'Didn't Maharaja Hari Singh procrastinate too long?'
Dr Richard Cohen, executive director of the Hyderabad-based Indo-American Centre for International Studies, kept at the chat, despite what he called a slow modem connection that forced him to shift to a cybercafe.
Apart from looking after the centre's administrative well-being, as well as work on fundraising, Dr Cohen works with academic fellows and plans conferences.
Whether it was a question about being related to Dr Stephen Cohen, which he isn't, or if he supports a higher moral standing for the US president, which he did, Dr Richard Cohen thoroughly enjoyed the time he spent on the Rediff Chat.
Dr Richard J Cohen (Fri Mar 17 19100 4:44 IST)
Hello, I'm here!
kumar (Thu Mar 16 19100 8:5 IST)
It is a matter of shame that the State guest will stay in a hotel and not in the President house
Dr Richard J Cohen (Fri Mar 17 19100 4:46 IST)
Kumar: In my opinion, no, because the Indian govt has no control over the decisions of President Clinton's security team, which has decided that Rashtrapati Bhavan is "unsafe."
Mayank (Fri Mar 17 19100 4:41 IST)
What is on Mr Clinton's agenda when he visits Pakistan? Isn't going there tantamount to accepting the government there?
Dr Richard J Cohen (Fri Mar 17 19100 4:48 IST)
Mayank: President Clinton and his spokespersons have clearly stated that his visiting Pakistan is in no way vindication of the political situation in Pakistan. Infact, I expect Pres Clinton to emphasise his position which is that he supports the immediate return of democracy in Pakistan.
Rakesh (Fri Mar 17 19100 4:43 IST)
Do you think the Indian government dealt very shoddily the whole issue of Clinton visiting Pakistan?
Dr Richard J Cohen (Fri Mar 17 19100 4:57 IST)
Rakesh: I don't think "shoddy" is the right term. But, I do believe that India's statements trod on the ground of "intervening" in the foreign policy of another nation, which I suspect the Indian govt would argue is a national right. Thus, I think the Indian govt. shouldn't make a BIG issue out of it, as it seems to have done.
Nahant (Fri Mar 17 19100 4:28 IST)
Dear Sir what will be the US administrations attitude towards the Kashmir issue?
Dr Richard J Cohen (Fri Mar 17 19100 5:0 IST)
Nahant: I wouldn't want to say necessarily what will be the US position with respect to the Kashmir issue, but I expect the US will continue to gently suggest, hopefully through private channels, that it stands ready to help in the mediation whenever needed.
jo (Fri Mar 17 19100 4:55 IST)
Mr Cohen, How did you land this job? What primarily you do at your institute? And who funds you?
Dr Richard J Cohen (Fri Mar 17 19100 5:5 IST)
Jo: First, let me apologize for this slow connection! I applied for this job through the Fulbright competition. I am the executive director of the Centre, which means that I look out for the administrative well-being, as well as work on fundraising. I also work with our academic fellows and plan conferences. We are presently operating about 90% on a Ford Foundation grant, until Sept. 2001, at which point I will have to close the Centre if I can't find additional funding. By the way, we have a wonderful library of around 200,000 printed materials. We are the second largest "American Studies" library outside the USA!
Mohan (Fri Mar 17 19100 4:32 IST)
Sir there is a widely held perception that the Jaswant-Talbott talks have achieved a quid pro quo according to which India signs the CTBT and in return USA lifts the post-Pokhran sanctions. If Clinton does propose to do this during his visit, don't you think this is a bad bargain for India strategically? Shouldn't India demand inclusion in the NPT as a nuclear power and a permanent seat in the security council in return of signing the CTBT?
Dr Richard J Cohen (Fri Mar 17 19100 5:8 IST)
Mohan: I don't think there's a quid pro quo involving the CTBT issue. There may be intense discussions that will be conducted over the issue, but I don't expect any "force" to be involved. India can bargain over this point and try to push for a seat on the Security Council, however, India should base its claim on a Security Council seat on more direct arguments.
timothy (Fri Mar 17 19100 4:43 IST)
Good evening, Dr Richard Cohen. Are your related to Dr Stepjem Cohen? Also, after Clinton, do you think the next visit of a US president will be in the year 2022? Or will it be earlier? When and why?
Dr Richard J Cohen (Fri Mar 17 19100 5:13 IST)
Timothy: No, I'm not related to Stephen Cohen. By the way, my modem connection here in Hyderabad is too slow, slow give me 10 minutes, and I'll shift to a Cyber Cafe nearby.
Duggal (Fri Mar 17 19100 4:45 IST)
Mr Cohen why do you think has India not featured in the itinerary of any American president in the last two decades and what has made this visit come about?
Dr Richard J Cohen (Fri Mar 17 19100 5:34 IST)
Duggal: Cold War issues have continually gotten in the way of Indo-American friendly relations. In addition, until recently, even economic interdependence was not a big issue. NOw, I believe, it is the result of INdia entry into the geopolitical environment, in the nuclear sphere, as well as the economic which is driving the rethinking of the American understanding of the relationship.
rajmohan (Fri Mar 17 19100 4:46 IST)
Jai Hind! Will India sign the CTBT and agree to mediation in Kashmir?
Dr Richard J Cohen (Fri Mar 17 19100 5:36 IST)
Rajmohan: In the present political climate in INdia, where the govt. is comprised of a complex coalition, I don't expect the govt. is easily build a national consensus on signing the CTBT. With respect to Kashmir, again, I don't think the CTBT issue will become linked to settling the Kashmir issue. First, there must be political will on both sides to even begin to discuss the major issues. It appears we are a way off from that situation.
Kamlesh (Fri Mar 17 19100 4:46 IST)
What is the likely impact of Clinton's visit on educational exchange program between India and USA?
Dr Richard J Cohen (Fri Mar 17 19100 5:38 IST)
Kamlesh: Good question. This is my area. First, there has been no mention that "educational exchanges" are on or near the top of the agenda for this visit. Nevertheless, in the follow-up period after the visit, I hope that educational exchanges will become part of the dialogue, and at that point I hope to score a few points for the role of the Indo-American Centre for International Studies.
Lata (Fri Mar 17 19100 4:46 IST)
Will the visit actually help India and the US get together to face the menace of global terrorism and religious fundamentalism that threaten the very fabric of our liberal and plural societies?
Dr Richard J Cohen (Fri Mar 17 19100 5:40 IST)
Lata: Yes, I expect Clinton and his advisors to discuss intensely ways in which India and US can cooperate in dealing with terrorism. This is a stated point on the agenda.
Its me (Fri Mar 17 19100 4:48 IST)
Do you think the sanctions on India will be lifted after this visit?
Dr Richard J Cohen (Fri Mar 17 19100 5:42 IST)
It's Me: "Sanctions" encompasses a long list of items. Some on the list will probably be removed quickly. Others will hang around for a while. Already, as a result of trade negotiations with the US trade negotiator, many restricted items have already been removed.
Hari (Fri Mar 17 19100 4:57 IST)
Good Evening, Mr Cohen. What are you expectations from Bill Clinton's visit to India at this juncture?
Dr Richard J Cohen (Fri Mar 17 19100 5:45 IST)
Hari: I have high expectations for this visit. There is much energy pushing both sides together. However, the past relationship has often been suddenly derailed by unforeseen issues that tend to crop up, and the effect of the visit could possibly be weakened by certain intervening events/issues. I hope not. Both sides should work hard at talking to one another as opposed to past one another.
sy (Fri Mar 17 19100 4:59 IST)
How serious are the implications of the recent revelation that Pakistan is trailing its nuclear war heads on India? Is that true?
Dr Richard J Cohen (Fri Mar 17 19100 5:47 IST)
Sy: First, let me comment that one can't always believe what you read in the newspapers. If the satellite photos are "real" and their interpretation is to be trusted,then, sure, it is of grave concern that Pakistan would take such an inflammatory step. But, I'd wait and see whether that intelligence proves correct.
Gupte (Fri Mar 17 19100 4:59 IST)
We have read that Mr Clinton's mother in law will be travelling with him, any idea why?
Dr Richard J Cohen (Fri Mar 17 19100 5:48 IST)
Gupte: Well, if you're the president, I would imagine you can decide what seats are provided to others. After all, the President does have family relationships, and I would imagine his mother-in-law is a close friend. Why not?
Parvaz (Fri Mar 17 19100 5:0 IST)
Why wasn't Mrs Hillary Clinton able to join him in this visit?
Dr Richard J Cohen (Fri Mar 17 19100 5:50 IST)
Parvaz: If you were campaigning against Rudi Guiliani, wouldn't you stay home?
Mukul (Fri Mar 17 19100 5:1 IST)
How can a morally compromised man lead the US presidency? Don't you think it sets a dangerous precedent in a world that is already getting morally bankrupt?
Dr Richard J Cohen (Fri Mar 17 19100 5:51 IST)
Mukul: Many have made this point. There are two arguments. I suppose one must recognise that life isn't so simple, even if you are the President. However, I think you are emphasising that, in the case of the position of the US presidency, there should be a higher standard. I would agree.
Anish Tripathi (Fri Mar 17 19100 5:6 IST)
One simple question. Does the US know that Maharaja Hari Singh signed the document of accession to India and therefore the entire territory of the erstwhile state of Jammu & Kashmir belongs to India, including the illegally occupied part of PoK. Unless the US wants to undo the fact of partition, what stops the US from accepting India's stand and calling for Pak to vacate PoK; isn't that what the UN resolution of 1947 also said? Please reply in detail.
Dr Richard J Cohen (Fri Mar 17 19100 5:55 IST)
Anish Tripathi: A tantalising question, fraught with difficulties. In all fairness, one needs to review ALL the events leading up to the standoff between India and Pakistan. I don't want to get into all the details here, mainly because it would take the entire time we have to review them. Let's just say that Hari Singh could have made things a little easier if he hadn't wanted it both ways in the beginning, No? Didn't he procrastinate too long?
Geo (Fri Mar 17 19100 5:8 IST)
Do you think, Hillary will one day make it to the White House? After a high profile fight in New York, a stunning performance in the Senate, the final stopover could be White House for her? Pl comment. In that case, what will Clinton do? Will he once again shift to White House?
Dr Richard J Cohen (Fri Mar 17 19100 5:57 IST)
Geo: Fascinating question(s). The American voter is pretty savvy. If Mrs Clinton does a good job as senator, I would expect that she would have a better than 50/50 shot at competing for the Democratic slot, if she wished. After all, she's got plenty of experience now. And, she could be the first woman president of the US; something the nation needs badly.
LP (Fri Mar 17 19100 5:37 IST)
Do you foresee a new ground breaking through with this visit between India and US and what would be the catalyst that causes that?
Dr Richard J Cohen (Fri Mar 17 19100 6:11 IST)
LP: Yes, I expect much "new ground" to be broken. The US, however, will have to reduce its insistence on predicating "progress" in the relationship on the difficult issues pertaining to nuclearization. In other words, we shouldn't hold hostage our relationship with India to very difficult political/philosophical problems, such as solving the world nuclear threat.
LP (Fri Mar 17 19100 5:11 IST)
What do you find lacking in Indian diplomacy?
Dr Richard J Cohen (Fri Mar 17 19100 6:0 IST)
LP: Over the years, the Indian Govt. has been pretty consistent in its foreign policy. Look at how it handled South Africa. In 1953 India severed relations with the South African govt over the issue of apartheid, then forty years later, when the problem was addressed, India established a relationship. Sometimes I wonder that nationalist feelings influence India's thinking on foreign policy formulation too much. A common complaint about Clinton visiting India by those who emphasise the swadeshi position is that India will somehow be giving up her sovereignty.
Rajesh (Fri Mar 17 19100 5:12 IST)
Well, Mr Cohen, do you mean to suggest that India should suck up to the US even when the US itself is mollycoddling our arch enemy Pakistan? In that case why did the US have a problem with our friendship with the erstwhile Soviet Union?
Dr Richard J Cohen (Fri Mar 17 19100 6:2 IST)
Rajesh: I didn't mean to suggest that the India should "suck up" to the US by any means. Is talking about serious issues and negotiating respective positions, "sucking up"? As I said earlier, I don't think Clinton's visiting Pakistan in any way is an attempt to coddle.
sajeev (Fri Mar 17 19100 5:21 IST)
Why not the US stop developing new and improved nuclear devices before forcing INDIA to sign CTBT?
Dr Richard J Cohen (Fri Mar 17 19100 6:5 IST)
Sajeev: You're right. The US is hypocritical on the question of possession and further development of nuclear weapons. However, it is a little known fact that there is a provision in the CTBT which allows any signer of the treaty to renounce it if the country decides that its national interests at any time are jeopardised by being a signatory.
Narasimha (Fri Mar 17 19100 5:21 IST)
Mr Cohen, why is it that US presidents only visit India, if at all, at the fag end of their terms? Carter probably was the only one who came in earlier, but nothing much came of it because our government was unstable at the time. Wouldn't it have been wiser to have waited a few months more and got Gore/Bush here instead? For Clinton, this must be just a paid holiday at the American taxpayer's expense.
Dr Richard J Cohen (Fri Mar 17 19100 6:8 IST)
Narasimha: I agree. But, let's take a more positive viewpoint and hope, nay, expect that the future relationship between India and the US will demand that every president from now on will have very close relations with Indian prime ministers, so that state visits will become routine in both directions. Earlier, as I said before, the Cold War environment created many big issues between the two nations which continually frustrated their willingness to get together.
Varun (Fri Mar 17 19100 5:39 IST)
Mr Cohen do you think the cap of 100,000 visas a year is justified? Do you see the cieling being raised in this visit?
Dr Richard J Cohen (Fri Mar 17 19100 6:13 IST)
Varun: I assume you're referring to the H1-B visa situation. Actually, I think the total is around 150,000 instead of 100,000. Just a year or two ago it was a 65,000. I know that American businesspeople are lobbying vigorously for increases in the number. I suspect the US govt will respond favourably. Recent history would suggest it. It's a fact that the American educational system is not producing enough qualified graduates in areas which are needed. India has an educational system which develops expertise in just such areas.
Rocky (Fri Mar 17 19100 5:42 IST)
Sir what is the single most important milestone in your view which the clinton-vajpayee summit would be able to attain in strategic terms?
Dr Richard J Cohen (Fri Mar 17 19100 6:16 IST)
Rocky: The US now publicly recognises that India is the major power in South Asia. Therefore, it would follow that the US ought to offer India initiatives which further strengthens India role. The US will probably take advantage of such a partnership in balancing power in Asia, especially against China. Then, there's the strategic possibilities which relate to Pakistan and Afghanistan.
Moi (Fri Mar 17 19100 5:48 IST)
What issues do you fear could derail the growing Indo-US relationship? And what can be done about them? Are they inevitable?
Dr Richard J Cohen (Fri Mar 17 19100 6:20 IST)
Moi: Certainly, the Kashmir issue is no. 1,which also involves India's relationship with Pakistan. Still, the US relationship with India is impacted by the US's historical relationship with Pakistan. I think the Indian govt. will have to modify its insistent opinion that the US must practically end its relationship with Pakistan before it can hope to improve things with India. This is a very hot issue. Then, there's the development of nuclear weapons. Although the US has officially recognised India's right to possess such weapons. But, if India were to continue to test, it would certainly complicate things immensely.
Yari (Fri Mar 17 19100 5:51 IST)
Mr Cohen, this visit i different because the president is meeting people/businessmen rather than the age old system of meeting babu'...how has that happened?
Dr Richard J Cohen (Fri Mar 17 19100 6:25 IST)
Yari: The US president listens closely to his own constituencies; in this case the Indian-American community. I would expect that he wants to have serious talks with Indians who are influential in the new worlds of IT and other high technology areas, because they have counterparts in the US. But, one should not underestimate the influence of the babus as you call them. I did attend a conference recently in Hyderabad sponsored by the Confederation of Indian Industry. There were representatives from the AP State govt. They were at times criticised by the businesspeople in the audience on the slowness of the bureaucracy. I think the Indian business world has a much stronger voice in the present political environment than before.
Suparman (Fri Mar 17 19100 5:52 IST)
Hello, Dr Cohen. Do you mean to say that the satellite photos of Pak nukes could be fake? Would that mean FAS is not an above-board organisation?
Dr Richard J Cohen (Fri Mar 17 19100 6:27 IST)
Superman: I don't mean to suggest that the source of the photos is fake. I actually don't remember seeing any photos in the newspaper article I read. But.......
SandeepS (Fri Mar 17 19100 5:53 IST)
Mr. Clinton's visit at the twilight of his tenure as the President, I doubt the prioritisation of the US on issues concerning this part of the sub continent. I also doubt on any conslidation of gains from this trip due to the above reason. Comment ?
Dr Richard J Cohen (Fri Mar 17 19100 6:29 IST)
SandeepS: Your basic point is solid. I can only say that US foreign policy over the years has tended to be remarkably consistent on basic issues, whether the executive was run by Democrats or Republicans. After all, the Indo-American relationship will have a life of its own, regardless of the political philosophy of the president's party.
Ritu (Fri Mar 17 19100 6:1 IST)
Dr Cohen, that's an interesting point. The US in 225 years of existence hasn't had a woman as president. Nor a black or even a Latin. When are these wrongs going to be righted?
Dr Richard J Cohen (Fri Mar 17 19100 6:31 IST)
Ritu: Well, I guess not in the next four years, as the two front-running candidates have XY chromosomes. Let's hope in 2004.
Nag Laxman Rao (Fri Mar 17 19100 5:53 IST)
Dr. Cohen, In the context of improved relations between US and India, Do you think that there is increased responsibility to Indo American Centre for International Studies, especially to you to increase its activities. At the same time, do you feel that both state and Central Govts should also fund the centre looking at its services to Indian academic World? Is there any possibility of getting more funding from American or Indian Governments.
Dr Richard J Cohen (Fri Mar 17 19100 6:35 IST)
Nag Laxman Rao: Good question. We are trying to expand and extend our activities. Certainly, I would like to see the Centre become a neutral space where Indians and Americans can openly discuss all the important issues between them. To do this properly, we will need to attract funding, in equal proportion, or nearly so, from both sides. WE have just 12 to 18 months to accomplish that funding goal. I hope to succeed. The evolving relationship between the two countries will continue to become more dependent on high quality dialogue. The IACIS could facilitate it.
sudarshan (Fri Mar 17 19100 6:14 IST)
Cohenji, all the issues between India and the US are not legacies of the Cold War. You are probably also aware of the very big issue of culture, of the rapid growth of the degenerative American culture which threatens to swamp our own and destroy our society like it has destroyed Western society.
Dr Richard J Cohen (Fri Mar 17 19100 6:41 IST)
Sudarshan: Really goooooood point. It has greatly disturbed me that the US govt. has stopped funding centre's like mine, because it argues that there is no longer a need to provide information about the USA since there is global acceptance of the American way of doing things. Personally, I believe this to be a naive belief, and quite dangerous. But, I don't think it's inevitable that Indian culture will be erased by the "corrupt" American culture as you call it. By the way, there are many good attributes still left in American culture.
jos (Fri Mar 17 19100 6:18 IST)
Mr Cohen, Wasnt very ruthless of Mrs Hillary Clinton to have accepted $50,000 from Pakistani contributors, and thus pressurise her husband to visit Pak?
Dr Richard J Cohen (Fri Mar 17 19100 6:43 IST)
Jos: I read in a newspaper that it wasn't so much the $50,000 donation that was influential, as it might have been the suggestions of Mr Safi Qureshi who is CEO of AST Research in Silicon Valley, CA. But, in fact, I think there are other compelling reasons for Clinton to touch down in Islamabad. I believe Clinton will send a strong message to restore democracy in Pakistan, and then leave.
Paul Gideon (Fri Mar 17 19100 6:33 IST)
Dr Richard J Cohen: At last!! the systems connectivity were on at 1910 hrs. My question to you is What would be the role of the Indo-American Centre for International Studies during the visit of President Clinton? Bye
Dr Richard J Cohen (Fri Mar 17 19100 6:45 IST)
Paul Gideon: As of right now, I have not been contacted by the president's advance team about a visit or role of the IACIS in Clinton's visit to Hyderabad. But, I am ready to receive him if the chance arises. Unfortunately, Clinton will spend only five hours in Hyderabad.
Rothak (Fri Mar 17 19100 6:32 IST)
Mr Cohen any major announcement that will be made by the president on his visit?:-)
Dr Richard J Cohen (Fri Mar 17 19100 6:46 IST)
Rothak: One aspect of this visit that is really bothersome is the lack of advance discussion and clarity with respect to just what will be announced during the visit, and what will be on the discussion agenda. I think there will be several mou's signed on such issues as environment and trade.
Dr Richard J Cohen (Fri Mar 17 19100 6:49 IST)
Goodbye to all. I thoroughly enjoyed discussing this most important upcoming event. I look forward to chatting in the future. You're welcome to email me at rjcohen@usa.net, or write to me at Indo-American Centre for International Studies, Osmania Univ. Campus, Hyderabad 500 007, INdia. Bye!
'Is talking about serious issues and negotiating respective positions, 'sucking up'?' |
