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The Wire
an hour ago
- Politics
- The Wire
A President and a Field Marshal
No one knows if the goat cheese gateau and burnt cipollini soubise the White House chef served at the famous Donald Trump-Asim Munir lunch were to the Pakistani field marshal's liking, but it is more than evident that this breaking of bread in Washington has set the cat among some very nervous strategic pigeons in New Delhi. The knee-jerk reaction is to pooh-pooh a very consequential event. The Pakistani newspaper Dawn reports that 'the meeting was not arranged through routine diplomatic channels, and was the outcome of 'unorthodox efforts' by a group of advisers, businessmen and other influential figures.' The same assessment is then passed on by 'sources' to the Indian Express, presumably as an expression of Indian foreign office disdain for an event that is an embarrassment for the ' vishwaguru ' coming so soon after Operation Sindoor. Sadly, no one in South Block remembers Deng Xiaoping's working axiom: it does not matter if the cat is black or white as long as it catches the mice. But, then, who can deny us our right to wallow in self-righteousness. Our current bewilderment at a democratically elected president hosting a self-promoted field marshal can easily be traced back to a misreading of American historical traditions. American society has always held the military man in high esteem; the very first president of the United States was the victorious general George Washington. After World War II, when the United States arrogated to itself the role of policeman of the new global order, the use of the military force and armed intervention became the most legitimate instrument at the disposal of the American presidents. In the famous spat between President Harry Truman and General Douglas MacArthur (called 'America's most talented general of this – the 20th – century' by Henry Kissinger), American public opinion was not entirely behind the White House. And, the election of a victorious general, Dwight Eisenhower, in the 1952 presidential election was a reaffirmation of a tradition of awe and reverence for the man in fatigues. Indeed, generals and admirals have always found their way to key decision-making slots as the US got busy quelling (or starting) fires around the world. It came naturally for American diplomacy not to regard the generals in Asia, Africa or Latin America as un-touchable. Influential intellectual voices like Samuel Huntington theorised about the stabilising role of the military in the Third World as newly liberated countries experimented with freedom and chaos. This notion of the military's institutional usefulness has been a constant consideration in the US approach towards Pakistan. We have always thought we were Washington's preferred partner because we are a 'democracy', and self-servingly felt disappointed that its affection was equally shared between 'a democratic India' and a 'dictatorial Pakistan'. In his memoir Nice Guys Finish Second, B.K. Nehru, then our man in Washington, talks of having been invited to an exclusive, 'coming out of mourning' party held by Jackie Kennedy. The date was September 22, 1965. India and Pakistan were at war; the Indian army was getting the better of (yes, the first) Field Marshal Ayub Khan's fauj. At Jackie's party, B.K. Nehru collared US secretary of defense, Bob McNamara, who obviously was keeping track of the fighting and knew that Pakistan was getting a bloody nose. Nehru writes: 'He [McNamara] went on to say that something had to be done to restore the morale of the Pakistani Army. I said, 'Surely, Bob, you aren't going to arm them again, are you?' He hummed and hawed and said, 'Well, I don't know. Perhaps we shall have to.' The date of this conversation is worth noting; it was three days before the cease-fire.' The American establishment had long concluded that the Pakistani army was the only organised and competent institution that could provide stability in that country. After all, unlike in India, the Pakistani political class had very little experience of democratic temper and, more importantly, Pakistan did not have a Jawaharlal Nehru – a leader with the mettle and disposition to marshal the energy and imagination of a new nation. The Americans were not choosy; they would work with anyone who could produce a semblance of order in Pakistan and would not be averse to joining military pacts like SEATO and CENTO. In recent decades, US policymakers – both Democratic and Republican – have greatly valued the Pakistani army as a highly useful tool for providing security and protection to ruling families in volatile Arab nations. We in India are free to mock Rawalpindi's GHQ as a mercenary corps; but the Americans are not prone to sentimentality in matters of realpolitik. It is rather late in the day for New Delhi to pretend to be flummoxed that Field Marshal Munir should have been given by Trump the respect becoming of a head of government. Trump has given sufficient notice to one and all around the world that he does not abide by conventions or traditions and that certainly he is not enamoured of the humbuggery that comes so easily to our leadership. We, of course, are entitled to hold this or that Pakistani general responsible for patronising terror groups; but, the American establishment cannot be faulted for concluding that for better or for worse, Field Marshal Munir's army remains the only organised force capable of ensuring stability and cohesion. We, indeed, have resented the Americans' inability – or unwillingness – to see the Pakistan army's mischievous record. Many years ago, when he was still on top of his game, President Ayub Khan could note in his diary (August 10, 1967) that 'Hindus, of course, are too crafty for the Americans.' He was, in fact, grudging New Delhi's professional foreign service's calm and calculated dealings with the bullying Americans. Five decades later, the first field marshal would be surprised to find his successors to have learnt the difficult art of being deceitful and yet being trusted by the Americans. We, on the other hand, have become more 'Hindu' and less crafty.
News18
3 hours ago
- Politics
- News18
'Where's Shehbaz Sharif?': Pakistani Media Calls Trump-Asim Munir Meet 'Unsettling'
Last Updated: Present at the meeting were not just General Munir but also Pakistan's top intelligence official, Lt Gen Asim Malik Pakistani Army Chief General Asim Munir's high-level meeting with US President Donald Trump on Wednesday has raised eyebrows in Pakistan, with major media outlets and political commentators describing the optics as questionable. The unusual setting — a closed-door luncheon in the White House's Cabinet Room without the presence of any Pakistani civilian leadership — has fuelled concerns about Pakistan's civil-military imbalance, both at home and across the border. As reported by Dawn, one of Pakistan's leading newspapers, June 18 marked a rare moment in US-Pakistan relations. For the first time, a sitting American president hosted a Pakistani Chief of Army Staff (COAS) in such an exclusive and high-level setting. Present at the meeting were not just General Munir but also Pakistan's top intelligence official, Lt Gen Asim Malik, who currently serves as the country's National Security Adviser. However, absent were key civilian figures — no ambassador, no foreign minister, and most notably, no Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. 'Notably absent were any Pakistani civilian officials. No ambassador, no foreign minister — only the army chief and Pakistan's top intelligence officer, Lt Gen Asim Malik, who also serves as national security adviser," the publication wrote. On the US side, Trump was joined by Secretary of State Senator Marco Rubio and Special Representative for Middle Eastern Affairs Steve Witkoff. The meeting reportedly lasted over two hours, far longer than its original one-hour schedule, according to Pakistan's military media wing, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR). ISPR issued a statement highlighting the perceived success of the visit, claiming that 'US-Pakistan relations have achieved in the last three days what India could not achieve in three decades." It also described the meeting as a sign of Pakistan gaining 'strategic priority" in Washington. Yet, back in Islamabad, the 'the scene at the Cabinet Room — Trump seated across from Pakistani generals, while Pakistan's political leadership remained invisible was unsettling in many ways," Dawn wrote. 'Structurally imbalanced': India Meanwhile, India's Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh criticised the optics of the meeting in an interview with Simta Prakash's podcast on ANI. 'It must be an embarrassment to any country that the Military Chief gets invited and the Prime Minister is nowhere to be seen," Singh said. He further called the situation as a 'structurally imbalanced state where the military essentially has first claim on resources." The defence secretary also pointed out that Munir's presence and Pakistan PM Sharif's absence in the White House was indicative of the power dynamics in the neighbouring country. About the Author News Desk Location : Pakistan First Published: June 20, 2025, 20:01 IST
Wales Online
5 hours ago
- Wales Online
Flights are 'almost always cheaper' on two days of the month
Flights are 'almost always cheaper' on two days of the month A travel expert has revealed the best time to book a holiday, including the perfect time to get the cheapest flights and hotels - and it's not as far in advance as you might think There's nothing better than saving money on a holiday (Image: Getty ) Booking holidays can really add up, so any chance to get a good deal is very welcome. Dawn Morwood, co-director of Cheap Deals Away, has spent years monitoring the fluctuating pricing tactics of airlines and hotels, and has some useful advice on saving some cash. It's all about the timing. While you might think booking as far in advance as possible, this actually isn't usually the best approach, says Dawn. "I've seen people book flights 10 months early thinking they've got a bargain, only to watch the same route drop by £200 per person just weeks before departure," she said. "Airlines use dynamic pricing, which means they're constantly adjusting based on demand predictions." But likewise, waiting until the last minute to arrange your holiday can be just as detrimental, with the likelihood of snagging a late deal becoming slimmer, reports the Express. "The days of rocking up to the airport and getting a massive discount are largely gone," said Dawn. "What you're more likely to find are inflated prices, limited availability, and having to compromise on everything from departure times to accommodation quality." Article continues below It can be difficult to figure out if you're getting the best deal (Image: Getty ) Budget airlines and holiday operators are most likely to put up their fares closer to the departure date, Dawn added. "The travel industry has its own rhythm, and understanding that can make the difference between a bargain and a disappointment," she said. According to Dawn, the ideal time to book short-haul flights to European destinations is six to eight weeks prior to departure. For long-haul journeys, it's best to secure your holiday booking eight to 12 weeks in advance. Article continues below However, these guidelines vary with the seasons. Those planning a summer getaway are advised to book their short-haul European trips 10 to 12 weeks ahead of time. "But for a city break in February, you can often get away with booking just four to six weeks ahead and still secure excellent deals," Dawn added. The most attractive deals are typically found when there's some flexibility around departure dates, airports, and even destinations. "Tuesday and Wednesday departures are almost always cheaper than weekend flights," Dawn said. "And flying from alternative airports can cut costs dramatically."
Time of India
2 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
"I wanted to thank him for...": Trump on meeting Pakistan Army Chief General Asim Munir
Live Events (You can now subscribe to our (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel U.S. President Donald Trump hosted Pakistan Army Chief General Asim Munir at the White House on Wednesday (local time) for a lunch meeting, where he praised Munir's role in preventing an escalation between India and Pakistan.'Reason I had him here was I wanted to thank him for not going into the war and ending it...' Trump said during the meeting, referring to tensions between the two South Asian meeting came against the backdrop of escalating tensions in the Middle East, particularly between Israel and Iran, with Trump also weighing potential U.S. involvement in the once again claimed credit for helping avert a war between India and Pakistan, while commending both Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and General Munir for choosing diplomacy over conflict in May.'Prime Minister Modi just left a little while ago and we are working a trade deal with India and also with Pakistan... I am so happy. Two very smart people decided not to keep going with the war. Those are two big nuclear powers. I was honoured to meet him today,' Trump Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri clarified that the ceasefire was achieved through direct talks between Indian and Pakistani militaries, not through U.S. mediation. Misri said Modi conveyed this to Trump during their meeting late on Munir is the first Pakistani military leader to meet a sitting U.S. President since General Pervez Musharraf met President George W. Bush in 2001 while serving as Pakistan's military Trump-Munir meeting also follows speculation about Pakistan's possible involvement in the Iran-Israel conflict, with some reports suggesting that Pakistan might support a public gathering in Washington, DC, General Munir reaffirmed Pakistan's "clear and strong" support for Iran, while also voicing backing for U.S. efforts to de-escalate tensions in the to Dawn, one of the key outcomes of Munir's visit has been the strengthening of U.S.-Pakistan counterterrorism cooperation, especially in relation to the Islamic State Khorasan (IS-K) U.S. visit was also marked by protests from overseas Pakistanis. Outside an event at a Washington hotel, demonstrators chanted slogans such as 'Pakistanio ke Qatil' and 'Islamabad ke Qatil' as Munir protest video, shared by Imran Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) on X, showed a screen displaying messages like 'Mass Murderer Asim Munir,' 'Democracy dies when guns speak,' and 'Asim Munir, your time is up. Pakistan will rise."With inputs from ANI
Spectator
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Spectator
The secret child: Love Forms, by Claire Adam, reviewed
Claire Adam's compelling first novel Golden Child won the 2009 Desmond Elliot Prize and was also picked as one of the BBC's '100 Novels that Shaped Our World'. It told the story of contrasting twins in Trinidad – one an academic high-flyer, the other a misfit. When the latter is kidnapped, the father must act to rescue the son he has never quite understood. Adam has followed this with an ostensibly quieter novel about a Trinidadian woman called Dawn, divorced with two adult sons, who lives in south London and works for an estate agent, after abandoning her medical career. She decides to search for the baby girl she gave up for adoption more than 40 years earlier, having got pregnant by a tourist at Carnival, aged 16. 'The sex was unremarkable at best – it didn't take long. It was painful at first, then boring, then embarrassing.' Adam is a thoughtful writer and this is a soulful, unflashy narrative. Dawn was sent by her family to Venezuela to have the baby in secret, and after the event none of her relatives would discuss the matter with her. When she gives birth to her first son with her husband, he only finds out that she has previously had a child from reading her medical notes. She describes her own childhood as 'perfect'. The rupture only occurred when she was sent away. She is nonetheless keen to explain what the nuns, to whom she entrusted the baby for adoption, were like: I feel I should clarify about the nuns. When you say 'nuns' nowadays, people think of evil, cruel women who starve girls and make them scrub floors. Caribbean nuns aren't like that. For the most part they're cheerful women, busy, active. In Golden Child, the nightly news bulletins were full of stories of fatalities and domestic murders. In Love Forms, violence is hinted at when it is acknowledged that properties in Trinidad need to be gated for security. There is also a brief, horrifying scene in a morgue, which Dawn's brother Warren takes her to in an attempt to warn her that their position of comfort and safety is more precarious than it looks. Love Forms does not have the same propulsive quality as the kidnap narrative of Golden Child, but it's a reflective novel that sensitively explores love and motherhood.
