Too much symbolism and emotion is invested in making cars for the masses.

There is a way out of our shared predicament. The trick is to get policymakers around the world to pull in the same direction, says Dominique Strauss-Kahn.

India can help Pakistan generously in its hour of crisis -- if it builds a relationship with it independent of the US. India must thin out troops in the Kashmir Valley, offer Pakistan security cooperation and joint projects in Afghanistan -- thus decisively defusing the Cold War-style mutual rivalry in that country.

Several challenges mark the ongoing international counter-insurgency (COIN) and stabilisation effort in Afghanistan. Lack of a coordinated security and development strategy leading to dissipated efforts, rising civilian casualties, lack of progress in reconstruction and consequent disillusionment among Afghans contribute to the ineffectiveness of the international military effort and retard progress in reconstruction of the country, says Dr Shanthi Mariet D'Souza

Madrasas are the bastions of faith. But they should not fortify themselves in their own world, cut off from the world around them. In order to carry out the work of inter-faith dialogue, it is imperative for the students, graduates, teachers and managers of madrasas to actively engage and interact with others, including students of 'modern' schools and colleges

Even big public sector investors such as LIC that have very large stakes in companies haven't been known to voice their concerns. If institutions came together to air their grievances in public; that would put more pressure on managements to make more disclosures and do things the right way, says Shobhana Subramaniam.

Cyber terror is the new danger that haunts cops, says security analyst B Raman

The Navratri festival has begun. It will conclude on Vijayadashami, which symbolises the victory of Good over Evil. I suggest that, in addition to Ravan Dahan (burning of the effigy of Ravan), let Navratri pandals all over the country also do Atankvaad Dahan (burning the effigy of the Demon of Terrorism). Let it symbolise our collective resolve to make India terror-free, says L K Advani

There should be no doubt that if the Americans leave without finishing the job in Afghanistan they will be doing this at their own peril. In the globalised and borderless world of today, the US doesn't have the luxury that the British enjoyed of leaving Afghanistan to its own devices

The next general election must be held by May of 2009, and we already appear to have a clear choice. The National Democratic Alliance announced that L K Advani will be the prime minister should it come to power. Now, there is a fair degree of clarity that Dr Manmohan Singh shall lead the United Progressive Alliance if it should be returned to office. But how about the Third Front? Transparency is no friend of the Third Front!