WAR ON TERROR

EXCLUSIVE ONE-ON-ONE INTERVIEW (FILE) WITH SPANTA: VIDEO BY NATHAN MARTIN. COPYRIGHT.

Interview with ex-Afghan foreign minister; Karzai denies Pak-US war comments, says he was misquoted

The Afghan President Hamid Karzai is no stranger to controversies. He recently found himself in hot water after he reportedly told a TV channel that in event of a war between the US and Pakistan, he would back Pakistan.

Karzai later back tracked noting that his comments were taken out of context. Karzai has often berated Pakistan for interfering in his country’s affairs. This is not the first time Karzai has come under fire, and probably won’t be the last.

In the past, Karzai has fired broadsides at the US only to make U-turns later. According to some newspaper reports, Karzai is on a chemically-induced emotional roller-coaster.

Coming on the heels of a tense relations between the US and Pakistan, things have come to a complete pass following the killing of Osama Bin Laden. The US, however, has ruled out the possibility of a war with its ally.

Karzai must not forget the monumental contribution of the Americans as the Afghan people owe their freedom to the Americans who freed them from the clutches of Taleban. The US was also involved in the rebuilding of Afghanistan that involves sectors such as health, infrastructure and energy, among others.  

Moreover, the American security blanket around Karzai has kept the president away from harm’s way. I am not trying to lionize the Americans but giving credit where it is due.

On the other side of the spectrum, Karzai also owes India in a great measure. His fledgling government is being trained in New Delhi, and Karzai himself studied political science in India. In addition, India has offered $2 billion developmental assistance, and built a new parliament building.

Karzai often expressed his gratitude to New Delhi but when it came to Pakistan he changed colors. India has been a victim of the cross-border terrorism, and has often accused Pakistan of carrying out attacks on its soil.

Interview with Former Afghan foreign minister Dr. Rangin Spanta

I firmly believe that Afghanistan has some great leaders, and one of them is Dr. Rangin Spanta, who served as the foreign minister in the Karzai-led government. Spanta also served as a senior adviser to Karzai. He also taught at the RWTH Aachen University, Germany.

Given his wealth of political knowledge and international exposure, Dr. Spanta is a perfect fit for the presidency. In an interview with Dr. Spanta during his visit to the Gulf, I found him very articulate, and there is a sense of candidness about him. He spoke about a variety of issues, including rebuilding of Afghanistan, US monetary assistance, war on terror and Afghanistan’s economy.

Dr. Spanta was quick to acknowledge the US contribution to his country. He went on to add: “The Americans freed us from the reign of terror and this is the reason why a majority of Afghans support the presence of American troops and other foreign forces in Afghanistan. America played a dominant role against terror and it would have not been possible to combat terrorism without its cooperation.”

Taking the point further, he added: “The Americans have been playing a significant role as more than 50 per cent of the monetary aid comes from the US. They also have contributed towards rebuilding various sectors, including infrastructure, energy and health, among others.”

Dr. Spanta also lauded the role of Nato troops and added that Afghanistan needed their presence till its security apparatus was back on its feet.

                                              Rohit Verma
Acting boosts popularity of top Indian fashion designer; Rohit set to launch biggest flagship store amid pomp

Fashion and acting go hand-in-hand for Rohit Verma.

Though Rohit has established himself as a well-known Indian fashion designer, it was acting that thrust him to greater fame.

Besides designing ensembles for the crème da la crème of Bollywood, Rohit has organized many successful international fashion shows. Rohit became a house-hold name after he featured in the Big Boss Season Three, TV series, and that sent his stocks soaring.

Rohit cut his acting teeth in a cameo role in the film “Page Three” and that won him acclaim and brought to surface his acting talent. Rohit recently signed a new film but kept the details under the wraps in line with the non-disclosure agreement.

Rohit has again found himself in the news as he is hosting a popular TV show in which he takes tongue-in-cheek barbs at celebrities.

Rohit’s own brand Hare has found instant success. Hare’s forte lies in its unique augmentation of mystically synthesizing rich colors of his native homeland with elegance of a global woman.

In an exclusive interview with this writer, Rohit talked about a range of issues, including the global fashion trend, his current projects and social media, among others.

Q: Are you content with the way fashion industry is progressing on the global level?

 A: Fashion industry and the need for fashion have grown several folds as much as to say it has become a necessity today as opposed to luxury before.  This change has prompted each designer to churn out more and more, and deliver new products from time to time.

Q: How would you describe brand Hare in your own words?

 A: Hare is all about Lord Krishna as he has always been there in my life in my good and bad times, ups and downs.  In short, I work towards a good beginning, most of the time for people i.e. making garments for their weddings etc. I think it’s always good to have a spiritual, positive vibe around the clothes.

Q: What are some of the characteristics that have enabled you to carve a niche for yourself?

A: I am focusing on brand Hare to cater to the mid-income and high-income market. More importantly, I personally attend to most of my clients without keeping my celebrity status in the way of business.

Q:  What are some of the current projects you are working on?

A: Well, I am currently doing Style Strip which is a show that I am anchoring on Zoom TV. It is one of the leading entertainment channels associated with Bollywood, where I slam celebrities on similar lines of Fashion Police. I also have signed a movie with a leading banner which I cannot disclose due to a non-disclosure agreement.  I am also on the cusp of opening my flagship store in Juhu, Mumbai.

This is going to be one of the biggest by a designer with an area admeasuring around 5000 sq ft. It will feature men’s, women’s wear, pret as well as couture.  Additionally, it will also encompass Indian as well as Western wear from cocktail dresses to gowns to lehengas to pret suits.  I am also having a launch for the brand on November 8 at Sheesha Lounge in Juhu where there will be a fashion show. This event will be based on the Las Vegas theme featuring all top models, and a few celebrities walking the ramp.

Q: Do you have a publicist?

 A: I do not need a publicist as where ever I go, the media follows me, as I was a part of a very big reality show---Big Boss Season Three. Such was the publicity that it has become difficult for me to visit a public place in India without being mobbed.  I got the show on my own steam and my past achievements.

Q: How much importance do you accord to publicity?

 A: Publicity is important for a brand but at the end of the day, it’s about what you deliver and the word of mouth that spreads a positive goodwill in the market and among the clients.

Q: Do you use the social media platforms, such as Twitter and Facebook to reach out to your fans, or to promote your brand for that matter?

A:  I do interact with my fans on Facebook even as some students see me as their idol/mentor. I do guide them, and chat with them on Facebook.  As for me, it’s not really about brand promotion on social media but interacting with fans and followers alike.

Q: Can you touch on some of your celebrity clients both in India and elsewhere?

A: We have been dressing up several Bollywood actresses, and were also the ones who designed Liz Hurley’s wedding outfit.  The Bollywood celebrities are our regular clientele as our store is based in the heart of where the big names in Bollywood live.

Q: How has fashion industry evolved over the past few years in India?

A: Fashion Industry has grown several folds in India and abroad with international fashion outlets coming into India and the growth in the Indian market itself making the environment highly competitive. This is in a way good for the industry because consumers get quality at a good price.

Q: Have you worked on any projects in Canada?

 A: I do have clients in Canada whose outfits I have designed…NRI's who come down to India for their bridal or wedding wear.  

For more information on Rohit’s collection visit: www.rohitkverma.com

                Minister Churchill Alemao drives home a point. Photo by Peter DaSilva

Passion fuels Churchill to be publicist of his own soccer club; Politico overcomes crisis with shrewd tactics

Churchill Alemao dons multiple hats. He is the owner of a top flight soccer club in India, and a successful politician. Add to that his role of a publicist for his club, besides being a business tycoon.

 “It gives me a great satisfaction to promote my own club, and this is something that I cannot describe in words,” Churchill said during a telephonic interview with this writer.

Churchill is the boss of Churchill Brothers Sports Club, and currently the Minister of Technology, and Public Works and Development in the State Cabinet.

“It’s not that we cannot afford a publicist but cementing your own brand with your own communications efforts is totally rewarding and enriching experience,” adds Churchill, who despite his gruelling schedule regularly finds time to promote his club activities.  

Churchill Brothers enjoy the distinction of being the first ever family owned club in India. Besides winning the domestic league, the club left its imprint by registering wins over some formidable clubs in Asia.

Churchill has emerged as a political heavyweight with his sharp acumen, and has been instrumental in promoting soccer at the grassroots level in India.

His club boasts of players who have made a mark on the international circuit. Though his rivals have levelled allegations of graft against him, Churchill has slammed them as “politically motivated.”

Churchill has proven skills in handling crisis management.  

Churchill’s PR efforts came to the fore when he managed to bail himself out from a controversy that was threatening to snowball. He managed to clear his image on his own steam. His party later gave him a clean chit.

Moreover, one of his players was also embroiled in a controversy, but managed to ride out of the storm with Churchill embarking on a fire fighting mission on a war footing.

Churchill opined that it is important to build good relations with the media personnel and disseminate information in a quick fashion to counter any negative publicity.

“Journalists should be treated on an even keel. When you promise something to them, deliver on it. That is very important,” he asserted.

 “It all boils down to passion for the job you do, nothing more, nothing less. If you put your heart and soul into your job, then you will definitely go a long way,” says Churchill with a tinge of excitement in his voice.

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Call to get US marines off the streets; attacking Iran will be terrible mistake: Former US Commander in Chief

Iraqis can take some solace from the fact that violence is showing some signs of respite with the number of civilians killed in September 2011 fell to 110 from 155 in August. In May this year, a total of 102 civilians died, even as this has been the lowest figure in 2011.  

Iraq has a long way to go in rebuilding its war-torn infrastructure. In April this year, the Iraqi Cabinet approved $37-billion program to upgrade its infrastructure. Of the $37b, a whopping $10-billion has been allocated to transport infrastructure.

Iraq’s security apparatus leaves a lot to be desired. The alleged peneration of some Baathist elements (Saddam loyalists) into the security apparatus has made the situation even more worse.

More importantly, the country has been found wanting when it comes to attracting foreign investors.

The onus is now on the current government to create a conducive economic atmosphere for foreign investors, who are within the region. There are a number of well-known regional players which definitely will capitalize on the investment opportunities provided they are extended stability and security blanket.  

Violence and lack of stability in the country have left ordinary Iraqis frustrated. I interviewed many Iraqis who seemed to be disenchanted with the state of the affairs post-Saddam Hussein.

They were unequivocal in saying that they enjoyed security and stability during Saddam’s regime, besides uninterrupted flow of running water and electricity. This, they said, was a far cry under the present regime.

Joseph Hoar, Former US Commander in Chief

A person who is well-versed in the Middle East affairs, and particularly Iraq is none other than Joseph Hoar, the Former Commander in Chief of the United States Central Command.

During his visit to the Gulf, I interviewed Joseph on the sidelines of a security related conference where he was one of the speakers and kept the audience enthused with his witty remarks.

Joseph was charmingly forthcoming in his replies during the interview, and fielded a range of questions ranging from US troops drawdown, Iran to sectarian violence.

He opposed the idea of American soldiers manning the checkpoints in Iraq, noting a premature withdrawal of the US troops from Iraq would be seen as a defeat to America.

Replying to a question, Joseph noted that any decision to attack Iran would be a "terrible mistake" and that the Americans had important issues to deal with.

He affirmed that the US went to war with Iraq on a false pretext, and that there were no weapons of mass destructions in Iraq.

Stretching the point further, he quipped: “The American people were misled on Iraq.”