L E T T E R S    T O    T H E    E D I T O R

Need to learn lessons from WikiLeaks

The editorial “Leaked secrets: There’s threat to relations among nations” (Nov 30) is right in saying that the WikiLeaks disclosure of US secret documents dealing with over 100 countries “may change the world scenario drastically.” Certainly, every country has its own secret way of dealing with other countries. The US, therefore, is no exception.

The leaked US secrets are definitely going to hurt many countries and their leaders also, as these expose the US. With the advent of the latest technology, the word secret has lost its charm and meaning. This is an indication of the fast changing time and it should act as an eye-opener for politicians throughout the world. It teaches us not to think evil of others, or do evil with others.

All dealings should be fair and sincere. In fact, Julian Assange, who launched the whistleblower website, needs to be commended for his role in ushering in an era which may change the attitude of people, especially politicians and leaders. The world and the US will have to cope with this ugly reality. There’s no escape. But tempers need to be kept under control. Any outburst at this moment will not only harm relations with the countries but even among people. It is only one country whose secrets have been leaked. Imagine what will happen if secrets of all nations are revealed.

There is only one lesson to be learnt from this episode and that is, leaders and politicians should be honest in performing their duties. There is no way of cheating the public or the nation now. It is time to be honest. Let us work for the happiness of mankind. Let us not try to put the blame wholly on the US.

R K KAPOOR, Chandigarh

II

Hillary Clinton’s comments contradict Barack Obama support of our claim for the permanent membership of the UNSC. If we take her words at their face value, Mr Obama’s support to us on this issue  was nothing but a claptrap to get claps from our credulous leadership.

Of course, Ms Clinton made these comments to her diplomats last year. But what she stated must be conforming to the US’s foreign policy. It is unlikely that her country has now changed its standpoint on this matter for our sake. There is a thin line between diplomacy and duplicity in this changing world. In international diplomacy, India should neither feel elated by words of praise from our friends nor deflated by criticism from our opponents. What is good for us is that we should know our own strengths and weaknesses and accordingly work out a strategy conducive to our national and international interests.

HEMA, Langeri, Hoshiarpur

Suu Kyi’s freedom

On the one hand, the military junta has held elections in Myanmar to show the world community that it believes in democracy and on the other when Aung San Suu Kyi’s party, National League for Democracy (NLD), refused to participate in the rigged elections, the NLD was disbanded (editorial, “Free at last!: Suu Kyi’s voice cannot be stifled”, Nov 15).

The sum and substance of all this is that there is no change in junta’s design. Those who think that Suu Kyi’s passive approach will achieve the goal of democracy are living in a fool’s paradise. 40 per cent of Myanmar’s budget is spent on military.

The US has fought dictatorship in Iraq. But it is silent over dictatorship in Myanmar. So it was over the dictatorship under Gen Pervez Musharraf in Pakistan. Sir Winston Churchill rightly remarked: “Dictators ride to and fro on tigers from which they dare not dismount. And the tigers are getting hungry.”

All democratic forces in the world and the United Nations ought to exert pressure on the military junta to hold another election in Myanmar. All political parties including Aung San Suu Kyi’s National League for Democracy must participate in it.

IQBAL SINGH, Bijhari, Hamirpur

II

The release of Aung San Suu Kyi is heartening. She certainly has nerves of steel and has continued her peaceful struggle against all odds. Women of India must learn from her example and raise their voice against corruption, honour killings, female foeticide and other social evils prevalent in our society.

SHAILJA SHARMA, Mandi

III

The news of restoration of freedom of Aung San Suu Yi is heartening. It is strange that military despotism is surviving in today’s liberated world. World forums like the United Nations ought to come forward and work to eradicate such systems of governance, which muffle and choke the voice of people. I salute the courage of Aung San Suu Kyi and hope she will herald a new era in the history of her country.

NEENA SHARMA, Sundernagar

Pneumonia deaths

Indeed, it is a matter of concern that 3.7 lakh Indian children die every year due to pneumonia whereas they can be saved by providing immediate treatment with antibiotics. Alas, our health authorities are not at all worried.

The editorial “Killer pneumonia: Lakhs of children can easily be saved” (Nov 22) has rightly observed that it is unfortunate that the Health Ministry is yet to introduce pneumococcal and Hib vaccines, which are proven to be the safest for children with pneumonia.

SUBHASH C. TANEJA, Rohtak

II

The fact that pneumonia related deaths recorded in India are the highest in the world is a matter of concern for India. There is an urgent need to arrange more health awareness campaigns in different parts or towns especially in villages and remote areas. There must be special teams of doctors who can reach out to the people living in the remote areas.

ANJU D. ANAND, Chambaghat (Solan)

A politician’s wish The middle “G-5 meet” (Nov 9) by V.S. Chaudhri was interesting. It is true that a politician’s hunger for monetary gain is insatiable and that material ambitions apart, he wants to die in harness so as to get the coveted state funeral. Suppose his wish is granted and his dead body is consigned to flames duly wrapped in the Tri-colour accompanied by a gun-salute. Would his sins of omission and commission be condoned and would he straightway be taken to heaven? I am curious to know. There is need to throw some light on the subject. TARA CHAND, Ambota (Una)