Wednesday, October 28, 1998
Adventurism as strategy
In rejecting the Indian proposal for no first use of nuclear weapons, Pakistan has revealed some of its thinking on nuclear strategy. Two strands stand out, and both are a little disturbing from our point of view. We have publicly pledged not to use nuclear weapons first and said that ours is minimum deterrence, enough to secure us against other nuclear powers.
Double talk on CTBT
A new ambiguity is appearing in official references to the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty (CTBT). Until a few weeks ago the line was, the government is working towards a signature on the document. Now the old mantras are back with the PM saying India will not subscribe to discriminatory regimes and the Defence Minister suggesting recognition of India as a nuclear weapons power and disarmament measures linked to the CTBT are essential preconditions.
A raw deal for the judges
Thousands of judges in dingy courts without adequate books, stationery, telephones, transport or housing uphold the sovereign majesty of the law. State governments dump them under the heading subordinate judiciary by conveniently forgetting that they constitute the judicial service of the state.
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