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Taliban’s rise is a threat to regional stability

The editorial, “Revenge by Taliban” (August 9), quite rightly says that the war against international terror has failed to bring about the desired result.

“The US suffered its biggest setback”, says the editorial, and it is evident that it was a major setback. This proves the point that there is nothing like a “good” Taliban in Afghanistan. The US policy in Afghanistan was flawed right from the outset. The US had not learned its lessons from other such experiences in the past.

The people of South Asia know it very well that the Talibans are awaiting the withdrawal of multinational forces from Afghanistan. Once that happens, the Talibans will regroup and emerge stronger. This could well be the beginning of instability in the region.

MANINDER SINGH, Chandigarh

Drug trials

This refers to the editorial, “Deaths by drug trials” (August 9). It is difficult to understand why trials of those drugs are allowed in India, which are not of any specific benefit to the Indians. It seems we become guinea pigs, knowingly or unknowingly. Yes, trials for diseases like malaria and diarrhoea can be justified. But for all other trials, there are other countries where they can be conducted.

It is equally shocking to know that permission for such trials is granted after just a superficial examination of the proposal. The editorial rightly says that the government should ensure that Indian citizens are not treated like laboratory animals. There should be strict regulations, and only those companies, domestic or foreign, should be allowed to conduct trials, which are in the process of developing a drug for diseases prevalent in India.

OMPRAKSH KAUSHAL, Faridabad

C’wealth Games

The CAG report on the 2010 Commonwealth Games has been tabled in Parliament (editorial, “Nailing the CWG culprits”, August 8). If the culprits are given exemplary punishment, it will restore our confidence in the system.

It will also be good for Indian sports, because future mega events will be organised without incidents of corruption. The government will also be careful, as it will not ignore cautionary notes of its own ministers, as it did on this occasion. While the spotlight is on Suresh Kalmadi in this case, others involved are equally guilty. Perhaps, a proactive government could have avoided this scam.

RAJINDERPAL SINGH, Ambala

Sex workers

This refers to the news report, “Do more for rehab of sex workers, states told” (August 3). Why do we talk of rehabilitation of sex workers only? They are potential carriers of dreaded diseases like AIDS, which they pass on to their unsuspecting clients. Why nobody talks of these hapless victims?

There are reportedly three million prostitutes in India, over 20,000 in Punjab alone. Are all of them registered with the government? Are they put to regular medical tests? Are those infected with venereal diseases segregated, and not allowed to continue with their business?

If prostitution is bad since it can spread dreaded diseases, it is also good as it serves as an outlet for the sex-hungry. But for it, the number of rape cases and sexual crimes would go up.

Prostitutes are not the only ones for sale. If they sell their body and honour for money, many of us respectable people holding high positions sell our conscience and integrity for money and are rightly likened to the prostitutes. Lastly, the name, prostitute, is bad, but so is sex worker. I think they should be called “women in base trade” or some such name.

Wg-Cdr CL SEHGAL (Retd), Jalandhar

Woman’s dignity

This refers to the editorial, “Domestic abuse: Stop sexual and physical violence against women” (July 18). The editorial rightly says, “ Men will learn to respect women only if the so-called weaker sex sheds its meek behaviour.” Girls must be taught this as part of school curriculum right from an early stage. This should become a part of their growing up process.

Yes, there are times when a woman becomes the cause of misery of another woman. But this may not happen if they do not feel themselves weak in front of men. Often, if a woman feels she cannot deal with a male counterpart, she tries to harass another woman.

Violence in any form cannot be tolerated in a civilized society. There are ways given to men, other than violence, to resolve their conflicts. A family that does not respect its women can never hope to win respect of others in society.

JYOTICA, Chandigarh

Life is an adventure, not a burden The middle, “It’s all in the mind” (August 9), gives us two examples to show how our attitude in life matters in deciding the course of our life. One may become optimistic and progressive, and take decisions accordingly. One may also decide to blame one’s fate and not take any initiative in life. We have to make the choice. There are so many rags-to-riches stories throughout the world. What could those people have done differently? One sees misery in a situation, another person, in the same situation, sees an opportunity. But when in trouble, one loses faith in everything, both heavenly and terrestrial. Those are the moments when one needs a leap of faith. So many times people start consuming alcohol when they get frustrated in life. There is none to listen to them. With love and compassion, they can be brought out of addiction. Once faith in life and confidence in self are restored, life for a person becomes more an adventure than a burden. This is the difference between the stories of the two families in the middle. MONICA SHARMA, Jalandhar

Letters to the Editor Letters to the Editor, neatly hand-written or typed in double space, should not exceed the 150-word limit. These can be sent by post to the Letters Editor, The Tribune, Sector 29, Chandigarh-160030. Letters can also be sent by e-mail to: Letters@tribuneindia.com — Editor-in-Chief