How correctly or pragmatically are we analysing or interpreting that lesson ?

Are we even making a feeble attempt to learn from that crisis ?

Are we linking the Iraq crisis to our national interests ( Are we not just sacrificing our national interests at the alter of cheap, senseless, irrational sloganeering or vote bank politics ?)

Are we not repeating the erroneous boycott of Israel during Nehruvian era just to fortify Indian version of "secularism".

Let us now have a close look at what our politicians, intelligentsia and academicians have stated on Iraq crisis and what they haven't.

What has been stated and is being vigorously stated by "secular" India

1. US is a hegemonistic power bent on "conquering" Iraq in order to gobble its oil reserves.

2. US has initiated an anti Islamic campaign starting with Afghanistan and now breathing hot on Iraq with Pakistan , Saudi Arabia and Iran on firing line. Some intellectuals even put India on line of US fire.

3. US is bypassing UN and its affiliated institutions. UN cannot interfere in Iraqs internal affairs and it is for the people of Iraq to chose or dispose its rulers.

4. Our government has taken more or less of above positions with PM Vajpayee repeating these generalizations but opposition specially Congress, CPM/CPI and Samajwadis of Mulayam Singh Yadav have been criticising USA & Vajpayee repeatedly. These parties have pleaded for an anti USA resolution in our Parliament but not agreed to by NDA government. The target of these "sdecularists" is the strongly entrenched Islamic vote bank in India and not our national interests.

What has not been deliberated upon and conveniently ignored by "secular" India-

1. Iraq crisis is pointing to an interesting reorientation of power blocs and repolarilisation of global power blocs. USA is attempting to bypass UNO on Iraq where Iraq has backing of entire Islamic bloc ( Minus Kuwait and Qatar) with wavering Turkey which is supporting USA on open tender system. Pakistan is clandestinely supporting USA but opposing or abstaining at UNO. Some influential countries of western Europe consisting of W.Germany, France and Belgium are intent to exploit Iraq crisis to secure a potential foothold in "anti American" world order.

2. With 57 members of UNO belonging to Islamic bloc supported by a "Confucian" component ( China, North Korea and may be a dithering Japan & South Korea), an opportunistic Western European bloc of Western European powers, UNO may be replaced by a new edition of League of Nations.

3. Where will India position itself ? Present "secularists" of India with Islamic/Negationist/ Macaulayist/Marxist/Christian components will opt for the new league of Nations and oppose American led moth eaten UNO. Will Indians interests be secure in that context ?

4. Will India with its present economic/military might survive as a nation or just collapse under an Islamic/Chinese covert or overt assault ?

5. Will India need a powerful friend to face the new challenges. Who that friendly nation will be ? What happened in 1962 ? Under the influence of his Marxist colleagues and friends, Nehru went on chanting anti American slogans. He cheered the Chinese whenever they indulged in shrill slogans about "running dogs of US imperialism". He boycotted Israel in order to prove his "secular" credentials. But when Chinese back stabbed him, he lay prostrate before John.F.Kennedy and seek American help. American intervention prevented not only further march of Maos army but also blocked a diversionary assault by Ayub Khans army. Have we not learnt anything from this dangerous precedent to chart out our future strategies ?

6. Islamic bloc is playing a double edged strategic ploy or aligning with technologically and financially powerful USA but opposing that nation in its societies and planning clandestine anti American operations like Sept 11th WTC and Pentagon attacks. USA on its part is not bothered about the fall out of its so called "anti terror alliances" with Islamic nations- like the weaponisation of Islamic regimes in order to kick out Communists from Afghanistan - producing and arming Talibans, Osama Bin Ladens and Al Qaidas but not bothering after the mission of decomminising Afghanistan was over- of the havoc caused in India from a million AK-47s and RDX smuggled in India to destabilize it. What has India learnt from this and what has India planned to do in future ?

7. Over and above this has India evolved a definition for its nation, nationhood, culture and social order ? Has India ever thought of its Monroe doctrine. Is India a Proactive nation or is just reacting to events all around it ?

8. If India is divided into "secular" and "communal" components- which component is itching for nationalism and instinct for consolidation, rejuvenation and survival and which component is obstructing and subverting nationhood and revival of our ancient values and glory ? Is there anything in common between both these components ?

The answer to above questions will give a clear answer to our future, our stability and our ability and resolve to achieve a long cherished dream- that of forming and forging a powerful India based on clearly defined and demarcated national goals devoid of foggy and skewed ideologies contaminated by long and cruel bouts of colonial rule.