LETTERS

Find More

29

Mend your ways, Taliban

Your exclusive cover story from Afghanistan read like a thriller novel; I genuinely hope sanity will prevail in that country and that everyone will be safe eventually (‘The widening gyre’, August 29). A Taliban rule in Afghanistan is not in anybody’s interest. The future looks bleak for women in Afghanistan, which is quite sad.

 

The Taliban should know well that it cannot rule Afghanistan like it did from 1996 to 2001. Already there is complete chaos and things are going to get worse if the Taliban does not mend its ways.

 

Vikas Asthana,

On email.

 

The report by Francesca Mannocchi was revealing, emotive and evocative. One cannot help but look down upon the US forces—which entered Afghanistan 20 years ago uninvited and then sneaked out, leaving the poor Afghans to perish in the hands of terrorists.

 

S.I.M. Jafri,

On email.

 

I am a regular reader of THE WEEK since my college days. Your cover story from Afghanistan made an excellent read. Now you should attempt a story on the failures of the US in Afghanistan, which left thousands dead and injured.

 

The Taliban’s return to power is not a good thing. But till the time India’s interests are not harmed, we need to coordinate with the Taliban, as we have invested a lot in Afghanistan.

 

Bakhtyaar Panday,

On email.

Let me convey my appreciation on your cover photo. No words can describe the misery of the Afghans better than this photo.

 

THE WEEK has been topical and relevant. It is one of the best newsweeklies available.

 

Anand Krishnan,

On email.

 

The conundrum in Afghanistan is frightening and the country stares at an uncertain future. America’s hasty withdrawal has hurled Afghanistan back into dark ages.

 

The China-Pakistan-Taliban nexus has had a sleazy role in the turn of events. The fleeing of the Afghan leadership, melting away of its army, blitzkrieg of the Taliban, homilies of its spokesmen from Doha, celebrations in Pakistan, endorsement of the Taliban by China, Russia, Iran and Turkey, and the eerie silence of other countries and international security agencies, are all indications of a nefarious plot.

 

Biju C. Mathew,

On email.

 

Out of ideas, Aiyar?

I am an ardent reader of THE WEEK since its inception. Every week you are giving us quality stuff on so many important issues. But, I am pained to go through Mani Shankar Aiyar’s columns, which, at times, are disgusting.

 

He seems to be out of ideas. What’s wrong if the prime minister hosts Olympic heroes? (‘Mani-festo’, August 29).

 

Nagesh S. Adiga,

Bengaluru.

 

Why should THE WEEK that otherwise provides excellent and insightful articles give space for predictable stuff from the likes of Aiyar?

 

Please bring in columnists with fresher thoughts and insights, instead of columns airing same old gripes from an esteemed gentleman.

 

Nagarajan S.,

On email.

 

Aiyar’s tongue-in-cheek remark of India being in 48th position in Olympics was unfounded.

 

Our performance in Tokyo has been a revelation of sorts, in that it gave the nation medals across five sporting disciplines when hitherto it was restricted to just one or two disciplines.

 

To ridicule gestures of the president, the vice president and prime minister is downright silly.

 

Aiyar should retract from such boorish behaviour and give credit where it is due. But, then, he is after all a politico and wisdom is never there in their dictionary.

 

G.K. Balakrishna,

On email.

 

Mamata next PM?

Yashwant Sinha has rightly pointed out that if there is any stalwart in the country who can take on Narendra Modi it is Mamata Banerjee (‘India is waiting for Mamata’, August 29). The resounding victory Mamata has registered in the recent West Bengal polls has cemented her position in national politics.

 

Mamata can become the prime minister if she continues her tirade against the BJP, while also carrying on development in her state.

 

Shweta Chaudhary,

Delhi.

 

Need better planning

Stray animals (dogs, cows, bulls and buffaloes) hinder the free flow of traffic, causing accidents or near-accident situations (‘Glowing idea’, August 29) on the road.

 

Putting reflective collars around the necks of stray dogs is a great idea, but collaring each and every stray is impossible. It needs a better solution.

 

I have also seen the dung of cattle and even elephants lying on main roads, making two-wheelers and bikes skid and fall.

 

Sunil Chopra,

On email.

 

Thank you, Sarna

I would like to thank Navtej Sarna for writing about the reckless behaviour of two billionaires (‘Boys will be boys’, Aug 8).

 

Like many others, I was also disturbed to see those unnecessary space trips, when there is so much to do on this planet.

 

Sudeep Kumar Krishnatreya,

Guwahati.

 

Error

A quote by actor R. Madhavan was wrongly attributed to Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra, filmmaker (‘Symphony of cinema’, August 29). We regret the error.

 

Editor