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NEWSNOTES
WORLDWATCH
Iran: Among the players in the current
"Great Game" afoot in Afghanistan, Iran has a crucial role to
play. The country has a long border with its troubled eastern neighbour,
and is home to 20 lakh Afghan refugees. It has long been a key supporter
of the anti-Taliban forces, particularly the Hizb-i-Wahadat, the Shia
militia led by Karim Khalili. Hostilities between Iran and the Taliban
had nearly led to war in 1998.
The US, called the Great Satan by Ayatollah
Khomeini, has been trying to enlist Iran's support in the current fight,
but without much success. British Foreign Secretary Jack Straw visited
Teheran, followed by EU representatives. Their efforts were met with Ayatollah
Ali Khameini refusing any help and asking the US, "How dare you,
who have caused blows to Iran's interest, request our help in attacking
the innocent Muslim nation of Afghanistan?" There are moderates in
Iran who would like to see the country rehabilitated in the international
arena. The massive Caspian oil reserves are a factor for both Iran and
the West. However overt rapproachment is ruled out.
In 1997, a group called the 6+2 was formed at
the United Nations under the UN secretary general to seek a solution to
the Afghan conflict. The "6" are the countries that border Afghanistan.
The US and Russia are the other "2". That leaves out some interested
parties, including India. On the diplomatic front this kind of formula
may be most palatable for Iran. Covert support to the Shia militias will
probably continue. Apart from the refugee problem, Iran has many strategic
and economic reasons for wanting a friendly regime in Afghanistan.
—Samrat Choudhury
SPOTLIGHT
Which Way Will Bangladesh Go?
These parliamentary elections may decide whether the
country becomes more hardline islamic
 The
outcome of the general elections in Bangladesh on October 1 has one certainty:
the next prime minister is either Sheikh Hasina Wajed (Awami League) or
Khaleda Zia of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). Both have tasted
power, Khaleda between 1991 and 1996 and Hasina after that.
Regarded since its birth in 1971 as an international
basket case, Bangladesh began clawing its way back from abject poverty
under Hasina's rule, recording almost 6 per cent annual growth and putting
a brake on inflation. It is doubtful, however, if these achievements will
bring her any electoral dividends. Khaleda leads an opposition more united
than ever before, with her BNP, which has its own middle-class following,
joining up with all shades of pro-Islamist parties and groups. Khaleda
is the front-runner, with Hasina having shown the first symptom of failing
nerves by calling the caretaker government names. The election this week
may determine if Bangladesh is prepared to adopt an Islamic character.
It will depend on whether Khaleda becomes prime minister and how much
bargaining power she retains in Parliament vis-a-vis her fundamentalist
coalition partners.
—Sumit Mitra
DEFENCE
 After
Sanctions
Many critical projects should see progress
The flight control system for the light combat
aircraft, which was impounded while under development by DRDO and Lockheed
Martin, may be returned.
The engines for India's advanced light helicopter
may be made available from US firms.
Weapon-locating radars, used to locate enemy
artillery guns, may be sold to India.
Crucial spares for Sea King helicopters and
Sea Harrier jets become available.
—Shishir Gupta
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