India-US Strategic News and Discussion

rohitvats · Post by **rohitvats** » 21 Dec 2013 23:52

I found the writing of Chidanand Rajghatta - foreign Editor and US correspondent of TOI - to be apologetic in nature and presenting US POV; he basically thinks this is matter as usual and but for election season in India (and compulsions of Congress to look strong), there would have been no objection from Indian side. He was batting for the Americans. He was equally insufferable when he participated in panel discussion on Times Now - and got ripped to pieces by Arnab.

chaanakya · Post by **chaanakya** » 22 Dec 2013 00:00

ramana wrote:Chanaakya what this episode is showing is that self loathing is ot confined to only the media. We had posters who repeatedly showed the self loathing for India due to their perspectives.

That shows how much our education system is compromised.

chaanakya · Post by **chaanakya** » 22 Dec 2013 00:01

CRamS wrote:BTW: Anyone knows who is DK's husband, who is a US citizen?

http://forums.bharat-rakshak.com/viewto ... 8#p1562278

Karan M · Post by **Karan M** » 22 Dec 2013 00:03

Katare wrote:
Karan M wrote:Pretty clear in this discussion who the habitual supporters of Khan are. Reflexive, almost.
Habitual supporters and pathological haters are all visible.

Fixed it for you.

Habitual supporters (of Khan) and pathological haters (of Indian interests, even at a time like this) are all visible.

chaanakya · Post by **chaanakya** » 22 Dec 2013 00:09

CRamS wrote:
Who is this Ms. Zeya and how is she relevant to DK case?

Read from here

http://forums.bharat-rakshak.com/viewto ... 8#p1562708

http://forums.bharat-rakshak.com/viewto ... 3#p1562703

Dipanker · Post by **Dipanker** » 22 Dec 2013 00:14

chaanakya wrote:
Again you are digressing and making false statements. If you read previous pages this has been answered in respect of Adarsh Scam though it is not germane to the issue at hand. She is not being prosecuted for that But if she has done wrong , we will prosecute her in either of the case. It is none of USA business to touch Indian diplomat in violation of VC. She has not committed any crime meriting violation of VC. She has not applied for visa , it is SR who applied based on letter from GOI. Of course you need to read pages here.

Have you read the charges filed by Preet Bharara against her? The A-3 visa was filled by DK online and that is where the perjury part happened. The trafficking part comes form extended work hours and roughly $3 /hr pay.

vishvak · Post by **vishvak** » 22 Dec 2013 00:16

In case of crime, shame lies with criminal and no one else. If strip searches are normal in USA, it doesn't automatically mean that foreign diplomats fall in usual normal criminal category. If it is normal for people in USA to be exposed to drugs and weapons, that doesn't mean that foreign diplomats mist be treated the same way as some criminal wannabes.

It is weird how in USA there are no concepts like
(1) Not ever done drugs, and assumed same for all including minorities and foreigners and diplomats
(2) Never handled weapons, and assumed the same for minorities, foreigners and even diplomats
(3) Severest punishment for mistreatment of minorities even in presence of moral police and human rights orgs

So it is up to USA to introspect and improve society within USA instead of accusing and mistreating diolomats and even minorities.

chaanakya · Post by **chaanakya** » 22 Dec 2013 00:17

Yeah I have read the IP address and all minute details. Did you read the whole discussions going on here or just dropped in the middle to begin with the beginning?

Theo_Fidel · Post by **Theo_Fidel** » 22 Dec 2013 00:18

Chanaakya,

That can not be correct. All of us have been through the process and the applicant must present proof of income. W-2, signed contract, etc. Laws are meant to be obeyed. All of us know what the consequences are if you lie and are caught. I know a good friend of mine way back in the 90's who was caught presenting wrong data to INS (back then). He was reported by some one and they came to his office arrested him and deported him with a week. And was banned from returning to USA for 10 years or something.

This was a personal error by the diplomat. Nothing more. Most folks get away with things like this but she had the misfortune of being reported and getting caught. At this point DK has to face the personal consequence and SR is now out of a job. Sad story all around.
----------------------------------

Ramana,

That is unfair. You are too deeply affected by this event to remain emotionally neutral. Your moderation is being affected. Please reconsider your comments.

Karan M · Post by **Karan M** » 22 Dec 2013 00:18

Dipanker ji,

And how do you know the charges are true? and how do they justify the treatment given to Mrs DK?

Please dont equivocate.

You have been dancing around this issue all the while nitpicking on semantics.

Do you or do you not approve of what happened to her in terms of physical treatment?

Karan M · Post by **Karan M** » 22 Dec 2013 00:23

Theo_Fidel wrote:This was a personal error by the diplomat. Nothing more. Most folks get away with things like this but she had the misfortune of being reported and getting caught. At this point DK has to face the personal consequence and SR is now out of a job. Sad story all around.

So physical abuse of an Indian diplomat is the same as that to any Indian and her mistreatment is merely unfortunate? Why are you trying so hard to portray this as an individual issue when it relates to an official Indian post?

Ramana,That is unfair. You are too deeply affected by this event to remain emotionally neutral. Your moderation is being affected. Please reconsider your comments.

TBH, many other folks have felt similarly in this case & would agree with Ramana. So its not just a moderator.

Besides, asking Ramana to stop "barking is a bit off"..

chaanakya · Post by **chaanakya** » 22 Dec 2013 00:29

On a lighter note in this heated discussion

US government ropes in Sanjay Jha to train its spokespersons for dealing with Arnab Goswami

“We had the option of going with either Sanjay Jha or Meenakshi Lekhi, but eventually decided in favour of Jha because he came in cheap,” the spokesperson confirmed. “If this doesn’t work, the next step would be to conduct a Navy Seal operation on Arnab Goswami’s residence in Mumbai similar to the one we carried out in Abottabad two years back,” she added.

“But ma’am, what about the core issue? Shouldn’t the US be apologizing for the high-handed manner in which it has humiliated an Indian diplomat?” asked The UnReal Times correspondent. “I will answer your question if you allow me two minutes to put this in perspective. You spoke about us apologizing, but has the BJP’s Prime Ministerial candidate apologized yet for the barbaric state sponsored pogrom in 2002 that resulted in the massacre of close to 1000 Muslims?” she shot back, clearly indicating that Jha’s training program is well and truly underway.

sorry for going OT here.

Dipanker · Post by **Dipanker** » 22 Dec 2013 00:30

Karan M wrote:Dipanker ji,

And how do you know the charges are true? and how do they justify the treatment given to Mrs DK?

Please dont equivocate.

You have been dancing around this issue all the while nitpicking on semantics.

Do you or do you not approve of what happened to her in terms of physical treatment?

Charges can be proved false or accurate only in the court of law, you and I can't prejudge anything. All we have at this time is arguments and counter arguments form both side, and some of them are downright silly.

PS: No I do not approve of strip/cavity search ( USMS has denied the cavity search part).

Ashok Sarraff · Post by **Ashok Sarraff** » 22 Dec 2013 00:33

Since people are now questioning Ramanaji's advice and moderation, please let me summarize two issues that are quite distinct in my view (a number of posters have mentioned it already, but no harm in summarizing):

1. DK seems to belong to a corrupt family (flat in Adarsh etc.) and DK's father may have intimidated Richard's family. This is an issue to be dealt in India by Indian agencies.
2. Even if DK is a paragon of vices as some suggest, she represents India in US. Therefore, it is the responsibility of the principal, that is GoI in this case, to ensure that she is not harmed in that country.

People are conflating the above two points here. Probably the first issue should be discussed in the Corruption thread to avoid thread derailment in this thread. The focus here should only be on the second point, viz., how to rescue DK as India's representative.

vishvak · Post by **vishvak** » 22 Dec 2013 00:34

From article posted above written by former diplomat to Afghanistan

..
a Convention on Consular Relations (VCCR). By handcuffing, strip-searching and locking her up with criminals, the Americans clearly violated the provisions of the VCCR, which requires that consular officials be treated, at all times, with respect.
..
In addition to the formal framework of the VCDR and the VCCR, there were informal customs and understandings that sought to ensure that aberrant or disturbing behaviour of diplomats and consular officials was managed in a discreet manner, so that it never reached a point where it cast a direct shadow on relations between countries. In extreme cases, diplomats and consular officials were declared persona non grata and asked to leave. As the diplomatic world is governed by the principle of reciprocity, their countries asked an equivalent number of their counterparts to leave as well, and the matter ended there.

Over the past four decades, the US and the European countries have unilaterally eroded these approaches and have allowed their local laws to intrude more and more into areas relating to the working of embassies and consulates and the conduct of diplomats and consular officials. Thus, the initiative is passing from the foreign offices to prosecutors and courts who cannot and do not want to view the issue through the larger perspective of bilateral ties. Bharara is an obvious case in point, and it is striking that, instead of reining him in, the state department actively colluded with him. So the Americans, even while pursuing a track with Indian diplomats to address this matter, simultaneously followed a separate track that allowed Khobragade to be arrested and traumatised.
..
That the US acted in bad faith is obvious.

Let us not ignore any of the issues above. The USA state department has been aiding USA diplomats circumvent laws of foreign countries so from where equal law of country applies here - or is that practice too selective?

It is a very serious breach of trust when USA and Europe have eroded diplomatic approaches for decades and allowed local laws infringement. This is a serious basic problem here.

Also, where is this chatter of immigration coming from when Indian side isn't involved in making transfer of Indian employee Mrs. Richards to USA but it is USA govt trying to shield her from courts in India and involved in trafficking her family out of India secretly!

Karan M · Post by **Karan M** » 22 Dec 2013 00:34

Dipanker wrote:Charges can be proved false or accurate only in the court of law, you and I can't prejudge anything. All we have at this time is arguments and counter arguments form both side, and some of them are downright silly. [

PS: No I do not approve of strip/cavity search ( USMS has denied the cavity search part).

Its not PS here. Its the main issue. Many folks have pointed out that irrespective of whether the charges hold up or not, the treatment given to Mrs Khobragade, was not justified.

This is what she was subjected to. So why exactly are you nitpicking about tangential issues, and do you believe USMS over Mrs Khobragade?

http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes ... -criminals

"While I was going through it, although I must admit that I broke down many times as the indignities of repeated handcuffing, stripping and cavity searches, swabbing, in a holdup with common criminals and drug addicts were all being imposed upon me despite my incessant assertions of immunity, I got the strength to regain composure and remain dignified thinking that I must represent all of my colleagues and my country with confidence and pride," she said. TOI had reported on Tuesday that Khobragade had been strip-searched and her DNA swab taken. The Association believes the US authorities paid no attention to the fact that she was a senior consular officer and that India should treat her American counterparts here in the same manner.

chaanakya · Post by **chaanakya** » 22 Dec 2013 00:36

Theo_Fidel wrote:Chanaakya,

That can not be correct.

What is not correct?

Deportation could have been better option , if they were so riled. VCCR is clear on how to treat Consular Staff, household and persoanl staff forming part of household and what privileges immunities and treatment are afforded to them. Local laws does not apply that part is very clear.

Had she committed murder rape or such other grave crime one can understand. But then where is the judicial decision here. Anyone can point me out to any decision by Judiciary pursuant to which she was to be committed to prison and therefore liable to be arrested and taken through intake process . Even there PNG option is available.,

vasu raya · Post by **vasu raya** » 22 Dec 2013 00:38

TF, whats with smuggling the maid's family when a court case is pending in India due for hearing in a few days? going by the sequence of the events they ensured the maid's family not appear in an Indian court and then arrested DK stealing the initiative of visa fraud charges, why didn't they act when DK approached the NYPD on the absconding maid, whoever has taken financial obligation of bringing the maid into US have the right to know their whereabouts not just family members

DK family is all American citizens except for DK herself, and the maid and her family are all Indians, so they take a India based family to US illegally and then use them against the American family? how often does that happen?

vishvak · Post by **vishvak** » 22 Dec 2013 00:43

pandyan wrote:
Theo_Fidel wrote:At this point DK has to face the personal consequence and SR is now out of a job. Sad story all around
so sad. hope SR and her T visa husband get a job soon. May be you can help her get a job.

Aren't there court cases filed in India so why were these people secretly immigrated? Is that not immigration racket?

What happened to all laws must be followed strictly for all? Mrs. Richards and her family aren't USA diplomats but USA has trafficked secretly and shielding even from law!

Dipanker · Post by **Dipanker** » 22 Dec 2013 00:44

State Dept. had dropped the hint back in Sept. DK had plenty of time to get out. Instead she choose to get a dubious non-bailable warrant against SR from some metropolitan magistrate in Delhi, despite being turned down on the same issue in NY court.

chaanakya · Post by **chaanakya** » 22 Dec 2013 00:45

vasu raya wrote:TF, whats with smuggling the maid's family when a court case is pending in India due for hearing in a few days? going by the sequence of the events they ensured the maid's family not appear in an Indian court and then arrested DK stealing the initiative of visa fraud charges, why didn't they act when DK approached the NYPD on the absconding maid, whoever has taken financial obligation of bringing the maid into US have the right to know their whereabouts not just family members

DK family is all American citizens except for DK herself, and the maid and her family are all Indians, so they take a India based family to US illegally and then use them against the American family? how often does that happen?

Those involved in ex-filtrating family also need to be taken to task except those who enjoy immunity of claim consular functions. Rest can be put behind bars without bail. The whole spynetwork needs to be unraveled. The problem is congis have systematically dismantled the security apparatus to the point of it being emasculated in functioning. Hope intelligence and counter intelligence is strengthened after change of regime and turncoats are flushed out.

Dipanker · Post by **Dipanker** » 22 Dec 2013 00:46

Karan M wrote:
Dipanker wrote:Charges can be proved false or accurate only in the court of law, you and I can't prejudge anything. All we have at this time is arguments and counter arguments form both side, and some of them are downright silly. [

PS: No I do not approve of strip/cavity search ( USMS has denied the cavity search part).
Its not PS here. Its the main issue. Many folks have pointed out that irrespective of whether the charges hold up or not, the treatment given to Mrs Khobragade, was not justified.

This is what she was subjected to. So why exactly are you nitpicking about tangential issues, and do you believe USMS over Mrs Khobragade?

http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes ... -criminals
"While I was going through it, although I must admit that I broke down many times as the indignities of repeated handcuffing, stripping and cavity searches, swabbing, in a holdup with common criminals and drug addicts were all being imposed upon me despite my incessant assertions of immunity, I got the strength to regain composure and remain dignified thinking that I must represent all of my colleagues and my country with confidence and pride," she said. TOI had reported on Tuesday that Khobragade had been strip-searched and her DNA swab taken. The Association believes the US authorities paid no attention to the fact that she was a senior consular officer and that India should treat her American counterparts here in the same manner.

For me strip search is not the main issue.

Lilo · Post by **Lilo** » 22 Dec 2013 00:46

chaanakya wrote:
ramana wrote:Chanaakya what this episode is showing is that self loathing is ot confined to only the media. We had posters who repeatedly showed the self loathing for India due to their perspectives.
That shows how much our education system is compromised.

There are those in Massaland to whom Bharat's interests always take precedence to Massa's. Then they are those to whom Bharat's interests take precedence only till the point they don't clash with Massa's . Those indulging in mudslinging on our Diplomat(who represents India) especially when her chips are down in an hostile cuntry can be easily be considered for the latter category.

chaanakya · Post by **chaanakya** » 22 Dec 2013 00:50

Those who think it is simple crime and punishment issues are being naive or ignorant of matters of state. No doubt , Indian diplomats caught napping here but it is not that simple as US and their supporters are trying to make out. And I don't think their Judicial system is any better than ours or have any more priority over ours.

ramana · Post by **ramana** » 22 Dec 2013 00:51

CRS,

Who is this Ms. Zeya and how is she relevant to DK case?

Quick summary:

Ms Zeya, another Indian American (parents from Bihar by her own admission, could be TSP Biharis for all we know) diplomat posed to Delhi was the former employer of Sangeeta Richards. She is currently ASS of Human Affairs and Trafficking.

Looks like she had a hand in the issuance of T-1 visa to SR, the maid.

Prem · Post by **Prem** » 22 Dec 2013 01:00

chaanakya wrote:
ramana wrote:Chanaakya what this episode is showing is that self loathing is ot confined to only the media. We had posters who repeatedly showed the self loathing for India due to their perspectives.]
That shows how much our education system is compromised.

Just find out who was India's Education Man under Nehru. Kahani Barri Purani. Seeds of undermining Bharat's revival was sowed right after Transfer of Power. Both Internal and external security threats and the Indian (non)response to them stems from the effect of this treachery. Uproot this poisonous plant and weed overwhelming India's spirit.

Ashok Sarraff · Post by **Ashok Sarraff** » 22 Dec 2013 01:06

About DK's US born/citizen husband:

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/indi ... 742499.cms

Karan M · Post by **Karan M** » 22 Dec 2013 01:11

OT after seeing my own mangled post:

Ramana, I was countering Theo's point by noting most would agree with your stance. I have edited the post (yet again) to make up for reference ambiguities. My grammar seems to be sliding by the day anyways...

Besides which, the board locks up at specific times (too many posters/db issues?) because of which edits become hard to manage. That accounts for my first bunch of edits..

ramana · Post by **ramana** » 22 Dec 2013 01:18

I fixed to the right url.

No problems.
Thanks for everything.

member_22872 · Post by **member_22872** » 22 Dec 2013 02:00

PS: No I do not approve of strip/cavity search ( USMS has denied the cavity search part).

Oh Dipanker ji, you questioned if this ever happened in the first place remember? I was the one who fetched the info for you.

Karan M · Post by **Karan M** » 22 Dec 2013 02:02

Thanks Ramana..board was locked for almost 30 mins. Happens like clockwork at a certain time.
--------

Anyways seems GOI and GOTUS are going to sweep the issue under the (proverbial) carpet soon. As long as Mrs DK gets safely back
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/indi ... 742499.cms

johneeG · Post by **johneeG** » 22 Dec 2013 02:17

With people like Khalidhi or Urza among the ranks, its no wonder that the amirkhan is losing to jihadhis all over the world. Now amirkhan is reduced to supporting al caida in syria and libya(even after their diplomat was killed by the jihadhis). With such policy, how can amirkhan expect to win in Afghan? BTW, there are some reports that before being a diplomat to amirkhan, DK was incharge of afghan affairs. Maybe islamists(both in and out of the amirkhan) were miffed with the the stand taken by the DK and wanted hurt her.

Dipanker wrote:For me strip search is not the main issue.

What were they searching for? Its not any search, it is just state sponsored rape based on mere allegations. You think lesser wage is bigger issue than rape(that too state sponsored one) ? If the amirkhan court squashes the charges of the maid, then what? Will the state be able to reverse the rape that they have inflicted on the diplomat? Who is to be blamed for that? The cops who raped the diplomat? or the ones who created such laws? or the entire system? If this is not serious breach of human rights, then I don't know what is. It is supreme irony that amirkhan goes about preaching on rights when they have such laws in their country which force the cops to rape the people based on mere suspicion or allegation before any court has ever pronounced its judgement.

And the worst part is that some misguided amirkhan bhakths defend even this sort of laws forgetting that these laws are mostly going to be administered to amirkhan citizens only. So, they should be the first ones to speak out. If a foreign diplomat can be given such a brutal treatement, what would be the situation of any aam aadhmi of amirkhan? This is a blatant violation of human rights!

Theo_Fidel · Post by **Theo_Fidel** » 22 Dec 2013 02:26

chaanakya wrote:Deportation could have been better option , if they were so riled. VCCR is clear on how to treat Consular Staff, household and persoanl staff forming part of household and what privileges immunities and treatment are afforded to them. Local laws does not apply that part is very clear.

I agree. But deportation can only be initiated by a federal type. This is not a federal prosecutor going at DK. The prosecutor is going after DK for the things under his control. In fact I think it is the feds who retrieved DK and have lodged her in the UN.
Wheels within wheels. Consuls are not immune from local laws. I don't think it is clear at all that she is exempt from responsibilities for her personal actions.

That said DK should hire a good a defense attorney and attack the governments case. There is every chance that a trial will see her exonerated.

Karan M · Post by **Karan M** » 22 Dec 2013 02:33

johnee saar

i think it was typical khan when dealing with lesser al-lies vs greater al-lies.

india is basically regarded as a bunch of hot air types with zero heft, full of some third world primitives who discriminate against poor people, have "caste system", who buy khan stuff, send geek types and useful third world immigrants over (whom khan in its generosity keeps) and has a decent military (if only they were available for khan requirements).

in other words, khan diplomats can push lesser al-lie around anywhich way even as it huffs and puffs. because there are people in lesser al-lie, whom khan can do business with, giving some freebies, favors and flattery.

clinton compared india to mr "i dont get no respect"

johneeG · Post by **johneeG** » 22 Dec 2013 02:34

Theo_Fidel wrote:
chaanakya wrote:Deportation could have been better option , if they were so riled. VCCR is clear on how to treat Consular Staff, household and persoanl staff forming part of household and what privileges immunities and treatment are afforded to them. Local laws does not apply that part is very clear.
I agree. But deportation can only be initiated by a federal type. This is not a federal prosecutor going at DK. The prosecutor is going after DK for the things under his control. In fact I think it is the feds who retrieved DK and have lodged her in the UN.
Wheels within wheels. Consuls are not immune from local laws. I don't think it is clear at all that she is exempt from responsibilities for her personal actions.

That said DK should hire a good a defense attorney and attack the governments case. There is every chance that a trial will see her exonerated.

What then? What about the custodial state sponsored rape?

----
Karan M ssar,
true. Compromised elites are the problem. Thats why dhesh is unable to stand upto amirkhan while amirkhan is unable to win over jihadhis.

rohitvats · Post by **rohitvats** » 22 Dec 2013 02:34

Dipanker wrote:State Dept. had dropped the hint back in Sept. DK had plenty of time to get out. Instead she choose to get a dubious non-bailable warrant against SR from some metropolitan magistrate in Delhi, despite being turned down on the same issue in NY court.

MOD HAT ON -

I'm stating this in my capacity as a moderator that your posts amount to trolling. And I'm going to issue a warning next time you make these half baked statements.

What basis have you to call the warrant issue by 'some' Indian magistrate as dubious? Is the US legal system superior to Indian? Is that what is this about? And if the GOI would have been vindictive, they would not have issue passport to the Richard family even when a complaint against her had been filed.

To me, it seems you're making comments for the sake of them. And this cannot be allowed to happen. I've stated this earlier as well - counter POV is not same as presenting such half thought posts.

Karan M · Post by **Karan M** » 22 Dec 2013 02:34

Dipanker wrote:For me strip search is not the main issue.

But it is for most others & each time you post your one liners you miss that point

Madhusudhan · Post by **Madhusudhan** » 22 Dec 2013 02:40

To me the biggest issue is the sexual assault on a diplomat. If there is a complaint, investigating that isn't the end of the world. But using that as an excuse to sexually assault the diplomat is inexcusable.. To Dipanker et. al.....

sivab · Post by **sivab** » 22 Dec 2013 02:45

Theo_Fidel wrote:But deportation can only be initiated by a federal type. This is not a federal prosecutor going at DK.

http://www.justice.gov/usao/districts/nys.html

Wrong. This is a federal operation all the way. Diplomatic Security Service(State Dept) filed the complaint (see court papers). Kerry signed off on arrest operation (Per state dept briefings). US attorney for southern new york (DOJ) got the arrest order signed off from magistrate (see court papers). DSS arrested her and handed her over to USMS (DOJ) to peep into the holes (Strip search). BTW the difference between strip & cavity search is, in strip search self has to open up holes for examination. In cavity search USMS will use their fingers (digital exam as in finger exam). See USMS explanation.

RCase · Post by **RCase** » 22 Dec 2013 02:45

Q. Since SR was on official Indian passport and by way of DK also privelged with consular immunity, was she liable to pay US taxes or Indian taxes? If it is Indian taxes, the question of W 2 etc. doesn't arise. If she had US withholdings, was she SR filing US taxes. Was she reporting ALL her income and perks monetized? If so, what did she report as her income?

For all those quoting away US legalese, min wages, SOPs etc., this particular case is a lot more complex, with a lot of gray areas.

In my mind human trafficking invokes someone who systematically brings in a ton of people to circumvent the system. If Indian diplomats were routinely bringing people one after the other and letting them loose in the US for monetary gain, that would fit the crime worthy of a felony charge. From what I gather, most Indian diplomats serve in the country for a few years and then move on to their next assignment. Even if a few domestics have absconded, it is an insignificant number.

I guess Pretty boy is missing the forest and barking up the wrong tree.

I would feel outraged if the maid were physically or sexually abused or tortured, which again would be worthy of a felony charge.

For all those who say she misrepresented on visa application - that is a lesser crime. Lying and lying under oath is not unusual in the US. We have seen that all the way from Presidents of the US to the dregs of society. E.g. Reagan, Clinton, Kerry (swift boat operators), Obama (close down Gitmo), Bush, Rumsfeld, Powell (WMD), Kissinger, Nixon (*special honors). Please don't go off on a rant... "But Indian politicians are mostly crooks".

As noted by various posters, I think this has far more sinister twists and turns under the covers and is not the garden variety of immigrant worker lying on visa aplplication or getting underpaid.

What is most bothersome for me is that an issue like this should have been quietly settled at SD, MEA level without having become a public spectacle. Also, the unilateralism of the US in its dealings and interpretation of international accords. If it continues down this path, there won't be too many sympathizers when it cries for VC, Geneva conventions, torture, beheadings, executions, cannings etc. of US citizens abroad.

Militarily, even though it has the most sophistcated toys, it has been shown to have gotten bogged down in quagmires by rag tag proxy armies. All talk of sole super power is for chest thumping consumption. It may seem that the countries of the world need US more than the US needs them. Reality is the US also needs the rest of the world.

Some may get a vicarious satisfaction that an elite, politically connected, possibly corrupt person from India is shown 'justice' American style. However every Indian and the diaspora should feel a slap on their face that this is not about DK or her personal issues, but about the treatment meted out to a people. Just like most US citizens and sane people the world over were horrified with the treatment of the US consul in Benghazi or the bombing of the twin towers. One should recall history that due to petty in fighting between princely states, invaders were able to colonize and subjugate India for centuries. If history was not a lesson, the people who are gleeful at the treatment meted to their diplomat or NM or any other representative of the the govermnment will be destined to suffer from modern form of slavery. Dealing with scoundrels and their punishment should be an internal matter and not abdicated to external countries.