Cool write-up...

In any argument or issue, I have always been interested in the viewpoints of both the sides. This is particularly so when it comes to Indo-Pak issues as in here and here. All in all, I was yet to find a rationalist voice/opinion from the Paki side. Then I hit upon this article written by a man called Tariq Ali. Amazingly insightful article written by a level-headed person. The article is a goldmine of facts about the Kashmir issue as well as general Indo-Pak relationships. I cannot vouch for the veracity of the facts mentioned but I do hope Mr. Ali has done his homework well. The article does have a slight Pakistani tilt, but you have to give it to the man for being pretty neutral when handling the issue.

One interesting thing I noticed in the article is the way he labels Hindu zealots as "fundamentalist" (a.k.a BJP) while their Muslim counterparts are "confessional" (Err... what does the word even mean in this context? Beats me). I don't completely blame him though... after all, BJP does not have any immediate plans to form a fidayeen sqaud anytime soon.

Did a bit of googling and hit upon his home page here. Looks like pretty cool guy with leftist views (something I partially endorse). Maybe I will someday read one of his books and post a review here. Till then I suggest that you go and read the article. Kinda lengthy but definitely worth a read.