21RPuJ3Q Pakis trying to put a positive spin on it. So, a question I don't understand. When you go to visit a head of a state, I used to think every formality is decided by bureaucrats down to the last minute. How can you show up in another country and not secure a meeting? Unless, the Saudis as...
by Skanda
18 Aug 2020 00:34
Forum: Trash Can Archive
Topic: 2020 Strategic and Political Analysis-1
Replies: 10196
Views: 2084359

Re: 2020 Strategic and Political Analysis-1

Some RW people I talk to go into raptures when some peacefool people join the BJP or Congis defect to the BJP, but they don't realize that this is watering down the party and gradually after a point BJP will become another Congress. Cong was also pro Hindu at some point and then it became an Islami...
by Skanda
17 Aug 2020 07:19
Forum: Strategy, Politics & International Relations Forum
Topic: India-US relations: News and Discussions IV
Replies: 8713
Views: 2268498

Re: India-US relations: News and Discussions IV

https://twitter.com/pardesseleh/status/ ... 50144?s=21
There is a video in that tweet. Interview is slightly NSFW. It’s hilarious.
by Skanda
14 Aug 2020 23:53
Forum: Strategy, Politics & International Relations Forum
Topic: India-US relations: News and Discussions IV
Replies: 8713
Views: 2268498

Re: India-US relations: News and Discussions IV

https://twitter.com/drishtikone/status/1293874685697036291?s=20 Kamala Harris : “Under Trump, the state department has been decimated and we don’t have an ambassador to Pakistan anymore. I will change that because to have influence in Kashmir we need a representative and that is Pakistan.” #HarrisHa...
by Skanda
13 Aug 2020 22:49
Forum: Strategy, Politics & International Relations Forum
Topic: Neutering & Defanging Chinese Threat (15-11-2017)
Replies: 6236
Views: 1740410

Re: Neutering & Defanging Chinese Threat (15-11-2017)

Yes, that my point too. Trump will ban WeChat in US. He can't ban WeChat in China. The Chinese in China can still use WeChat on a phone of their choice to do any transaction. So, Chinese in China can use iPhone with WeChat to go and buy a Ford in China. What am I missing here. Trump cannot ban WeCha...
by Skanda
13 Aug 2020 22:30
Forum: Strategy, Politics & International Relations Forum
Topic: Neutering & Defanging Chinese Threat (15-11-2017)
Replies: 6236
Views: 1740410

Re: Neutering & Defanging Chinese Threat (15-11-2017)

Apple, Ford, and Walmart lobbying against WeChat ban "For those who don't live in China, they don't understand how vast the implications are if American companies aren't allowed to use it" What you need to know U.S. companies are lobbying against an executive order targeting WeChat. Apple...
by Skanda
09 Jul 2020 22:02
Forum: Trash Can Archive
Topic: 2020 Strategic and Political Analysis-1
Replies: 10196
Views: 2084359

Re: 2020 Strategic and Political Analysis-1

Sanjay Jha leaving. Guha openly defying the mafia queen. Looks like people have got wind of a storm coming to the ghandy family. Rats ..sinking ship . Not to forget, the Judiciary is showing some spine here and there. IMHO this was always why Congress could muzzle everyone while building coalition ...
by Skanda
07 Jul 2020 09:59
Forum: Strategy, Politics & International Relations Forum
Topic: Terroristan - November 11, 2019
Replies: 2848
Views: 923955

Re: Terroristan - November 11, 2019

PCB struggling to find sponsor for team The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is struggling to find a sponsor for the side, after only one company showed interest during the bidding process. The PCB’s last sponsorship contract, with a beverage company, has already expired, which is why the Pakistan squa...
by Skanda
03 Jun 2020 22:35
Forum: Strategy, Politics & International Relations Forum
Topic: Understanding the US - Again
Replies: 7464
Views: 1635452

Re: Understanding the US - Again

As an outsider with no skin in the game and a curious onlooker of the current events in US, i am astonished how quickly things seems to have gotten so totally out of control. Also could not make sense of the protests in Amsterdam, London, Paris and NZ. These are not US expats/immigrants in these co...
by Skanda
26 May 2020 22:13
Forum: Trash Can Archive
Topic: 2020 Strategic and Political Analysis-1
Replies: 10196
Views: 2084359

Re: 2020 Strategic and Political Analysis-1

Arogya Setu requires people's confidence for it to be successful. These loonies can wreck that confidence. So, the potential downside of refusing to open source will be far higher than the risk due to open sourcing. The call to open source the app was never about individual safety or security conce...
by Skanda
30 Apr 2020 22:51
Forum: Strategy, Politics & International Relations Forum
Topic: India-US relations: News and Discussions IV
Replies: 8713
Views: 2268498

Re: India-US relations: News and Discussions IV

Is anyone following the news from NYC on the bodies being stacked up in a U-Haul truck near a funeral home? Dozens of bodies found in unrefrigerated U-Haul trucks outside NYC funeral home A funeral home in New York City overwhelmed by the coronavirus pandemic resorted to storing dozens of bodies in ...
by Skanda
08 Apr 2020 21:24
Forum: Trash Can Archive
Topic: 2020 Strategic and Political Analysis-1
Replies: 10196
Views: 2084359

Re: 2020 Strategic and Political Analysis-1

Mukesh.Kumar wrote: Apparently on Indian SM he is popular by a new name- Saucy Bhaiya
The male version of Savita Bhabi
by Skanda
25 Feb 2020 22:56
Forum: Strategy, Politics & International Relations Forum
Topic: Wuhan Coronavirus Resource Thread
Replies: 14441
Views: 2717669

Re: Wuhan Coronavirus Resource Thread

Iran's deputy health minister: I have coronavirus Iran’s deputy health minister said he has contracted the coronavirus and placed himself in isolation, a day after appearing feverish at a press conference in which he downplayed its spread in the shrine city of Qom and said mass quarantines were unn...
by Skanda
19 Feb 2020 23:51
Forum: Strategy, Politics & International Relations Forum
Topic: Wuhan Coronavirus Resource Thread
Replies: 14441
Views: 2717669

Re: Wuhan Coronavirus Resource Thread

https://www.wsj.com/articles/china-is-the-real-sick-man-of-asia-11580773677 China Is the Real Sick Man of Asia Its financial markets may be even more dangerous than its wildlife markets. By Walter Russell Mead ... If Beijing’s geopolitical footprint shrank as a result, the global consequences might...