West Asia News and Discussions

Gagan · Post by **Gagan** » 04 Mar 2010 21:15

1. Any inroads India makes into the Gulf states means that China and its rentier, Pakistan get affected. Expect dirty politics to happen.

China via Pakistan has either transferred N weapons with the Medium ranged missiles or has guaranteed an N umbrella that though is not physically based in KSA, but is based in Pakistan and in China. The likely targets are Israel, Iran and India - the only three military powers in the region who can challenge KSA.

Now, if India moves in, has deeper military interaction to begin with, and slowly works to replace the Chinese there, that'd be great. I think that the gulf states will be more comfortable with a congress lead India (that does = = back home) than China any day (Lesson for the BJP - Religious right wing politics can get you ahead for a while, but then the glass ceiling boxes you in too, AND the effects of the right wing politics doesn't last).

2. Another point to consider is that India deepening military relationships in the Gulf will be viewed with a little bit of consertation in Israel, perhaps opening the door to china a little more wider, although unkil keeps that door well regulated. India will have to balance Israel and the Arabs, just as India balances relationships with Russia and the US these days.

Most interesting to say the least.

Rudradev · Post by **Rudradev** » 05 Mar 2010 01:36

For all that one hears about the "religious right wing politics" of the BJP, it's not exactly as if their tenure brought a period of krystallnachts and gas chambers for Indian Muslims. On the contrary, Vajpayee was the first Indian PM to subsidize Haj pilgrimages for low-income Muslims with government money.

Neither is there any indication that India's relations with Muslim nations suffered as a consequence of the "religious right wing government". Relations with Iran were demonstrably better during the NDA government than they are today. It was in 2002 that cooperative projects like the Chahbahar Port and Zaranj-Delaram highway were undertaken. Much of our initial projection of influence into Afghanistan via Iran was also achieved during this period.

On the contrary, MMS' actions towards Iran have been seen as a betrayal by many in Teheran. We began voting against Iran on IAEA-related issues, and two ministers who were enthusiastic about India-Iran relations (Mani Shankar Iyer and Natwar Singh) were purged from the first UPA cabinet at MMS' behest. There has been a discernible decline in Indo-Iran relations since that time.

Now we are pursuing better relations with Saudi Arabia... which is surely Unkil's "friend of choice" for India in the Muslim world, rather than Iran. No surprise there.

Tellingly, the OIC has recently made its first Kashmir resolution in many years, taking the unprecedented step of proposing to appoint an "envoy" on J&K resolution. During the last decade they had been relatively silent on J&K.

brihaspati · Post by **brihaspati** » 05 Mar 2010 03:29

X-posting from future strategic thread
http://www.hindustantimes.com/business- ... 5241.aspx?

Arab experts pitch for Islamic banking in India : For all those who see no "ideological" connotations in attracting financial investments and tie-ups with Islamic countries.

shyamd · Post by **shyamd** » 05 Mar 2010 04:07

Accepting indirect peace talks confronts Israel with the Arab League

Was reading Bahrain FM's twitter messages. He was saying that they can't achieve anything unless Israel comes to the table to negotiate. KSA guys openly says that Israel IS NOT GOING ANYWHERE, they have nuclear weapons and are well armed. Why don't they come to the table. He says Bashar Al Assad just wants Golan back for peace. The KSA guy said that all these Hamas attacks can stop overnight if Israel proves that they can come to the table with Mahmoud Abbas. Hamas is only in power because people are tired of the Fatah and they havent got far with them. There needs to be a serious backing from Obama and Israel needs to come to the table.

Link

But in fact, am told that one reason UAE authorities are so ticked off about the assassination is because they were quietly cooperating with Israel on Iran intelligence. Indeed, an Israeli minister was in the UAE the day the assassination took place.

UPDATE: "Israeli National Infrastructure Minister Uzi Landau visited the UAE, to attend the IRENA (Int’l Renewable Energy Association) meeting for that purpose around January 17th, 2010, ... in Abu Dhabi, not Dubai," a source says. "This was first visit by an Israeli minister to UAE and met UAE commitment when they won IRENA HQ in Abu Dhabi."

More and more Mossad cells in Lebanon being broken up so far this year.
A lebanese intel service stumbled on more, when one of the lebanese intelligence services which works closely with KSA intel were monitoring Hezb noticed that someone was monitoring the same people. So caught some more Mossad spies.

Surya · Post by **Surya** » 05 Mar 2010 05:36

He says Bashar Al Assad just wants Golan back for peace

would not trust anyone - that is their "haji pir".

Hopefully enough hard line Israelis would not allow that

shyamd · Post by **shyamd** » 05 Mar 2010 05:41

I had reported about some secret negotiations with TSP with Oman. Wasnt sure what exactly, but something is afoot.

Oman to provide $45mn for Gwadar airport

Gilani for developing Pak-Oman maritime trade

Regarding Pakistan’s efforts against terrorism, the Prime Minister said the areas destroyed during operations against militants require reconstruction of schools, hospitals, roads and houses. He invited Oman to select the sector in which it could cooperate and thanked its government and people for their earlier assistance for the IDPs.
The Prime Minister congratulated Sultan Qaboos and people of Oman on his 40th anniversary. He also accepted the invitation to visit Oman for which dates would be finalized through diplomatic consultations.
He conveyed his special regards to Sultan Qaboos Bin Said Al-Said and acknowledged with thanks the gift of six ambulances for the IDPs besides humanitarian assistance of US $ 10 million.
Mohammed Nasser, Secretary General of Ministry of Economy said “Oman greatly values the brotherly relationship with Pakistan and desires to work more closely at every level”. He assured more support and assistance for the reconstruction of militancy affected areas. The success of Pakistan-Oman Joint Investment Company, he added, has encouraged Omani business community for additional investment in Pakistan.
The Omani Secretary General of Ministry of Economy apprised the Prime Minister of special assistance of US $ 10 million for the IDPs, as well as six ambulances.
He also reiterated the invitation of the Sultan Qaboos bin Said al Said to the Prime Minister to visit Oman.
Ms. Hina Rabbani Khar, Minister of State for Finance and Economic Affairs and the Omani Ambassador in Pakistan, Mohammed Said Al-Lawati were also present on the occasion.

Note how everything is low key.

-----------------------
Surya, I know you have visited Golan. What sort of advantages do the Israeli's possess by keeping the Golan?

I understand that the war was caused when there was shelling or sniping of Israeli farmers from the Golan.

Suppiah · Post by **Suppiah** » 05 Mar 2010 07:23

Rudradev, KSA is very much in the same position as TSP is today perhaps a step or two behind that's about it. That is, they tried to use the rabids as 'assets' to pursue strategic objectives (in case of TSP, India or Afghan and in case of KSA, Abdul on street not becoming republican). Both have now started paying for the inherent dangers in that strategy. Again the difference is with TSP only some % of civilian establishment has woken up, the Army and ISI still nurture wet dreams that they can control the rabids. In case of KSA there is one royal family though they may have internal differences, they dont matter when it comes to joint survival.

So yes, there will be Wahabi businessmen and individuals but a chastened royal family will see them as much enemies as India would provided of course, that the Royals themselves do not have any major issues with India because we are yeevil yindoos.... Else they may still pay them to go do their s..t elsewhere, as they were doing all these years...furthermore, royal family controls the entire economy and the purse strings. Not easy to survive there without some level of cooperation with royals if you are in business making money.

That's where cultivating KSA makes sense. Of course, one day history will sweep the royals to where they belong, as it happened everywhere, but as long as we are not seen as too close, we should be okay

Surya · Post by **Surya** » 05 Mar 2010 07:49

shyam

A bunch of them although avram and others can expound it better

1. All those mountains with golf balls

will revert back
2. of course that includes Mt Hermon (or part of it) which is the eye of Israel
3. then if the Syrians are back on the edge of the Galillee they will again have the potential to threaten the water supply

While any return is expected to be on condition that no weapons enters the Golan or some sort of MNF , I personally doubt it.

Plus frankly the Israelis have put in a lot of hard work to develop the Golan -

abhischekcc · Post by **abhischekcc** » 05 Mar 2010 11:10

brihaspati wrote:X-posting from future strategic thread
http://www.hindustantimes.com/business- ... 5241.aspx?

Arab experts pitch for Islamic banking in India : For all those who see no "ideological" connotations in attracting financial investments and tie-ups with Islamic countries.

Islamic banking is simply a banking form in which interest is called by another name.

-------------------

Tellingly, the OIC has recently made its first Kashmir resolution in many years, taking the unprecedented step of proposing to appoint an "envoy" on J&K resolution. During the last decade they had been relatively silent on J&K.

This is what is worrying.This indicates there is no strategic partnership between India and KSA/GCC - only a servile Indian political leadership doing what it does best - Gunga Din-isms.

This news, and the earlier Shashi Tharoor statement, prove that GCC countries are moving Congress leadership towards accepting pakistani position. MMS looks like doing another sell out- something he excels in.

kumarn · Post by **kumarn** » 05 Mar 2010 11:54

Regarding Shashi tharoor's statement. All he said was that KSA is a friend of Pak. So, that makes them an important state to talk to. This is obviously my interpretation. Why is that an issue?

Philip · Post by **Philip** » 05 Mar 2010 18:41

I have found that differing interpetrations of the same word is the biggest bane in global affairs,especially diplomacy."Interlocutor" to a Sri Lakan means a biased,perverted Norwegian diplomat in the pay of the LTTE! To a Paki it means a powerful superpower-the US,coming onto it side in Kashmir and forcing India to deliver a large chunk of J&K as "protection money".To many Indians it means a busybody western power-the US,arrogating to itself a neo-imperialist role in India's back garden,attempting to acquire without invasion sovereign territory of India for its "keep" and catamite,Pakistan.To Tharoor,the word means a friendly Islamic power that has a share of influence over the Paki establishment and who can perhaps give the awful,beastly,uncivilised Pakis some good friendly advice.Dream on Shashi!

ramana · Post by **ramana** » 05 Mar 2010 22:38

kumarn wrote:Regarding Shashi tharoor's statement. All he said was that KSA is a friend of Pak. So, that makes them an important state to talk to. This is obviously my interpretation. Why is that an issue?

Because he is implying that the KSA has a formal role in Ino-TSp talsk. This violates the Shimla agreement that says that Indo-TSP are bilateral and ther is no role for third parties.
He might be realistic but its not politically correct for the Indian Minister of State for External Affairs to imply Shimla Pact is defacto undermined. It has been the TSP that has tried multiple times to bring in others into the bilateral mix.

If he twitters or babbles as a private citizen he can do that but not while he is the MoS.
So that is the meaning of the hue and cry.

pgbhat · Post by **pgbhat** » 08 Mar 2010 08:40

Video Dispatch: India, Saudi Arabia and a Changing South Asia
[youtube]eUIE7tQ8xA8&feature=related[/youtube]

svinayak · Post by **svinayak** » 08 Mar 2010 08:56

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2srO7O3Wa4c
Yahudi and Bania are the same

shyamd · Post by **shyamd** » 09 Mar 2010 05:01

Mitchell: Direct Israeli-Palestinian talks to start next week in Washington

Likud MK: Muslim states will support strike on Iran

Deputy Minister for the Development of the Negev and the Galilee, MK Ayoob Kara (Likud), said Israel had received messages from radical Muslim states with which it does not have diplomatic relations saying they would back any Israeli or US move against Iran.

"These are positive, secretive messages which say that they will support any move," Kara said at a cultural event in Beersheba Saturday. "They have conveyed clear messages that they are concerned about the Iranian problem."

He refused to name the states involved, but said there was a "wall to wall coalition" of Muslim nations against the Islamic Republic.

Long but interesting article. The torture continues for some I suppose. The UAE intel guys are quite a nasty bunch.
Naji Hamdan's Nightmare

At only one point in his story did Naji Hamdan cry. Sitting in an office chair as he recounted how he was arrested, tortured and ultimately convicted of terrorism charges in Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), his voice barely wavered. Only when he described how Emirati interrogators threatened to rape his wife in front of him if he did not confess to charges of supporting Al Qaeda did he lose control, pausing to accept a fistful of Kleenex before he continued his story.

"For two weeks I could not stand on my feet. I had to use the help of a Nepali guard to drag me to the bathroom," he said of a period following a particularly brutal beating, around three weeks into his two-month detention.

"The interrogator said, You're going to sign a confession that you're with Al Qaeda and put your fingerprint on it," Hamdan remembers. But a few days later, he was taken from his cell to another interrogator, who said he'd received information "from a friendly country" that Hamdan was supporting the Gaza-based Palestinian group Hamas.

"He said, You have to change your confession," said Hamdan. Still fearing for his wife, he told them, "Listen, I'll do whatever you want."

Hamdan quickly came to believe that his Emirati interrogators were acting at the behest of the United States; at one point they questioned him about his recent interview with the FBI at the embassy, asking him why he was tense during their meeting.

"I didn't think of it when I first got detained, but when the beatings started, I knew right away," he said.

During one interrogation, Hamdan said, he believed an American interrogator was present in the room. He identified the man by his accent and his dress, which differed from the rest of the interrogators, who were wearing either white robes, a traditional men's dress in the Gulf, or the uniform that high-ranking military officers wear.

"From underneath my blindfold, I could see feet. He had on gray suit pants and black dress shoes," said Hamdan, "and he had a pure American accent. I encountered the FBI several times before. I have no doubt he was FBI."

As UAE agents introduced him to their full spectrum of torture techniques (a freezing cold isolation room, an electric chair they sat him in and threatened to turn on, kicks and punches to his already frail liver), his family searched in vain to discover his whereabouts. His wife says she went to the State Security offices and was told they'd never heard of her husband. She also says she called the US Embassy and the State Department, where staff claimed they were unaware of his case. Hamdan's brother Sam said he called Joshua Stone, an FBI agent who had interviewed Hamdan in Abu Dhabi.

-------------
News from KSA is that govt has started to deal with the extremism issue via TV serials. Deals with AQ terrorists, and gives moderate islamic speeches. But doesnt seem people are too convinced by it. I guess at least its a start.
--------------
Regarding the Hamas murder in Dubai. Apparently the Royal Court have ordered the police chief not to blame Mossad, which has left the Dubai Police chief unhappy. Watch the news slowly disappear from news channels. End of publicising the murder.

VinodTK · Post by **VinodTK** » 09 Mar 2010 07:26

Saudi Arabia- Also a patron to Hafiz Sayeed?

After 26/11, Pakistan house arrested Hafiz Sayeed under Indian pressure. At that time, Mr. Abdul Salam from Saudi Arabia mediated between Hafiz Sayeed and the Pak government. This incident compels us to think about the reason of sympathy of Saudi Arabia towards Hafiz Sayeed. After this settlement, Hafiz Sayeed was not only freed, in fact since then he started doing rallies in major cities of Pakistan calling for jihad against India. General Zia Ul Haq, the military dictator of Pakistan, who gave Islam an extremist face in Pakistan, also had the hand of Saudi Arabia on his head. The mention of one more incident would be relevant. When General Parvez Musharraf thrown out the Nawaz Sharif government and put Nawaz Sharif behind bars, at that time also Saudi Arabia provided full help to Nawaz Sharif in saving him from Gen. Musharraf and called Nawaz Sharif to Saudi Arabia. This instance is enough to understand that Saudi Arabia not only keeps a close watch at every political happening in Pakistan but also has a considerable say in Pak politics.

abhishek_sharma · Post by **abhishek_sharma** » 10 Mar 2010 10:03

Pilgrim Non Grata in Mecca

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/03/10/opinion/10dowd.html

I was tempted to turn my abaya into a black masquerade cloak and sneak into Mecca, just hop over the Tropic of Cancer to the Red Sea and crash the ultimate heaven’s gate.

...

A friend who often travels to Saudi Arabia for business said he thought that Medina, the site of Muhammad’s tomb, was beginning to “loosen up” for non-Muslims. (As the second holiest city in Islam, maybe they needed to try harder.) But the Saudis nixed a trip there.

I assumed I at least could go to a mosque at prayer time, as long as I wore an abaya and hijab, took off my shoes, and stayed in the back in a cramped, segregated women’s section. The magnificent Blue Mosque in Istanbul, once the center of one of the greatest Muslim empires, is a huge tourist draw.

But at the Jidda Hilton, I was told that non-Muslims could not visit mosques — not even the one on the hotel grounds.

A Saudi woman in Jidda told me that the best way to absorb Islam was to listen to the call for prayer while standing on the corniche by the Red Sea at sunset.

That was indeed moving, but I didn’t feel any better equipped to understand the complexities of Islam that even Saudis continually debate — and where radical Islam fits in. Or to get elucidation on how, as Newsweek’s Fareed Zakaria put it, “the veil is not the same as the suicide belt.”

Couldn’t Mecca, I asked the royals, be opened to non-Muslims during the off-season? The phrase off-season, as it turns out, is not conducive to an interfaith dialogue. But couldn’t they build a center to promote Islamic understanding in Mecca or Medina?

...

So isn’t there a way for Saudi Arabia to shed light on Islam and reclaim it from the radicals?

“Well, at least leave one place closed for the moment,” he said, looking askance at the mere question. “We only have Mecca now and Medina. Everything else is wide open now.”

Wide open is not a description that applies to anything in Saudi Arabia. Besides, I said, there were objections when I tried to go to a mosque.

“Well, you know, it depends who you ask,” he said. “Somebody in the hotel who doesn’t want to run into trouble may tell you no. Mecca is a special case. It’s written in the holy book that only Muslims can enter it because of an incident in the past where somebody desecrated the mosque in Mecca.

“But for other mosques to be entered, there is absolutely no reason why not. If you go to a mosque and you want to see the mosque and somebody prevents you, you can go to the emir of the region and ask to see the mosque and he will take you there.”

Sure. Just call the emir. I bet he’s listed.

...

Philip · Post by **Philip** » 10 Mar 2010 13:39

Frankly,Bibi has insulted his guest,by announcing on the eve of the US Veep's visit to build another 1600 homes in E.Jerusalem,the most touchy point of dispute between the Israelis and the Palestinians.The current Israeli govt. is on the ground prsenting a "fait accompli" with respect to its settlement expansion,which is carving up the West Bank in Israel's favour,affecting according to the Palestinians,the shape and structure of a future Palestinian state and abrogating earlier understandings regarding freezing new settlements in disputed territory.How this is going to play out in any "Peace talks",where neither side even sits inside the same room beats me! Genuine "Peace" is a long,long, way away.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldne ... -land.html

Joe Biden condemns Israel's plan to build 1,600 homes on disputed land

Joe Biden, the US vice president, has condemned an Israeli plan to build hundreds of homes in disputed east Jerusalem.

In a strongly-worded statement, Mr Biden criticised the decision to announce the plan during his visit.

US begins new Middle East peace offensive"The substance and timing of the announcement, particularly with the launching of proximity talks, is precisely the kind of step that undermines the trust we need right now," he said.

"We must build an atmosphere to support negotiations, not complicate them," he added, warning that "unilateral action taken by either party cannot prejudge the outcome of negotiations."

The US, like the Palestinians and the rest of the international community, believes that Israeli settlements built on lands claimed by the Palestinians, including east Jerusalem, undermine peace prospects. President Barack Obama has been more outspoken on the issue than his predecessors.

Ban Ki-moon, the UN Secretary-General, also condemned the plans in a statement, saying they undermined "any movement towards a viable peace process."

shyamd · Post by **shyamd** » 10 Mar 2010 19:57

Mohammad to leave for India visit on Thursday

Dubai: His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, will be heading to Delhi on Thursday on a two day friendly visit.

A high level delegation will accompany Shaikh Mohammad including, Shaikh Maktoum Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Shaikh Ahmad Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority and Chairman and CEO of Emirates Group, and other senior officials.

Our families in India being harassed: UAE-settled Keralites

A group of Keralites settled in the UAE have complained to the union home minister and the Kerala chief minister that their families in India are being harassed over delayed payments of credit cards issued in Dubai.

"Due to the financial crisis in recent times, many of us lost jobs and some are working on reduced salaries, hence some of us could not pay on time. It cannot be considered a willful default," said the letter addressed to union home minister P.Chidambaram and Kerala chief minister VS Achuthanandan.

shyamd · Post by **shyamd** » 10 Mar 2010 20:16

Chhota Shakeel's younger brother arrested in Dubai

Mumbai: The Dubai police on Monday morning picked up Anwar Shaikh alias Shiva from Hotel Al Hayat Residency on charges of travelling on a fake passport. Anwar’s close associate Sajid Memon alias Mitha, who was also present in the hotel room, was also detained, according to well-placed sources in Dubai.

The sources revealed that Anwar was staying with his brother Chhota Shakeel in Karachi for the last several years and was running an extortion racket on Shakeel’s behalf. There are a few cases of extortion registered against him in Mumbai and Gujarat, sources in the Mumbai police said.

Sources said that he had arrived in Dubai a couple of days ago to mourn the death of notorious smuggler Haji Ahmed, a one-time close associate of underworld don Dawood Ibrahim. Ahmed had played a key role in handling arms used in the 1993 serial bomb blasts. A red corner notice was issued against Ahmed by Indian agencies, but he managed to evade arrest all these years as he never travelled out of Dubai, the sources revealed.

The underworld grapevine, however, disclosed that it was Anees Kaskar, Dawood’s younger brother, who tipped off the Dubai police about Anwar’s whereabouts. It is also learnt that Shakeel is making desperate attempts to get his brother off the hook by working his powerful connections in Dubai, but in the absence of active support from Dawood, it is unlikely that he will succeed.

While sources in Dubai confirmed the development, both the city police and the CBI refused to comment saying that they were still awaiting official confirmation from Dubai authorities.

Huh?? Bahrain Police after him??
TOI

Chhota Shakeel’s brother Anwar Babu Shaikh, who was detained by the Dubai police on Sunday evening, was handed over to the Bahrain police.

Though the Indian security agencies were tightlipped about his detention or release, a source said Anwar was handed over to the Bahrain police on Monday afternoon. According to the police, Anwar was picked up from a five-star hotel in Dubai following the Indian consulate’s request for his extradition. But before the authorities could act, he was taken away by the Baharin police, the source added.

UAE Press report confirms:
Dubai Police Arrests Indian Don’s Brother
Amira Agarib and Nithin Belle

10 March 2010
DUBAI — The Dubai Police arrested alleged Indian gangster Anwar Babu Sheikh this week, Brigadier Khalil Ibrahim Al Mansouri, Director of the General Department of Criminal Investigation, said on Tuesday.

Babu Sheikh is the younger brother of underworld don Chhota Shakeel.

Al Mansouri said the Interpol had issued a red corner notice on him on a request from India. Hence, the Dubai Police monitored the places he used to visit, laid a trap and caught him in a parking area near a flat in Diera.

The police have referred him to the Dubai Public Prosecution which, after investigation, would refer him to the court to decide on his extradition.

Al Mansouri said Babu Sheikh has not committed any crime in Dubai but is wanted in India connection with the murder of Haren Pandya, political leader from the west Indian state of Gujarat, and other cases.

According to police sources in Mumbai, Babu Sheikh handled his brother’s rackets in Mumbai for several years after Chhota Shakeel escaped from India in the late 1980s. Babu Sheikh, who began his career as a real estate agent, is also wanted by the Mumbai police in some extortion cases.

He is also alleged to have handled Chhota Shakeel’s finances for several years and organised hawala rackets from India. Indian intelligence agencies also suspect him of being part of a terror module.

Al Mansouri said Babu Sheikh escaped from India about 10 years ago, and is alleged to have continued with his extortion rackets from abroad. He was also allegedly involved in the assassination of rival gangster Chhota Rajan in Bangkok in 2000.

Now Denial.
Dubai Police official denies media reports about arresting suspect on Interpol list

Dubai: A senior Dubai Police official denied media reports of the arrest in Dubai of Anwar Babu Shaikh, who is allegedly wanted in murder and extortion cases in India and had an Interpol arrest warrant issued in coordination with authorities in India.

The source told Gulf News that there is no one with that name arrested in Dubai nor is there any record of him entering the UAE.

Gangster Chhota Shakeel’s brother Anwar Babu Shaikh is allegedly wanted in a murder case of Gujarat BJP leader Haren Pandya and for extortion cases in Mumbai, according to a report by the Times of India.

shyamd · Post by **shyamd** » 10 Mar 2010 21:15

New IOL Issue out:

The low down on the Rigi arrest.

This frame grab released February 23, 2010 from Iranian state TV shows Rigi under armed guard following his arrest.—Reuters.

Okay folks, that day must have been a very proud moment for the Pasdarans and Iranian intel officers.

Folks, again it was the KSA who asked Rigi to be handed over! Yes KSA, the one who was financing Jundallah in the first place. Why? Its in a hope that Iran will stop backing the Houthi rebels. TSP always told Iran we dont know where Rigi (see my earlier posts on the subject).

Iran released 4 different versions of the arrest. But the true story was the Iranian Air Force force landing of flight from Dubai to Kyrgystan, subsequent arrest.

2 weeks after the handover of Righi, Houthi's agreed to a ceasefire.

All this was a result of Prince Muqrin's (KSA GID Chief) visit to ISI HQ in Pindi back in Jan. GID chief requested Pasha to handover Rigi. Looks like Pasha initially refused. KSA noted that the Yemeni Houthi offensive on its southern border flared up on November 3rd, two weeks after the Jundallah killed the Iranian Generals and officials.

Well done Iran! Hopefully someone in Dilli is watching and reading.

shyamd · Post by **shyamd** » 11 Mar 2010 17:07

Is Something iminent between UAE and India? This tour by HH Sh Mo was pretty sudden looks like. You see if Sh Mo's visit to Desh was low key (i.e nothing of importance) he would send Sh Majid bin Mo or Crown Prince Hamdan. But looks like they mean business.

And look at the visitors and the duration.
Shaikh Mohammad leaves for India

Shaikh Mohammad is being accompanied by a delegation of top officials

* WAM
* Published: 12:22 March 11, 2010

Dubai: His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, left for Delhi on Thursday morning, for a two-day visit.

He was seen off at Dubai International Airport by Shaikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Minister of Finance, Shaikh Majid Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Culture and Arts Authority and a number of senior officials.

Shaikh Mohammad is being accompanied by a delegation including Shaikh Maktoum Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Shaikh Ahmad Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Civil Aviation and Chairman of Emirates Group, Mohammad Ibrahim Al Shaibani, Director Office of His Highness the Ruler of Dubai, Lieutenant General Dahi Khalfan Tamim, Chief of Dubai Police, Ahmad Humaid Al Tayer, Governor of the DIFC, Lieutenant Misbah Rashid Al Fattan, Director of the Office of His Highness Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, Sultan Bin Sulayem, Chairman of Dubai Ports, Dubai Customs and Mohammad Juma Al Nabooda.

Ahmad Al Shaikh, Director General of the Information Office of the Government of Dubai, Khalifa Saeed Sulaiman Suad, Director General of Protocol Department in Dubai and Mohammad Sultan Abdullah Al Owais, UAE Ambassador to the Republic of India, as well as a number of escorts, are also accompanying Shaikh Mohammad.

Shashi Tharoor receiving Sh. Mo at Palam Air Force Base. Note that its Tharoor meeting him.

Philip · Post by **Philip** » 11 Mar 2010 17:42

has there been an international understanding recently on terrorism by nations who are at each others' throats? If Iran and the Saudis can come to a deal ,the arrest of an Indian gangster by the UAE and the visit of one of its top royals is very understandable.MMS's visit to the KSA becomes even more intriguing.

sum · Post by **sum** » 11 Mar 2010 18:10

Though the Indian security agencies were tightlipped about his detention or release, a source said Anwar was handed over to the Bahrain police on Monday afternoon. According to the police, Anwar was picked up from a five-star hotel in Dubai following the Indian consulate’s request for his extradition. But before the authorities could act, he was taken away by the Baharin police, the source added.

Does this mean he slips away again or can we still get our hands on the turd?

Prem · Post by **Prem** » 11 Mar 2010 21:40

http://www.arabianoilandgas.com/article ... ddle-east/
The Gulf sits on 25% of the global gas reserves, yet these reserves are not evenly spread and exploration is hindered by the heavily subsidised regional gas pricing structure. Apart from Qatar, even countries with significant gas endowments are struggling to produce enough for domestic consumption. As a consequence demand threatens to outstrip supply in the course of 2010 in Dubai as well as Abu Dhabi and even a country like Saudi Arabia has begun importing fuel oil from India and China. With increasing intensity, GCC countries are recognising the need to find new sources of gas and are looking for ways out of the looming crisis

shyamd · Post by **shyamd** » 12 Mar 2010 00:44

India, UAE to jointly combat terror, scale up trade

UAE's Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktoum arrived here on a visit lasting a few hours.

Al Maktoum, also vice-president of UAE and the ruler of Dubai, was received warmly at the airport by Minister of State for External Affairs Shashi Tharoor.

He met Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and held wide-ranging talks that focused on scaling up economic and strategic ties to new heights, official sources told IANS.

The two leaders reviewed an entire spectrum of bilateral relations.

Expanding security and counter-terror cooperation figured prominently in the discussions, with both sides agreeing to intelligence sharing and proactive steps to combat financing of terrorists, the sources said.

The discussions aimed at taking bilateral ties to a new orbit, the sources said.

Terrorist wanted in '93 blasts case arrested in Dubai

A terrorist from Mumbai has been detained in the UAE. Sources in the Dubai police said Madhiya Gulam Hyder Dawood, who is wanted in many cases in India, was detained in the second week of February. But the police got to know about his terrorist background in the first week of March.

A red corner notice number A661/12 was issued against him by the CBI in 1996. According to the notice, Dawood was born in Mumbai on January 2, 1962, and speaks Marathi, Gujarati and Hindi.

He is wanted in India on charges of criminal conspiracy, murder, violation of firearms Act and terrorist activities, the Interpol notice further mentioned.

Though senior police officers refused to comment on record, sources revealed that Dawood took an active part in the serial Mumbai blasts of 1993 and escaped to Pakistan via Dubai.

During his stay in Pakistan, Dawood managed to acquire a new identity and passport. That is the reason that Dubai police took several days to establish his true identity.

A high-level delegation of UAE administration is visiting New Delhi and it was learnt that the CBI would take up the issue of his repatriation to India.

Terror is obviously in the agenda. I wonder if Nuke coop and strategic missiles, GCC is coming under Yindu umbrella.

Arab News - Saudi State controlled press:
Rs2.5-million fake currencies seized from Dubai passenger

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, India: The Directorate of Revenue intelligence sleuths Thursday seized fake currencies worth Rs2.42 million, allegedly printed in Pakistan, from an Emirates passenger.

DRI Superintendent VA Syed Mohammed who led the operations on a tip-off identified the carrier of the counterfeit Indian currency notes as Gopinath, a plumber who hails from Mavelikkara in Alappuzha district.

Gopinath arrived at the Cochin International Airport at Nedumbassery from Dubai Thursday morning and the waiting DRI sleuths immediately took him into custody. He was later produced before the Economic Offences Wing Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate's court in Ernakulam and was remanded.

Gopinath told his interrogators that the boxes containing the bundles of notes were handed over to him by one of his friends whom he met in jail claiming they contained toys. He was supposed to hand over the bundles to the representative of a person called Rafi of Kozhikode who reached home from Dubai a few days back.

The DRI had made similar seizures from the Cochin and Calicut airports recently and officials warn against fake currencies printed in foreign countries which are widely in circulation. All currencies were of Rs 500 and 1000 denominations.

The currency is printed on security paper and is very difficult to distinguish with original Indian currency. The security agencies say the currency is exchanged in India at 1:2 ratio of original currency to the counterfeits.

The operators in Dubai select passengers who are in need of money to purchase return tickets and arrange their tickets in exchange of carrying their luggage. They show a suitcase that apparently contains perfumes and clothes and fake currency wrapped in carbon papers concealed underneath.

Notes were found concealed in Gopinath’s bags below packets of toys. In the UAE, Gopinath was arrested and sent to jail for visa violations and was released Wednesday, he told his interrogators.

Officials say the printing and paper of the fake notes were so perfect that only experts could identify them and it is difficult to assess its level penetration in the state. The 500 and 1000-rupee notes seized recently even had security threads in them and the paper quality was comparable only to the original.

It is believed that these foreign printed notes come from a big production center somewhere in a foreign country. In some cases, top officials from the Reserve Bank of India had to be called in to identify counterfeit currencies.

They believe the fake currency may have found its way in large volumes to the real estate sector as well as into the hands of fundamentalist organizations. Reports say huge volumes of such money are already in circulation along the coastal regions of the State, especially in northern Malabar but it would be difficult to track them.

The officials believe such money could have reached villages and towns in Karnataka through Kasaragod, the Kerala border town. Dubai-based Rafi who often travels up to Colombo with the carriers is believed to be the kingpin of the international racket.

Dubai-Colombo-Kochi is the preferred route of Rafi’s gang since it also provides time and place to transfer the packets safely during the transit. He often uses unsuspecting Kerala workers in the Gulf as couriers.

Home Minister Kodiyeri Balakrishnan had admitted to the state Assembly that illegal money in excess of Rs100bn is being pumped into the state every year for the past six or seven years.

UAE press is giving Yindu's Saudi style treatment. A flurry of articles from Khaleej Times on India-UAE relations are released.
UAE, India Strengthen Bond

Ravi S. Jha

11 March 2010,
NEW DELHI — Bilateral cooperation between India and the United Arab Emirates stayed high on the agenda of His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and the Indian Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh, when the two leaders met here officially on Thursday.

A top government official told Khaleej Times both the countries reviewed the status of mutual relations. The discussions provided a valuable opportunity for a review of ties, he said. They also talked about a new ‘security cooperation’ in the process of being finalised.

The talks examined bilateral extradition treaties and mutual legal assistance treaties in criminal and civil matters. “All issues of common concern were discussed,” the official said. The two sides also agreed to work towards removing trade barriers such as registration guidelines, restrictive work permits and the visa regime.

India’s Ministry of External Affairs is expected to issue an official statement on Friday.

Issues of regional concern were discussed to take the Indo-UAE relationship into a ‘higher orbit’. “Security issues are of serious concern to India in view of the recent terrorist attacks,” the official said. “India discussed with the UAE the ways in which the Gulf nation can help India combat terror.”

The visiting dignitary invited Dr Singh to pay a visit to the UAE at a convenient date soon. The invitation was gratefully accepted, the Indian Government official said. “It is very likely that the Indian Prime Minister will travel to the UAE,” he said.

The high-level delegation to India comprised the Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Shaikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the President of Dubai Civil Aviation and Chairman of Emirates airline and Group, Shaikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, the Director of the Office of the Ruler of Dubai, Mohammed Ibrahim Al Shaibani, and the UAE Ambassador to India, Mohammed Sultan Al Owais. They stayed behind to attend a media conclave.

The two sides discussed a wide range of political, economic and cultural issues and looked at diversifying their relationship.

Special emphasis was laid on enhancing investment opportunities. Particular reference was made to investment from UAE in the infrastructure sector in India.

Noticeably, India and the UAE maintain strong economic relations, as the non-oil trade volume between the two countries has touched an all time high of $44.5 billion.

India considers the UAE as an important ally, both politically and economically, and the two sides have already agreed on the need to enlarge the United Nations Security Council. The UAE backing of India’s candidature for a permanent membership of the Security Council is being seen as a major breakthrough

Kind words from HH Sh. Mo and delegation.
India’s Economic Resilience Impresses Mohammed

Ravi S. Jha

11 March 2010,
NEW DELHI — The UAE has expressed a desire to study India’s successful economic growth story, believing that the strategy involved has transformed the billion-plus population nation from being mere bit players into becoming role models for global financial giants.

Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. who visited India on Thursday, expressed his strong admiration for India’s rapid economic progress, and said that world has to look at India carefully, to at least make themselves familiar with the country’s art of managing the economy so adroitly even during a period of global meltdown.

Shaikh Mohammed, who met Indian Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh — the architect of the Indian economic liberation — was unequivocal in his praise for the way India has weathered the present storm.

Minister of State for External Affairs Shashi Tharoor told Khaleej Times that Shaikh Mohammed had candid discussions with the Prime Minister which covered possible steps the UAE could take to more swiftly energise its economy.

Members of the high-level delegation led by His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, held discussions with senior Indian officials in New Delhi to focus on a range of new proposals and schemes that would bring India and the UAE still closer, said top government officials.

Commenting on the growing, multi-faceted, bilateral relations between the two countries, Indian officials expressed hopes better ties with Gulf countries, including the UAE, would also support the ongoing efforts for a peaceful and negotiated resolution of the Palestinian conflict.

During the discussions, both sides also underscored the excellent and wide-ranging special bilateral relationship that the two countries share. The large presence of the Indian diaspora in the UAE has also contributed immensely to the development of the two economies and further strengthened their ties.

x post:
Qatar signs security agreement with Iran

By DEUTSCHE PRESSE-AGENTUR

Published: Mar 9, 2010 21:06 Updated: Mar 9, 2010 23:59

DOHA: Iranian Interior Minister Mostafa Mohammad Najjar Tuesday signed a security agreement with Qatari Minister of State for Interior Affairs Abdullah Bin Nasser Bin Khalifa Al-Thani in Doha.

The agreement underlined the need to develop bilateral and international cooperation in security, the fight against organized crime and against terrorism, Najjar said in a press briefing after the signing ceremony.

"We agreed to increase cooperation in border protection between our two countries and fight drug and human trafficking ... as well as crime in both countries," he said.

The two countries also agreed to combat illegal immigration, fraud and money laundering.

"We are preparing for another agreement with Pakistan to be signed soon," said Najjar, who arrived in Doha on Monday for a two-day visit.

Najjar, who led a political and economic delegation, said Iran was keen on developing the security agreements it had previously signed with other Gulf Cooperation Council countries, including Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Oman, as well as Iraq, Turkey and Syria.

Qatar and Oman have similar foreign policy. Oman moved first and said they will not tolerate any moves by US/UK etc to attack Iran from Omani territory. Looks like same from Qatar.

Rigi was a watershed looks like.

Philip · Post by **Philip** » 12 Mar 2010 14:32

I think what impresses the UAE and many other nations is India's resilience,stability and growth, despite atrocious acts of terror perpetratd by the Pakis to destablise us and slow down our economy.The Pakis well know that i is only by these diabolic tactics that they can pevent he gap betwen them and Indai from becoming insurmountable.I member Gen.Rodrigues saying that "China was the threat,Pak only an irritant",or words to that effect.In addition the UAE well know the immense value of the millions of Indian workers in their land who crate no political problems for them, are loyal and hardworking and have helped in building up their countries in every way.So it is payoff time for India's great help.RElations can and must only get better,especially in comparison with their Paki "bethren"!

Some strong advice to the Palestinians,but can they do so and do they have the strength to survive without Israel's blessing! Evn if they get huge international aid and moral support,the day to day administrative and logistic matters could be severly hindered if Israel decides to take a ngative viw,which will be inevitable as long as the Palestinian entities like Hamas and the Hiz do not recognise the state of Israel.The first step should be the suspension of all anti-Israeli military operations whcih will then usher in an atmosphere conducive to succssful peace talks. As the IRA learnt in N.Ireland,abandoning violence was the key to political acceptance.The Palestinians must do the same.if not,then Israel will take independent measures as they are doing now with their settlement expansion and by the time the Palestinians change tack,it will have been too late.As someone said,the Palestinians never miss an opportunity to miss an oppotunity.

http://www.independent.co.uk/?CMP=ILC-refresh
Excerpt:

How does this look to the Palestinians? Their story is so rarely explained without disinformation that it still seems startling when it is stated plainly. Until 1948, the Palestinians were living in their own homes, on their own land – until they were suddenly driven out in a war to make way for a new state for people fleeing a monstrous European genocide. They lived huddled and dazed in the 20 per cent of their land they were allowed to keep. They hardly fought back: they wept and dreamed of return. Then in the 1967 war, even these small strips were conquered with tanks and platoons.

shyamd · Post by **shyamd** » 12 Mar 2010 17:11

Dubai to clamp down on Indian fugitives

Security cooperation between India and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is all set to grow, and Dubai will no longer be a safe haven for fugitives like Dawood Ibrahim. This was the message brought to India by a key member of the Dubai royalty , Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, the brother of the Dubai ruler and Prime Minister of the UAE, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum. Delivering the keynote address at the India Today Conclave 2010 on the topic Dubai 2020, he said: "India has a special place for the UAE and we have deep-rooted ties which we want to expand." he said. But he denied that Dawood Ibrahim was in Dubai.

Sheikh Ahmed said that security issues figured prominently when the Dubai ruler met Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on March 11 in New Delhi. Sheikh Maktoum, who was originally scheduled to deliver the keynote address at the Conclave, had to rush to Dubai. His address was read out by Sheikh Ahmed, who also heads the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority and is the Chairman and Chief Executive of the Emirates Airlines group.

Speaking about Dubai's financial meltdown, Sheikh Ahmed explained that there was a distinction between Dubai government and Dubai World, the investment agency whose real estate holdings collapsed. He assured the audience regarding fears about the stability of Dubai and said that his country was trying to overcome the difficulties faced during the crisis. "We are now separating good business from bad business," he said.

He said that the vision of both the countries is to focus on people-to-people contacts between India and the UAE. UAE is an important partner for India and there are about three million Indians and Persons of Indian Origin in the Gulf countries.

Outlining the vision for Dubai 2020, Sheikh Ahmed said that there was a realisation that oil will not last forever and the country was now focusing on developing its human resources by opening world-class educational institutes in the UAE. The session was moderated by India Today managing editor Shankkar Aiyar.

Wonder where Dawood and his coterie will move to next. It all make sense of course, Our trade with UAE is close to $30billion compared to maybe a few hundred billion from D company. Folks, you see all this was possible only because of Congress in power, and the Gandhi name goes a long way with the Maktoums.

My take is this: Sh. Mo didn't like Abu Zhabi going for French base in the UAE. He even snubbed an invite to be at the opening ceremony of the base and refused to meet Sarko. So, this could be a possible move by Sh. Mo. He openly doesnt like US foreign policy etc. So, I think this is his way of counter balancing Abu Zhabi. Besides, if India stopped transshipments to Dubai Port and diverted to lets say Salalah or Bahrain, Dubai would be in trouble naturally. So Sh. Mo does need to keep good relations with India, since we are the biggest trading partners. Bissful nook tech may be discussed as well as Strategic missiles, as is the model for all GCC countries.

Rampy · Post by **Rampy** » 13 Mar 2010 00:26

^^^ could this also lead to some discussion regarding Dubai Crash , leverage from Indian companies with Pressure mounting from Abu Dhabi..

Ameet · Post by **Ameet** » 13 Mar 2010 03:05

shyamd wrote:
Security cooperation between India and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is all set to grow, and Dubai will no longer be a safe haven for fugitives like Dawood Ibrahim. This was the message brought to India by a key member of the Dubai royalty , Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, the brother of the Dubai ruler and Prime Minister of the UAE, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

My take is this: Sh. Mo didn't like Abu Zhabi going for French base in the UAE. He even snubbed an invite to be at the opening ceremony of the base and refused to meet Sarko. So, this could be a possible move by Sh. Mo. He openly doesnt like US foreign policy etc. So, I think this is his way of counter balancing Abu Zhabi. Besides, if India stopped transshipments to Dubai Port and diverted to lets say Salalah or Bahrain, Dubai would be in trouble naturally. So Sh. Mo does need to keep good relations with India, since we are the biggest trading partners. Bissful nook tech may be discussed as well as Strategic missiles, as is the model for all GCC countries.

Shyamd, I enjoy reading your informative posts on the ME. However, these extradition treaties or agreements with Saudi Arabia and UAE won't be worth the ink printed on them unless we get high profile fugitives from them. We might occasionally get the token fugitives, but I doubt we will get a few if any high profile targets.

Further if Sh. Mo., dislikes US foreign policy, he has picked the wrong hedge with GOI.

shyamd · Post by **shyamd** » 13 Mar 2010 08:54

Thank you Ameet. I too doubt that we will get any of the high value guys, but I am pretty sure we will get mid-level/lower guys and it MAY increase the costs for D gang doing business in Dubai now, which will serve as a deterrent. Without foot soldiers its hard for you to do what you want to do. Lets see how things play out.

WAM-UAE official press release

On the sideline of the forum, Sheikh Ahmed met with Indian Interior minister Palaniappan Chidambaram and discussed the agenda and objectives of the event.

Dubai ruler refuses to share dais with Rushdie

Skips conclave, miffed over not being told about writer’s presence

Khaleej Times
Strengthening UAE-India Relations

The visit to India of His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, marks yet another milestone.

More significant is the discernible employment of a bilateral strategy to develop these long-standing ties. It is in keeping with the constantly evolving regional dynamics and the fast pace of a global economy that has increased economic interdependence. In addition, changed threat perceptions due to an increase in non-state security challenges has made it imperative for regional states to increase cooperation on the security front. Keeping in mind the significance of regional challenges and the need to develop existing cooperation, the visit was significant.

UAE’s support for Indian efforts to secure permanent membership in the Security Council is duly acknowledged and appreciated in New Delhi. Enhancing security cooperation with Gulf States to aid its counterterrorism efforts tops New Delhi’s agenda. This particularly came under discussion with Shaikh Mohammed who was apprised of Indian concerns on the issue. Other significant issues that were discussed included bilateral extradition treaties and mutual legal assistance treaties in criminal and civilian matters. These treaties will be particularly helpful.

mmasand · Post by **mmasand** » 13 Mar 2010 13:35

I hate to spoil the party Shyam,but I think as other have pointed out on an extradition front, we really can't expect much.Their excuse still remains to be the Babri outrage and when CBI couldn't chase down two employees of DNATA who took away with millions in a massive fraud.

Of course needless to say that this was more of a 'India calling' visit rather than Shk Mo doing it out of his own intuition,note how Dhahi Khalfan is accompanying him.Only last week Indian media reported that Chhota Shakeel's brother was arrested in Dxb and extradited to Bahrain on lesser serious charges.One can only wonder why Shk Mo and not Shk Abdulla chose to take this visit.It almost seems like he is seeking to park his personal money safely in India rather than the US oil conglomerates.

Lalmohan · Post by **Lalmohan** » 13 Mar 2010 15:48

Dubai's history was always linked to that of India as a trading hub. Dubai has no oil, its only economic activity (once the flash money from europe has departed) will revert to an India and Iran centric model. they have no choice other than to rebuild historical linkages.

shyamd · Post by **shyamd** » 13 Mar 2010 22:02

mmasand, rather than a UAE visit, its a Dubai visit. HH is here on a "strategic" visit. It is not low key. I am suprised, that this is being discussed with Sh. Mo. rather than the Abu Zhabi guys - who are the real shot callers. There are many reasons why this is happening.

If you look at my earlier post, If this was a low key "visit" Sh. Mo would have sent Crown Prince Hamdan bin Mohammed (who is acquainted with Shashi Tharoor) or Sheikh Majed bin Mohammed. Dhahi Khalifan, Sh. Ahmed having discussions with P.C. It all means something important is taking place. All the powerful guys of Dubai are here and are talking business, security and making the right noises. Lets welcome this move.

Sh. Mo has his own foreign policy. Dubai is a major transshipment hub for India. India will provide bigger benefits than Dawood's empire combined. Dubai has always been a haven for criminals, even throughout history, Somali pirates took refuge in Dubai after committing crimes. Thats how Dubai has prospered through history!

------------------------
FM to visit Saudi Arabia on April 3

MULTAN, Mar 13 (APP): Foreign Minister Makhdoom Shah Mehmood said on Saturday he would visit Saudi Arabia on April 3 on the invitation of the Saudi counterpart. Talking to media at the airport, he said Pakistan and Saudi Arabia enjoy deep friendly relations and Saudi leaders wanted to take Pakistan into confidence on the recent visit of the Indian Prime Minister to Saudi Arabia.

mmasand · Post by **mmasand** » 13 Mar 2010 22:14

shyam, my bad, i meant 'low profile not 'low key.Wrong choice of words on my part.Of course they mean business and thats why they are here,I spotted Shk Ahmed @ the India Today Conclave when PC gave a talk rapping the Pakis.

Its definitely more of a Dubai rather than a UAE visit,quite obvious when he isn't referred to as the PM or VP rather the ruler.But I am still quite keen on figuring out what 'talks' were held as nothing was covered by the Indian media.Of course local media(KT,GN etc) do the usual snippet practically all the time without disclosing any little bit.I can only suspect there has been a major trade understanding going on as Shk mo must be wrangling to get out of the 'conditions' Abu Dhabi would have imposed with the bailout..i.e. keeping away from foreign policy re the French and the Canadian air base decisions was the start.

Suppiah · Post by **Suppiah** » 15 Mar 2010 09:30

So easy it was...to get 2 more to see the light and embrace ROP

http://arabnews.com/saudiarabia/article30096.ece

Neshant · Post by **Neshant** » 15 Mar 2010 10:48

Dubai is a major transshipment hub for India

trans-shipment of what exactly and to where ?

ldev · Post by **ldev** » 15 Mar 2010 11:02

India's emerging maritime clout

A new facet of India’s defense diplomacy has been Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s three-day visit to Saudi Arabia on Feb. 27, at the invitation of the Saudi king, to discuss ways to combat terror affecting both nations. The visit is a first by an Indian prime minister in 28 years.

The Saudi government surprised Singh with a red carpet welcome at Riyadh airport, accompanied by the entire Cabinet. An extradition treaty and a plan to train Saudi naval officers in India are being finalized. Cooperation in the energy sector and protection of sea lanes vital to both countries were also on the agenda.

Philip · Post by **Philip** » 15 Mar 2010 14:30

Rough road ahead for US-Israeli relations.

EXcerpts:

White House goes on the offensive against Netanyahu

Israel's announcement of new settlements was 'insulting' and 'calculated to undermine' peace talks with Palestinians

By Donald Macintyre in Jerusalem
Monday, 15 March 2010

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said yesterday the announcement of more houses for religious jews in East Jerusalem was made in 'all innocence'
Israel's government was yesterday facing the worst chill in relations with the US since taking office after a top White House official said the announcement of plans to expand an East Jerusalem settlement seemed "calculated to undermine" the negotiating process.

Earlier Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu responded to a welter of local media reports about the new "crisis" in relations with Israel's closest ally by telling a weekly meeting of his Cabinet: "I suggest that we not get carried away – and that we calm down."

But David Axelrod, a senior adviser to President Barack Obama, said that the announcement during vice-president Joe Biden's visit last week of the plan to build 1,600 homes for religious Jews in Ramat Shlomo , was an "affront" and an "insult".

Following a reprimand from US Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton, on Friday night – where she called Israel's behaviour "insulting" – Mr Netanyahu said he had appointed a committee of senior civil servants to investigate how the announcement came to be made when it did. "There was a regrettable incident, that was done in all innocence and was hurtful, and which certainly should not have occurred," he said.

But with no indication that his government actually intended to abandon the plan, Mr Netanyhau added: "It is of utmost importance to understand that the State of Israel and the US have common interests and we will act according to the vital interests of the State of Israel." That still appeared to leave a significant gap between the two governments because of Washington's dismay – made explicitly clear by Mrs Clinton in a, by all accounts, robustly-worded telephone call – at the substance as well the timing of the announcement.

The international community has never accepted Israel's unilateral annexation of Arab East Jerusalem after the Six Day War. But Israeli officials said yesterday that Mr Netanyahu was acting no differently from his predecessors, Labour and Kadima, as well as his own party Likud, in treating the whole of Jerusalem as sovereign Israeli territory.

Likud chief whip Ze'ev Elkin yesterday urged the prime minister to maintain his policy of East Jerusalem construction.

Israeli officials also denied reports – in both The New York Times and The Washington Post – that last week's announcement violated an informal understanding that if the US got talks going there would be no announcements of settlement building in East Jerusalem that might trigger a walkout by the Palestinians. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas reportedly demanded abandonment of the Ramat Shlomo plan as a condition of pursuing the indirect talks with Israel. Urging the talks to go ahead, however, vice-president Biden indicated before leaving Israel that Mr Netanyahu's promise that the Ramat Shlomo plan would take "several years" to enact allowed time for the problem to be solved in talks between the two sides.

But Mr Axelrod yesterday hinted that the US was still seeking assurances from Israel as well as to persuade Mr Abbas to resume talks. "Israel is a strong and special ally," he said. "The bonds run deep. But that is just the very reason this was not the way to behave... I think the Israelis understand clearly why we're upset and what, you know, we want moving forward."

shyamd · Post by **shyamd** » 15 Mar 2010 21:33

Neshant wrote:
Dubai is a major transshipment hub for India
trans-shipment of what exactly and to where ?

Most of our goods/exports are transshipped via Dubai, Singapore, Colombo, Salalah right now. Once they get there, they are re-exported.

Link for your reference