Today’s Links 8/26/2013
Anil Padmanabhan, “Indian economy: five reasons for hope” (LiveMint): An optimistic rejoinder to the doom pervading much of the Indian commentary on the economy. Padmanabhan is optimistic for five reasons: the U.S. economy is rebounding, which will have positive second order effects for emerging markets; the desire for upward mobility still exists among large sections of the Indian populace; a new government should be able to tax reform, supported by a clear majority; the southern states will catch-up to the infrastructure improvements present in many of the northern states; and the connectivity of upcoming cash transfer programs.
C. Raja Mohan, “India and Iraq: Restoring the Old Warmth” (Carnegie Endowment for International Peace/Indian Express): A brief overview of the recent flurry of bilateral activity, building up to agreements production sharing of oil, as well as strengthening economic and security ties.
Ashfak Bokhari, “Climate change setting new farming patterns” (Dawn): Thanks to climate change and poor water resource management, Pakistani farmers are having to contend with shifting rain patterns, flooding, and droughts. They are ravaging wheat crops, for example. The only solution might be the further construction of damns, especially in new areas as monsoon patterns shift to the west.
Christophe Jaffrelot, “On Kabul, take a wider view” (Indian Express): Argues that Delhi should encourage the dialogue between Kabul and Islamabad. Painting the alternative as a return to civil war, Jaffrelot argues India should help both sides double down on a reconciliation process, with India urging Pashtuns and non-Pashtuns (whom India has a good working relationship) to get behind a intra-Afghan dialogue. India should also not accede to any Afghan request for arms.
Krishan Partap Singh, “The Ruler of Hindu Hearts?” (New York Times): Handicapping India’s 2014 elections, Singh writes of the challenges faced by the main opposition Bharatiya Janata Party, especially with their prospective Prime Ministerial candidate, Narendra Modi. Though Modi’s Hindu nationalism is alienating to many, he also has a track record of economic success. Unfortunately for India, a Modi government might be an unwieldy coalition.
