America's General
Pakistan takes its most crucial decision since the 1971 war — to side with the US against the Taliban. The clerics may protest, but Musharraf has few options.

ECONOMIC IMPACT
Where Are We Going?
Fear and uncertainty stalk the Indian economy as early damages begin to show.

Ready For Battle
Where will the US strike, with what and how? A report on the military options before the global coalition that the Americans are building against terrorism.

Shifting Stance
Indian foreign policy is in a flux following the terrorist strikes in the US, metamorphosing in tandem with the tectonic shift in the geopolitical landscape of the world.

Menace In The Mind
People like bin Laden are not so much politicising religion as religionising politics.

LETTERS

Withdrawal Symptons

One gathers from your cover story that no risk is too great for those involved in the narcotics trade since the rewards are more than commensurate ("Coke Tales", September 10). Only a concerted onslaught by the affected nations, the government, NGOs, police and the media can eradicate the evil. Immediate stern action against those charged will go a long way in curbing the menace.

— V.B.N. Ram, on e-mail

I wonder why an accusing finger is always pointed at those who deal in drugs. The underlying fact is that the Naqibullahs of the world are thriving only because of the existence of the Vaderas. It's supply that follows demand. This principle of economics is more sweeping than any that talks about profits, risks and investments.

— Shombhu Patnaik, Cuttack

Your cover story gives a detailed insight into a seedy world where the so-called successful people plunder money and power to debase Indian values. Not only should people boycott such elements, but the law of the land should also be made more stringent. There is no other way to rid society of this malaise.

—Bhaskar Sen, on e-mail

Misplaced Thrust

We should recognise that saffronisation implies indoctrination, which is the very antithesis of education ("Missing the Point", September 3). Admittedly, the absence of indoctrination does not ipso facto confer a quality to education, but that is a separate issue. No one should be permitted to Talibanise our schoolchildren.

— T.K. Varghese, Delhi

There is an urgent need to revamp our ancient education system which used to serve the interests of Britain in the pre-Independence era. We must have a common examination pattern and textbooks all over India to ensure uniformity. Only the second language should be different to suit local requirements.

— Hitesh Hingu, on e-mail

Level-playing Field

The anger of the Flying Sikh is more than justified ("Prize and Prejudice", September 3). It is bound to hurt him to share honours with non-performers when he has unarguably left an indelible mark on Indian sports. There must be a parameter to distinguish his name from the ones that are hardly known. Milkha Singh's outbursts should not be dismissed. After all, the sanctity of our country's most coveted sporting honour is at stake.

— Saurabh Sagar Verma, on e-mail

What I find mystifying is why the Indian Government should try to pull down Milkha Singh's standards instead of trying to make others reach up to his.

— Roma Choudhary, Hyderabad

Veiled Operation

The burqa-and-bindi diktat of the militants in the Valley is a slap on the face of democratic India ("Shadow of Fear", August 27). More humiliating is the quiet acceptance of the code by the people and the Government. If not checked immediately, the entire country could soon be facing such audacious directives of a few fanatics whose aim is to destabilise India. We are already in the clutches of several controls: hunger, disease, illiteracy and overpopulation. It's time for the keepers of the world to wake up to the realities of Islamic terrorism and prevent its tentacles from spreading.

—Praveen Verma, Delhi

The Age Of Innocence

Your article transported me back to my childhood when we explored and discovered life in natural environs ("Business at Play", September 17). Are the new designer playschools out to produce superkids with make-believe sandcastles and mock hill climbings? I feel parents should resist from such temptations and instead invest money on annual outings where the child can experience the true beauty of a sand dune or simply frolic in an apple orchard. The child should not miss out on childhood.

— H. Rahman, Guwahati

The article read like a boon for working mothers who do not get adequate time to spend with their children. I don't mind coughing up some extra amount if it can help stimulate the creative instincts of my five-year-old. I hope the team spirit imbibed early will make her more adept at facing intense competition later in life.

— Anshu Sinha, Delhi

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Living On The Edge