Short diary that's really more of a recommendation for all you media-junkies out there.
OutlookIndia.com is a website that describes itself as "more than just the news magazine from India...", and it certainly is.
Here is a bitingly snark sample from today's issue regarding the US military vs. Falujan insurgents (registration required sad to say):
There were three declared tactical objectives. The first was to either kill or capture the Jordanian born "terrorist" "Abu Musab al-Zarqawi" (if indeed he exists) and to "battle and destroy some 4000 to 5000 suspected fighters". The Americans also vowed to "liberate" the residents of Fallujah from "criminal elements" and to "secure Fallujah" for the January elections. Lastly, it appears an additional declared tactical/political objective of the American Military's task was to engage in a "fight of good versus evil". Additionally it appears (presumably per their intelligence reports) that the mission also was to "destroy" "Satan" since it appears that "he lives in Fallujah"
(Emphasis mine)
A bit more and a terribly exciting POLL after the fold...
With the current realisation occurring in the Rest of the World
TM that the You Ess of fu**ing Aye is quite probably heading for economic collapse and subsequent loss of brief SuperDuperPower
TM status, I think it is a good idea to stay as informed as possible on the views of the next likely contenders for SuperDuperPower
TM head status, the BRIC (Brazil-Russia-India-China) nations.
My personal PICK o'the BRIC would be India, for a few (admittedly pithy) reasons:
1 - English is often taught as a second language next to Farsi Hindi. (thanks for all the corrections!)
2 - Indians just love math, physics, and related philosophy. So do I.
3 - Polytheism is rampant over there.
4 - Nice food, weather, and music.
5 - I idolised Peter Sellers in my youth.
I've been a reader of the venerable Times of India for a few years now, and find it's reporting to be most excellent, and especially un-partisan, OutlookIndia.com is another source I'll be using from now on.
I hope you might do too!
[editor's note, by deafmetal] The article I quoted from above really deserves it's own diary. If no one beats me to it I'll post one later, but meanwhile I strongly recommend registering and reading it!
In attempt to spark your curiosity here is a chilling premonitory quote from the end of the article:
Raw unopposed firepower has reached its limits. Never have so few battled against so many in face of overwhelming odds and brought a superpower to its knees. And the nightmare continues.
It is indeed the greatest military victory in history. The self proclaimed mightiest empire that ever was, in fact, turns out to have had the shortest reign ever. This Empire met its match in the land between the two rivers.
Now take my poll if you feel so inclined...