The modern tragedy of India is that it is surrounded by failed states, the main being Pakistan.
Pakistan has been a classic case of "even if I bleed, it is alright as long as you are hurt" syndrome. For political reasons or otherwise, they have always raised the bogey of India as the enemy. This, despite India never having expressed any desire for expansionism in its thousands of years of history. The Pakistani rulers have whipped up such a hysteria about anti India feelings, that they spent most of their money on arms built up to thwart the purported attack by Indian Army. They have also used this as an excuse to indulge in massive destabilization of India through sniping at the border, encouraging Kashmir militancy, cross border terrorism, infiltration, spreading fake currency in the country and occassional military forays. But they forgot how to rule the country and take care of their economy. The beggers have a problem. Even if they have sufficient money, they would still like to beg. Or the day is not complete for them. Pakistan is like that. They are so used to getting doles from US, Saudi and Iran that they have forgotten how to live through their own sweat and toil. Today, Pakistan is in deep trouble economically. They have foreign exchange reserve for only 6 days. With Obama likely to be the next US President (and his views on Pakistan is well chronicled), Pakistans hay days are over. Their middle east friends have turned their back on them at last. They have come to realize that they have been feeding a snake all these years and of late, the snake has started biting them.
Last heard Pakistan has approached IMF for a financial package. The big brother IMF has promptly put umpteen number of conditions to revive the economy (by this I mean the tried, tested and FAILED policies of IMF-that is another story). The first of which is to reduce military spending considerably.
The situation is fraught with interesting possibilities for South Asia. But what baffles me is the clamour in India to support Pakistan during this crisis.
Panchathantra says "There are traditional enemies and transitionary enemies. It is alright to make friendship and help the transitionary enemies, but NEVER NEVER do it with a Traditional Enemy, for you will come to grief".
Heed the voice of the wise.
