Economic Cooperation, and not Jehad, Shows the Way

In the 21st century, religion cannot be a unifying force, but economic well-being can be a major cementing force between two hostile peoples. The USA is a shining example of the success of a modern nation-state based on shared economic prosperity. Herein lies the lesson for President Pervez Musharraf and Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee, writes Hari Jaisingh

EXCLUSIVE
A VIEW FROM ISLAMABAD
Agra Summit: Cautious Optimism in Pakistan
by I. A. Rahman
THE mood in Pakistan is predominantly one of optimism, despite the fact that neither the Pakistani media nor the public at large has displayed the kind of euphoria about the Vajpayee-Musharraf meeting as is being witnessed in India probably because of a belief in the hosts’ need to demonstrate their bona fides. Indeed the average citizen is less inclined than General Pervez Musharraf to use the prefix ‘cautious’.

While in Germany, do as Germans do
by Anjali Majumdar
HE stopped his scooter and beckoned to us to cross the road, a busy and narrow one. His wife got off the pillion but he stayed put, helmet on. He wanted my husband to report on some trouble at the bank’s zonal office. He is a doughty union leader, and knows that we both write on bank matters.

BRIDGE: Points for holding honours
by Omar Sharif

DREAM THEME: Dreaming of fruits
by Vinaya Katoch Manhas