Operation All Clear has had far reaching effects, the government of Myanmar further bolstered its military presence along the Indo – Myanmar border to prevent infiltration and the Tatmadaw attacked Naga terrorist bases.   Furthermore, Myanmar restated to India its continued commitment to a coordinated removal of terrorists from the region.  Myanmar is India’s decade long partner in an effort to contain terrorism and stabilize the region.  Even Bangladesh, a long time refuge fore and sympathizer of Northeast terrorists, recently made efforts to bring the menace under control with the arrest of ULFA members and associated nationals.  It has been speculated that Bangladeshi action, timed to precede SAARC, is an effort to deflect growing pressure.  Bangladesh will have to build on its recent positive steps in order to prove a worthy partner in combating terrorism.

On January 6th, Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee participated in the 12th SAARC summit conference held in Islamabad.  The summit itself proved productive from the point of view of the development of SAARC.  The adoption of a framework agreement for the South Asian Free Trade Area, an additional protocol on terrorism and a social charter were highlights of the summit.  However, media attention during the conference was focused on the bilateral relations between India and Pakistan.  The visit by the Prime Minister to Islamabad produced what some observers consider a breakthrough in relations between the two countries.  A joint statement issued by the Prime Minister and General Musharraf pledged to restart the composite dialogue process in February of this year.  General Mushrraf pledged in this statement that Pakistan and territory under its control would not be used for terrorism.  While the Government itself is exuding cautious optimism about this declaration and future prospects for peace, a complete picture of whether Pakistan intends to keep its pledge of ending cross-border terrorism would become clear only after spring, when the mountain passes in Jammu and Kashmir become passable and when infiltration has picked up in past years.  It would be advisable for the Government to base its future strategy entirely on the situation on the ground.

In Kashmir security operation continue to post a high rate of success. The last months of 2003 have resulted in the elimination of about thirty terrorists a week. There are indications that many of those killed are from the Lashkar-e-Taiba and the Jaish-e-Mohammed. The high rates of success in these operations speak to declining support for terrorism amongst Kashmiri locals.

In Kabul over 22 days, the 500 representatives to the Loya Jirga agonized over the constitution of Afghanistan and the type of government that would best represent them in the upcoming elections.  The Afghans have illustrated that the democratic process is neither easy nor perfect. Even provocative statements by Malalai Joya while causing momentary uproar were settled with little longstanding agitation. The grueling debate between those favoring a parliamentary system (mainly ethnic minorities) and those supporting a presidential system (mainly Pashtuns and Karzai supporters) produced a consensus facilitated by the U.S.  Afghanistan’s new constitution grants equal rights to both genders, special protection to minority languages and curbs some presidential powers.  However, the success of the Afghan constitution will be tested in the upcoming elections and the years ahead, it is heartening to see the start of political debate and compromise replace military attacks in Afghanistan.

The editorial team watches with considerable concern the growing volume of information emerging about the details of Pakistan's nuclear proliferation activities. The confession of Dr. A. Q. Khan on Pakistan Television smacks of a cover up. It comes as no surprise to seasoned Pakistan watchers that Dr. A. Q. Khan will suffer no punishment for his crime and General Musharraf has openly stated that he intends to protect the Pakistan Army from further scrutiny. The ambivalent nature of the reaction from Washington and London suggests that there is no real desire to estimate the damage done by Dr. A. Q. Khan and his nuclear black market. The surprise expressed by many high ranking non-proliferation experts about the size of A. Q. Khan’s enterprise also raises many questions about the efficacy of the proliferation containment and surveillance regimes. Few will say that these are not ominous signs.

In closing we extend our heart felt condolences to earthquake victims and survivors in Bam, Iran.  The thriving historical city of Bam was ravaged by an earthquake on December 26, 2003 with speculated casualty rates of 30,000 to 50,000 dead.  The sudden and savage event surpassed political divisions and support from around the world has been forthcoming.  Indians are well acquainted with the horrors of a devastating earthquake and empathize with the Iranian people.

terra firma - now fissures profound
kith and kin in sorrow drowned
a thousand pangs their bosom bore
in silent fortitude, but no more

-          Entreating Fate*

* http://www.everypoet.org/pffa/showthread.php?s=&threadid=5890

Cover Image: Photograph by Ritu Raj Konwar December 26, 2004 depicting Bhimkanta Buragohain surrendering to Lt. General Mohinder Singh in Tezpur: Source www.yahoo.com .