Sarkaritel.com News and Features- National News

Information sharing can bring US-India closer

New Delhi, November 08, 2006

Addressing a session on Threats to Democracy: Challenges Facing India and the US organized by the Aspen Institute of India, Former Secretary of Defence USA, William S Cohen made enlightening inferences on India-Us burgeoning relationship.

India and the United States are allies in the War against terrorism and should work hand in hand to fight this evil was his uppermost concern while delivering his speech. Both have to ensure sharing intelligence, sharing of information, corporate and military actions which are the critical components in the "long twilight struggle against terrorism" said at a Mr. Cohen.

It is necessary to devise mechanisms for sharing intelligence because extremists pose an asymmetric threat to both democracies in unthinkable frequencies. Free information flows are central to democracy and national security. Information sharing can help bring both countries together. "We are all vulnerable to the forces of terrorism. There is no place to hide, no place where we are safe."

The US has started a training system to deal with the consequences of terrorist actions. He said, "Hurricane Katrina (that hit the southern coast of the US last year) was a good message to us. Its consequences were drastic." If the two countries can build in deterrents to extremism, it will be a major step ahead in the war against terrorism. However, he cautioned that this is a long war as there is no end to terrorism as a threat to democracy.

On the contemporary issue of Iran, he said there is a grave need and exigency for the world to form a unified opinion on it. China and Russia must make their intent clear on Iran and offer full support to UNSC which will bring Iran back on track. The framing of resolution alone cannot bring results; we need to enforce it to prevent its devastating consequences said he.

He also said we should build relationships and encourage opportunities for regional cooperation, share technology and increase compatibility and interchangeability of our climate and environment.

Concluding the session he said other threats to democracy include corruption, unaccountability, disparity of income, healthcare, control of the Press and neglect of people. The rule of law insists on openness, transparency, protection of minorities and commitment to the idea of equality. "If people refuse to participate in the democratic process, then it is a big threat."

E-mail : newseditor@sarkaritel.com