Viewing some video clips of the so-called “smart bombs” or pinpoint strikes, one can easily stepped into the memory of the Gulf War. In 1990 and 1991, national broadcasts in the US aired the battle scene day-by-day. The picture of the US missiles flew into the dark sky over the Gulf to defeat “evil” Saddam Hussein called for American patriotism and provided high degree of dignity and legitimacy of the mission. If Israel could obtain such legitimacy on her operation in Gaza, she would gather supports and sympathy regardless of the reality on the ground (amorally speaking). Further strengthening this argument, the Israeli spokesperson appeared on the video emphasizing that Israel is not targeting the Palestinian people but the Hamas terrorists.

On one hand, it could be seen as propaganda, but on the other hand, it could be seen as Israel’s demand and necessity of supports from international community more than the US backup in the UN Security Council. While the Arab countries are obviously not in favor of this operation, Egypt, for example, is not yet willing to commit anti-Israel campaign led by Hamas. Rather, some Arab elites seem to worry about the Hamas-Syria-Iran axis being strengthened if Israel retreats early. If Israel could obtain some degree of dignity described above, it would be easier for non-pro-Iran Arab leaders to be silent to observe Hamas getting weakened.

In 2006, Israel attacked Hezbollah bases in Lebanon. This ground operation caused serious damages on local infrastructure, and thus Israel paid some moderate sum of money to Lebanese government.. However, before Lebanese government’s aid reached to the local community, Hezbollah, allegedly supported by Iran, distributed considerable amount of cash directly to the local people in exchange with the support for Hezbollah. This was a catastrophic PR failure for Israel, and hence, this mistake led her to consider more populist PR campaign such as the YouTube channel.

YouTube is, after all, utilized in the political scenes in the US even during the presidential election of 2008. Speeches of Obama, Clinton, McCain, and others (and parody of them) frequently appeared on it, and millions of Americans obtained political information from it. Particularly, young generations who strongly supported Obama are the core of the YouTube users. Israel, who already has a strong political lobby in Washington, may dream to strengthen her influence on the next US administration by establishing positive relationship with such young Obama supporters.

After all, uploading video clips on YouTube does not cost anything. So, one may easily ignore the possible effects on inter-state or international affairs (the so-called “high politics”). Yet, this PR campaign of Israel, probably targeting young Americans, could result in the shift of the US public opinion of the young generations from anti-war liberal to more center neutral. Although it is almost impossible to predict exact consequences, this PR campaign is worth to try for Israel.

The leaders of Europe and the US must be careful because any pro-Hamas organizations can successfully provoke such shift in public opinion. Of course, we cannot regulate YouTube and other Internet directory due to the freedom of expression. Nonetheless, we need to obtain/provide unbiased information regarding the conflict before the coincide Israeli-Hamas PR war stirs up the mind of our voters.

March 3, 2105.

The buzzer went off again and I sprang out of my bed; it was 8:25PM and I was late. I was supposed to be there at 8:45PM. I had to rush.

I commanded the operating system in my room to pick my dress, shoes, cologne, watch, spectacles for the occasion and jumped into the shower. Five minutes and I was ready.

My transport was a an old 2101 model of Bugatti. Sometimes I would think of changing to a newer model, may be a Carius T model, but I always liked the classics. It was a nice smooth cruise to the venue.

The hall was full of audience. Today was the day when I was being awarded Annual Literati Award for best novel of the year.

I received the award and started my speech…

“Ladies and gentlemen! There was a time once when I found it hard even to complete a page of fiction …”

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AMIR SALEEM: BORN MARCH 3, 1976

March 3, 2005.

I woke up at 7:14 in the morning but remained in my bed till it was eight. I kept thinking about something I would do to make this day and the days to come, different. An idea for a novel has stuck in my head long enough but I would still choke on words.

There have been enough lazy days. A writer’s block is no stronger than my will to write. It has to stop now.

I start writing my first short novel.

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AMIR SALEEM: BORN MARCH 3, 1876

March 3, 1905

“Munshi Jee, Munshi Jee!!!” I heard babu jee yelling at Avinash Rai who is my father’s personal and finance secretary, “Why hasn’t today’s newspaper been delivered?” This commotion woke me up and I moved out in the courtyard.

“And here comes the landlord of the house; the Mr. Good for Nothing. Will you ever go to the shop and help me out there?” babu jee yelled at me in the same breath. “Its not going to be a good day” I thought as I walked towards the kitchen. Maan jee was preparing breakfast, the smell of those oily prathas added pain to my hunger. Little Teejo laughed a little laugh and whispered to his sister’s ear, “It starts like this for him everyday” and that was enough to awake me fully.

I wasn’t an immature person; I was a responsible man, married with three kids, and working in a local newspaper as a proofreader but my father didn’t approve of that. “Likhari baney ga ye, Arey bataey koi is ko, pait bharta hei likhney se kabhi? (He wants to be a writer; somebody tell him, writing doesnt feed the hungry)” he would often say to me addressing someone else. No one would really answer to this, because they couldn’t really take sides; I carried the same anger as my father and my grandfather did.

I spent most part of the day outside, visited Aslam’s bookshop and then had a firy chat with Akaash, Govind, Upendra and Karim about Gandhi’s call for boycotting the British goods. For once I supported Akaash and Upendra in favor of the boycott. Govind and Karim left after a while and I took off towards the Haweli.

“Janam din ki shubh kamnaaein Amir babu (Happy birthday Mr. Amir)” I heard Parinita’s soft voice from a half open door behind which she had hid her face. She was the only one who had reminded me of my birthday, “You never forget my birthday Pari” I addressed her with her nick name I gave her when we were kids. “Its the only day when you speak to me Amir babu”, she said with a soft hint of pain in her voice and rushed inside the house. I walked towards my home.

As I entered the Haweli, I saw my wife hurrying into the living room; there was something fishy going on, it was never this silent in our house. I stepped into the living room and found everybody gathered there with a somber look on each face. For a moment I just stood there silent, waiting for someone to speak and rid me of this mystery. And then babu jee stood up and walked towards me.

“Likhari baney ga tu? (You want to be a writer?” he roared, “29 saalon ka ho gya hei tu aaj, ab tau tu likhari ban hi ja (You have turned 29 today, its time you become a writer”, he said with a faint smile appearing on his face as he handed me a pair of expensive fountain pens. Everybody started laughing; there was smell of aloo ke parathey in the air.

An idea for a novel struck.

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Originally written on March 3rd, 2005.

With raising economy and governments modern ‘public-friendly’ budgets, Bengaluru was looked upon as the land of “achievers” with the early influx of Technology companies Bengaluru slowly made its mark on the world map and then there was no looking back for the city, one after other companies made their grand entry into “Namma” Bengaluru” and with that began the raise of Support and service companies. From Hostels to PG’s educational institutions to private coaching centres, canteens to hotels Bengaluru slowly began to grow. People realised that the city had enough money to be exploited, with more number of inhabitants Bengaluru’s tourism department rose to glory. Private transports were now more, auto rickshaws were the only king on the roads; communication, be it public or private increased, cell phones slowly became a part of every one’ life et all. It was a new wave and Bengaluru was not too slow to catch this wave, Bengaluru had something in store for every one.

With increasing number of workaholics Bengaluru’s attention slowly shifted towards entertainment industry, Pubs, week end bars, disco’s night clubs made their way in-between the hectic schedule of Bengaluru, week ends were more glorified and Saturday night fever was spread all over. Alcohol was easily available and Dj’s were introduced to get that extra kick. Bengaluru wore a modern outfit and the hand of Law was too short to control or cut down on any un-wanted activities. 24/7 restaurants were introduced, the menu card now had more than our ‘Masala dosa’s’, ‘idli’s’ burgers were the need of the hour and pizza was the staple food. Bengaluru was a new platform for all restaurants and food chains to make their mark in business, people of Bengaluru with diverse backgrounds welcomed any food of any kind of any rate.

Bengaluru even acted as a host to many other artistic fields like theatre, painting, and music. With hectic schedules and boring week ends always at pubs people now wanted something different, something artistic and thus the “Art life of Bengaluru” was started. Theatre made its early mark with some major theatre groups camping permanently in Bengaluru, music was part and parcel of every Bengalurian, the city gave innumerable opportunities to young talents to showcase their creativity and grow to new heights. Bengaluru accepted every play with warm heart, every painting with caring eyes and every music with encouraging ears, Bengaluru also became a destination for artistic people and very aptly called “the arts paradise”

Call it a boon or bane, Bengaluru has given every body its piece of success, people have walked in made merry and walked out but the city as such has been kind enough to accommodate any one of any kind anytime. Life at Bengaluru never stops; the city never sleeps and success is always in store for you in Bengaluru.

1. Missile Defense (MD).

Russia seems to worry about the MD deployment in Eastern and Central Europe for both practical and theoretical reasons. First, the equipment deployed in the region is the “eye,” “ear,” and probably “brain” of the greater aerial (and outer-space) defense system in Europe. As Russia will not share the system, the deployment will cause destabilization of defense equilibrium in the Greater Europe (from the Atlantic to the Urals). Such imbalance, from Moscow’s point of view, redraws political picture between Russia and the US in Europe and the Middle East. Of course, NATO is already superior to Russia in many dimensions of military aspects. However, missile defense (if works) is the Shield of Aegis which comprehensively protects the already-mighty Athena. If Athena becomes unjustly mad, how will we stop her?

Second, the deployment is treated in both Poland and the Czech Republic as a symbol of special trans-Atlantic relationship. Some political analysts claim that such Atlanticism divides Europe into two and the coordination between NATO and the EU will be more difficult.. Some extremists further claim that this division of Europe is the overachieving strategic goal for the United States. While I personally disagree with both statements, I see the political implementation of the deployment in the region. After all, the missile defense system has not yet worked out. Political will from both Poland (or the Czech Republic) and the US seems to drive this deployment. From Moscow’s point view, it can have a domino effect towards Ukraine.

Obama has made clear that he has not yet given a “go” sign to the MD deployment. Many speculates that the motive of this cautiousness comes from his new policy towards Russia, and others claim that he simply does not want to spend unnecessary money.

2. Nuclear Arsenals.

Obama envisions to drastically reduce the US nuclear arsenals to promote peace in the world. While such action can strengthen the NPT (Non-Proliferation Treaty) implementation, Obama’s stance on willingness to talk with Iran may be viewed as compromise in front of such unilateral reduction. As being a Japanese, I never disagree such promising non-nuclear world. However, multilateral reduction including Russia, if possible, is the best case scenario without doubt.

Further, the exception was made for India regarding (civil) nuclear technology transfer at the IAEA (International Atomic Energy Agency). Is this exception applicable to, say, Nepal? If we trust India, but not Nepal, we must have legal reason for such distinction. So far, the IAEA decision seems to be political and economical rather than moral or legal. If this all nuclear policy is based on power politics, can we legitimize the nuclear control by the IAEA or other organizations? Obama has been criticizing the Bush administration taking the path of power politics, and talks about “change.” Then, Obama and his administration must present tougher (or at least standardized) criteria on nuclear regulation, in order to obtain maximum effect from nuclear force reduction.

Regarding the US-Russian relationship, there are several unsolved issues on oil trade, Georgia, free market, WTO membership, human rights for journalists, the CFE (Conventional Armed Forces in Europe) Treaty, and so on. We continue to observe what agreements those two young leaders will reach.

Allegedly, religious extremists and terrorists nesting in Pakistan conducted the strike, according to government officials, scholars, and journalists. Regardless of Pakistani position of the so-called “war on terrorism,” its unstable domestic security is enough to make the world horrified because of possible nuclear proliferation.

What I would like to call attention in THIS article is, however, neither on terrorist groups in Pakistan nor nuclear proliferation; it is on “post hoc ergo propter hoc (after that, therefore because of that).” This phrase is often referred by scholars in political
science and economics, and highlights the difference between correlation and causation. In order to give the readers some idea, I would like to bring an example from a TV drama “the West Wing,” a fictional story of the US administration.

At the premier of the second season, President Bartlet and his staff are shot, and National Security Advisor Dr. McNally recommends the soldier deployment into Kuwait and the Persian Gulf on the ground of possible involvement of Iraq in the attack. President did not take the recommendation. Later in the series, it is revealed that the attack was intended on President’s African-American Personal Aid conducted by a White supremacist group.

Of course, it is a fictional story, and hence, it cannot be compared with the real life situation. Yet, the message “correlation does not mean causation” still holds water. A happens after B does not mean A causes B. Likewise, doing C to stop A does not necessarily stop B. In the story above, Dr. McNally’s recommendation regarding Iraq is ineffective towards the White supremacists, as the gun shot was not fired by anti-American terrorists.

In the next few weeks, Pakistani government led by new leadership is most likely to tighten the security and may arrest several anti-Western activists in Pakistan. However, if (I emphasize this “if”) the bombing was conducted by political opponents in Pakistan who are not satisfied by the new leadership, such arrest mentioned above is off-focus.

In conclusion, tighten the security in order to prevent a further bomb attack is undoubtedly necessary. Yet, the Pakistani authority must be careful to speculate motives of the attack and pre-emptively arrest the possible suspects. If the arrest was mistake, it encourages the further hostility and thus the second strike.

First of all, I give my sincere sympathy toward those who lost family, friends, and houses. Regardless of their nationality, we need to help those victims of power politics. Moreover, I pray for those who lost their lives in the madness of humankind – war. Today, the way to the heaven is clouded by the Georgians, Ossetians, and even Russians who believed their leaders were doing the right thing. Those who lost lives are not guilty of this chaos: let us forgive them.

Second aspect I would like to point out is that “right” or “wrong” means little in a war. Even if the Georgian act of “retaking” South Ossetia is “right,” this “rightness” diminishes in front of the massive casualty. Given the fact Russia has more tanks, ships, airplanes, and soldiers than Georgia, this operation in South Ossetia was a tactical and strategic mistake (even immoral, I think). Moreover, Tbilisi, hours before the attack, declared the cease fire unilaterally and broke it in the morning of 8th August. There are some reports that the Russian Air Force bombed small villages before the Georgian attack took place (and thus, implying legitimate retaliation). Yet, the remaining fact is that Tbilisi committed military actions hours AFTER the cease fire declaration (which was not officially accepted by South Ossetia) and the operation was conducted without prior diplomatic efforts with the United Nations.

Third, Russia has the right to intervene as there are many Russian citizens in South Ossetia. I am not going to legitimize the Russian position on the “peacekeeping” role: that is a different issue. But, one thing for sure is that as Russian citizens in South Ossetia were attacked by Georgia, Russia has the right to protect them. Once again, there is possibility that Russia provoked Georgia. Even so, Georgia should have considered that Russia would attack once Georgia launched offensive operations.

Lastly, some assume that Tbilisi was expecting stronger international support, possibly military intervention by NATO. However, as all political leaders were in Beijing attending the Olympic ceremony, such assumption seems fragile. On the contrary, Tbilisi might have assumed that Russia would react slowly given the Olympic condition. Prime Minister Putin, however, was in Moscow.

At last, Russia does not have the right to overthrow the Georgian government. As Russia had been the one who accused the American approach in Iraq, Russia should know at least on the rhetoric. That said, the fact Georgia attacked South Ossetia without prior diplomatic consensus with the United Nations puts Georgia in a weak position. This was NOT a unilateral invasion by Russia into Georgia as anti-Russian media reports. It was a military conflict between Georgia and South Ossetia in which Russian citizens were involved. It looks like an invasion because the Russian Army and Air Force were overwhelming. Russia even moved the Black Sea Fleet for economic sanction against Georgia. As Georgia ceased fire, such aggressive actions by Russia are no longer necessary. Thus, it is high time to negotiate and to start the reconstruction of the “society of the people” – not the “territory of (some) nationals.”

“No child is entitled as an employee until he/she reaches 14” was the law and accordingly all over the world people stopped recruiting children below and bingo! The government got its share of vote bank and public support but think again? There are loads of children in every traffic signal begging for a single pie the moment you stop your vehicle!! Considering mendicancy as one of biggest profession, these children are forced into without any choice and why not?? The law never defines that “children below 14 should not beg”. Sputtering in all weathers these children try to impress every motorist with their self made tricks and performance be it a singing, dancing or even walking on a rope. Every signal is a piece of bread for these young hearts and every vehicle is their future. Life at 10 for these children is a living inferno; painting themselves, the characters from greatest epics such as “Ramayana” and “Mahabharata” these children try to spread a new “dharma” among the people.

“Dreams unlimited” and their vision determined, these children are totally inconspicuous from the long hands of ‘law’ and the advantage goes to their poor helpless nurtures. When I dared to question one of the children about his future, his reply was simple “I know what I am doing and I am doing it for my family”; believe me; he still hopes of a day where he sees himself uniformed and sitting in a school.

“Every child is special” and so is there future and carrier. Every child’s future is any countries’ developing step, even though many voluntary organizations have taken up a step in picking up street children and educating them, there are loads of them in every signal and on every road.

What sounds more ridiculous is when these kids sell goods of MNC companies, just turn round that packet and you see the MNC granting some part of money to some voluntary organization in support of street children.

Well it’s time for us to realize the thin line between employment and beggary and in both cases it is just the children at the age of 10 being used?

What is the solution for this?

How can stress be reduced in the IT world?

The answer, may be surprising, but is very simple:

Creative dance Education

Dance, as a balanced social, physical, emotional and spiritual activity, touches every part of us.

The study of creative dance deepens our understanding of movement expression as a basic human need.

Through dance we can connect to our inner selves as well as to others transcending barriers of language, race and gender, with the potential to overcome negative attitudes due to different economical, social, religious and cultural backgrounds. At the same time we maintain our own particular identity. Creative educational dance uses our natural abilities to encourage potential and inspire confidence while the movement vocabulary of the participants continuously develops.

Dance as a stress reliever

“There is a dancing bone in every body” said a prolific philosopher. Dancing is known to have a number of beneficial effects. After a good bout of dance, the release of endorphins is immense. The reasoning behind this is simple – if you are dancing to tune that you enjoy, you tend to grin and smile a lot more than you ordinarily would.

Dance and its forms reduce the occurrence of wrinkles to almost 63 per cent.
Dance therapy is recognized world over as a methodology to bring down the stress. Commonly known as DMT, Dance Movement Therapy is the psychotherapeutic use of movement (and dance) for emotional, cognitive, social, behavioural and physical conditions. It is a form of expressive therapy.

Dance therapy is founded on the premise that the body and mind are an interrelated continuum (refer body-mind), that the state of the body may affect mental and emotional wellbeing in manifold ways. In contrast to artistic dance, which is usually concerned with the aesthetic appearance of movement, dance therapy explores the nature of all movement. Through observing and altering the kinaesthetic movements of a client, dance movement therapists diagnose and help solve various psychological problems. As any conscious person can move on some level, this therapy can work with any population.

“No, no, no!” I had stormed out yesterday leaving my Mum baffled and Shabbi Auntie angry, when she brought in yet another rishta-seeking brigade. Can you blame me? Who do these women think they are, bringing along all the Maamis, Chachiis, Khalas and Phuphiis to approve of me? Approve of me – they’re not even pushed whether I would approve of them!!!

The chubby, eternally smiling khala said to me: “What glowing complexion she has!” And the thin Phupphi with heavy specs had piped in, “A lovely addition to the house she would be!” What does one say to that? Except…maybe…as I did: “Glowing? So you can keep me in the dark and not be bothered with the hide-and-seek that electricity plays these days? Not on your life! “Oh, what a nice sense of humour she has!” Chachi’s turn. Grrrrrr…

To top it all, the guy asked me but one question I could’ve done without: “Do you cook aloo-paratha?” I was so touched by his highly intellectual concern that I could’ve happily wrung his thick aloo-filled neck that very moment! Did he really not realize he’d be taking on a whole lot more on his plate than just aloo-paratha by consenting to marry me? Poor thing! I smiled and replied reassuringly, “I promise to learn…if you agree to polish my shoes whenever the maid takes the day off. Deal?”

Mum didn’t speak to me for two days after their hasty departure. Not fair, I tell you. She thinks I’m out and about to ruin the remotest chance of my ever getting married, by the way. She’s not all that wrong, I have to admit! I can think of a hundred and one reasons why I don’t want to be making aloo-paratha to please an idiot for the rest of my life! And why is it so hard for everyone to accept that a gal does not have to get married these days? Who’s going to take care of her, you ask? Why, who else but she herself! It might not be entirely ridiculous to assume that she actually has the capacity to take charge of her own life!

This morning, I’m told, another rishta-seeking party is coming…some ‘foreign-settled’ guy. Mummy has already warned me to keep my unruly tongue in check. Sure, I say. Hmm… Oh, do I hear the bell? Goodness… could it be them already? Mummy’s calling…I’d better go.

“Salaam Auntie.” I hug old Shabbi Auntie – she’s so soft and warm that I can’t help liking her despite her irritating favourite past-time! She introduces us all. Hmm…now, why is the dude staring at me like that? After his stay in Walayat, I should think he’d be used to the female of the species! Humph – minus five for rudeness. He looks up as I approach him with the drinks. He winks. Oh my God, he actually winked at me…right in front of my Mum!!! Whatever happened to cultural sensitivity??? As he leans forward to pick up the glass, the tray tilts ever so slightly – entirely of its own volition, of course – and the contents spill neatly onto his lap.

“What the …!” he jumps up. I feign embarrassment. “Oh…I’m so sorry…what have I done…” I stand there wringing my hands, just like I saw the heroine do in a soap recently on TV. She seemed to get away with just about anything twisting her dainty hands and biting her shiny red lips. Alas, I’m not so lucky… he’s not even listening to my sincere apologies! Mum’s all red and blue and every other colour imaginable…and she’s apologizing too! How embarrassing…Mum, stop!!!

“It’s alright Auntie…just an accident…I’m sure she will learn to be a proper wife in no time!” Croaks the Fresh Prince, looking me up and down. I hate him. Utterly, completely, absolutely. Mum takes charge. “My daughter is perfect just the way she is. I think it’s time for you to leave.” My, oh my! I never saw her like that before…icy chill in her voice, fire in her eyes…WOW! They’re stepping out of the door! Good riddance.

Mission accomplished! And now I can go off to work with a relaxed mind. Hopefully, the boss will not have noticed my turning up late today as Mina would’ve covered for me anyway. I can’t wait to relate the whole story to Mina. As expected, she’s doubling up on the sofa giggling like a school girl! Three cheers for your Mum, she says. Hmmm…and for me? I smile, celebrating my small victory. Sabina joins in – not again, puhleez – with her sob stories…yeah, yeah…husband did this, husband did that. Why the heck doesn’t she do something about that awful huzz-band of hers?!! No point in whining about it uselessly, is there?

Ramis walks in. He’s attracted to women-woe-tales like bees to honey. I can’t stand it so I yell at Sabina to shut up, and at Ramis to find something better to do with his time! What’s this? Her eyes are turning into pools of overflowing lava…oh my God…I just have to get out of here! Ramis offers to take me home as my ‘ride’ isn’t free yet…which is my other colleague, Lamia. Why is he doing me a favour after I yelled at him? I wonder. Whatever…I need the ride!

In the car, he says, “Why are you always rude to Sabina?” I bite an angry retort and ask him instead why he encourages her to throw her sad-tales around? “She needs to unburden.” He replies matter-of-factly. Like hell! I mutter under my breath. “You should encourage her to take a stand, if you really want to help her.” I speak through clenched teeth. He turns around and looks at me as if he’s seeing me for the first time. “What?’ I glare. “You’re a strong woman…or one without experience to reflect on.” He shrugs. “That’s how I’d feel in any case!” I snort.

Two days later, Ramis is standing at my doorstep – with his Mum. Hi, Auntie!” I beam at her and hug her warmly…and stick my tongue out at him over her shoulder. He laughs. Auntie and Mummy are talking animatedly. Funny how they seem to get along so well given it’s their first meeting!

“So what’s the idea?” I turn to him. “Meaning?” Mr. Innocent raises one eyebrow. “You didn’t bother turning up the last time I practically begged you?” “I suddenly found my manners.” Tongue in cheek. “And the moon is made of green cheese.” I nod, understandingly.

“You have such a lovely daughter…Ramis talks so much about her” Auntie looks at me adoringly. Ramis, you’re so dead! I glare at him, but he conveniently busies himself with staring into space. Such an important activity!” Has Ramis told you about his lady love, Auntie?” I ask sweetly. “Huh?” Auntie turns to stare at Ramis. He looks up with a start. I smile…sweet revenge. “She’s a married woman, but don’t you worry…she’ll soon get a divorce. Ramis is so nice and supportive listening to all her sad tales, you know.” Ramis’s threatening look actually has the opposite effect – like, he doesn’t know me? – and I describe in more detail just how supportive he is!

As expected, Auntie suddenly remembers some urgent errand back home and gets up to leave. Ramis …oh… he’s not too pleased, I can tell – teach him not to pre-suppose me on any issue in future! At this point, however, I can no longer control the burst of laughter that is swelling up in my throat. He turns and mouths silently: I’ll get you for this. I flutter my non-existent eyelashes…and offer my hand. Truce? Mummy is looking at me through narrowed slits… hands on hips… she knows exactly what I’m up to… oh my… I better runnnnnnnnn!!!

Speaking from secret location – er…my closet – addressing all who can hear me: I’m not completely anti-marriage, okay? I just hate it that no one seems interested in me – the person. Not one of the rista-seeking Aunties or their sons asked my opinion on anything even remotely appealing to sense and sensibility! Is that fair? I just know God didn’t give me a head to think with, for nothing! I have the same dreams any man has (well, almost!). I do so want an adoring guy of course – like any gal – but why can’t I aspire to find one who supports my aspirations and won’t feel insecure because I can use my brains? Is that too much to ask?

Surely there’s someone out there for me… I’m still looking!!!!

The idea stems from an interesting piece written by Nadeem Chauhan of Navitus Consultancy, who argues that managers need to use better vocabulary to excite, energize and bring out the best from their team members. For instance, while drawing a list of monthly assignments and projects for a team, a manager may use the phrase ‘a must do’ on each project, in his preach to advance the monthly objectives to be attained. However, in practice only some of the projects are really categorized as ‘a must do’ and others as ‘probable’s’. Therefore, if the manager is unable to effectively communicate this distinction, his team may not be able to differentiate between a specific ‘must’ based assignment relative to the ‘probable’, hence will not be able to effectively allot it’s energy, time, resources, mental and physical wealth to each project relative to priority, leading to sub-optimal results.

Let me consider the case of governance to illustrate the point further. The concept of accountability is excessively used in governance practice. However, the definition is overtly vague. What is a leader accountable for? A set of scientific or quantifiable objectives and goals which can be measured such as growth rates etc? or a set of moral objectives such as no cheating, allocative efficiency, equal opportunities etc? which although measurably, are an under-rated subset of the broader definition. Although most will argue for both, it is important to note, that one can be achieved at the expense of the other, hazing the true stance of accountability- its interpretation and subsequent policy action. For instance, productive efficiency (production of a quantity at the lowest cost possible- given the current structure of activity) which may be vital for growth can be achieved at the expense of allocative efficiency (producing with respect to the needs of the people). On the other hand, allocative efficiency may enhance accountability from a moral portfolio, but may undermine growth rates, that is, for example, if the need is health care for the elderly, hence may not have a positive impact on economic growth. However, the pursuit of one instead of the other will fulfil one objective (growth vs allocative efficiency or even both) at the expense of the other, therefore on the whole, how is one doing in the overall level of accountability to responsibility. Confused?

Assume that the year-end objective of a minister is to attain growth (where sustainable growth is a secondary objective- due to various political reasons), based on grounds of economic efficiency, which may subsequently have a positive impact on reducing poverty- hence equity aswell, as shown by some empirical literature in the field (between economic growth and poverty).

In such a case, a regime although low on scores of accountability to responsibility (measured through the moral definition) can still have a positive accountability evaluation based on quantifiable objectives. For instance, Vietnam lacks the existence of an appropriate judicial system, however, it continues to bag unprecedented rates of economic growth (Dani Rodrik, 2008). Similarly, as shown by evidence from India, Cambodia, China and Pakistan, governments have attained high level of economic growth under severe periods of low morally defined accountability-corruption (Anjum Altaf, 2005). Therefore, although our hindsight focuses on moral factors associated with accountability, policy in practice addresses (increasingly) accountability against a set of scientifically quantified and set objectives.

For instance, it is argued that devolved tiers of governments will be captured by the local elites; hence may lack accountability, and resources would be unevenly distributed, subsequently leading to lower levels of economic efficiency and growth (Pudhomme, 1995). However, this may not neccessarily be the case, as local governments, even if allocatively inefficient, can be productively efficient (based on existing structure and fragmentation of resources), hence greater economic growth. This is because, even if resources may be un-equally distributed among the population and may not serve the interest of the larger population, in other words be captured by the few elite, positive growth rates can be attained. For instance, assume that the elite is an industrialist ‘lot’, interested in doubling and tripling it’s income, as argued by Max Weber, who drew the link between the protestant church and industrialisation driven by their core belief of accumulating greater wealth to secure a place in heaven, hence such underlying incentives will lead to a lack of allocative efficiency but greater productive efficiency hence subsequent economic growth. Therefore, although a government may have low levels of accountability from the allocative and moral definition of term, it can still lead to economic growth measured through scientific data, fulfilling the other half of the terminology. Hence, what is the true basis of accountability- a broadly defined term, with competing objectives?

Until and unless moral factors are given quantification through scientific measures, or a distinguishing term in economic analysis, rather than taped under the broad breed of accountability and ‘justice’ driven policy (as generally used on the floor- exceptions apart in some academic debates), the policy apparatus will not precisely hit the ‘nail on the head’. This is due to the vagueness in measurement and globalising nature of our surroundings, leading to the rising importance of growth rates in the international arena rather than effective domestic distributional arrangements and optimising the target population welfare especially in the lagging and striding countries where such disparity is optimised.

Although moral and scientific measures of accountability together are vital for sustainable growth, as it needs to be based on set of generative and evolving institutional incentives (for a later date), growth in it-self can be based on the presence of either one. Therefore, given the hype to attain growth and achieve short term dividends in the foreseeable future, morally defined objectives may be noted as a second-best priority in the umbrella of accountability for developing country leaders, especially as we are re-visiting the age of cross border networks, competitive mentality and knowledge driven bonding- therefore the hype to succeed and be counted given the high stakes.

Therefore, until we disaggregate the definition through effective and precise vocabulary, drawing independence and subsequent respect for the objective and term (sounds extremely sensationalized- I know), there will be a wedge between our hindsight and what our policy sets out to achieve. Hence, the real problem will remain unsolved. In other words, language and vocabulary are one of the most under-rated, yet key ingredients to attaining optimal results, drawing clarity in understanding which is vital for subsequent remedy, which in the current age of globalisation are being exposed to their prime where language harmonization yet differentiation is at competing crosswords (given the rising importance of English as a language, yet its underdeveloped form of practice, understanding and interpretation world over), leading to the development of a bridge between ideology and practice.

The discussion drew from a class room debate of what is a government really accountable for? And what if, one branch comes at the expense of the other?