The Indian Express's exposé of Raisina Hill getting “spooked” by the supposedly unexplained movement of two army units earlier this year has generated such a furious debate that it is best to get two toxic notions out of the way right at the start. The government may or may not have panicked but there was, in fact, nothing unusual or suspicious about the movement of two Indian army units towards Delhi on January 16. Second, the Indian Express is entirely within its rights to write about a sensitive matter like this, even if its treatment was overblown. Just as it is unfair for anyone to cast aspersions on the Indian Army, it is unfair to question the motives of the journalists who wrote the story. That two units comprising roughly a thousand men — hardly a number that should spook anyone — embarked on a training op on the same day Army Chief General V.K. Singh went to the Supreme Court over his age issue was obviously a coincidence. But it is possible that some officials in the Ministry of Home Affairs, the PMO and the Ministry of Defence completely misread this as an attempt to mobilise uniformed opinion in favour of the Chief's claim. If they did, this is unfortunate. What remains indisputable from the facts presented by the newspaper and by other information in the public domain is that the civilian and military establishments in India are not communicating properly and have become distrustful of each other.
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has described the news report as “alarmist” and it is hard to disagree with his assessment. The bureaucratic and intelligence establishment was wary of General Singh but the worst it feared were speeches, not a display of public disaffection, let alone a mutiny or, most far-fetched of all, an attempt at a coup by a handful of soldiers! Any government that gets “spooked” by troop movements does not wait for the Defence Secretary to return hurriedly from Malaysia to seek an explanation from the Army about what is going on. That is why the suggestion that the government was in a state of absolute panic was something of an exaggeration. “Nobody is using the ‘C' word to imply anything other than ‘curious'. All else is considered an impossibility,” the Indian Express wrote. If this is so, then why was the report, which consumed the entire front page and was accompanied by a sensational headline, so overplayed? In doing so, it has run the risk of being read for innuendos and insinuations rather than for the facts — which is exactly what has transpired given the reaction to the story. The controversy over General Singh's age, which seems to have morphed into unrelated disputes about bribery and leaks of sensitive documents, has strengthened the impression that civil-military relations are inflamed. It is important to lower the temperature at this moment, not fan the flames.
It is indeed pleasure reading this news paper which gives the news and analysis without any bias. I am a a soldier myself and I was encouraged to start reading this news paper by many. So I started in 2008 and enjoyed it the most while I was in Coonoor, now I have rediscovered this joy online. This editorial made excellent reading and the best part is that most of the readers opinions and comments are balanced without being sarcastic. I really appreciate this.
That the exercise by some one thousand army personnel equipped with most modern Armoured cars and latest Weaponries was surreptitiously advancing on 16 January from Agra Cantonment is clear from the fact that such exercises had in the past done after informing all concerned. In this case the MOD,and the other two chiefs,Air and Navy were not informed before or after the exercise. Government should come with a factual statement to clear the air..
The entire episode actually give high responsibility to common man regarding reading of media…The Hindu editorial is giving a lot of reasons but fails to make us understand the panic created by the news paper ….Now flash news will be sleeping pills for the citizens of this country those who are already sleeping by keeping their faith or abusing the politicians…
A tiger is a tiger cub; a lion is a lion.
You cannot domesticate a wild animals. Zebra may belong to horse family; but you cannot domesticate zebra.
Military service is like wild animals; Civil services are like those domesticated animals like cow, bull, horse, dog and cat.
Human beings get benefited from these domesticated animals. We get milk from cows. Dog protects our properties and friendly too.
We can feel proud of our Tigers and Lions. But we cannot get any work done from them. We can scare our enemies with our Tigers and Lions.
It is not an easy task to manage and maintain majestic military.
Military consumes lot of our tax money. Military needs war to be engaged. When there is no war, tiger and lion will get bored and will eat the home owner. For any nation, Military is a huge burden. In fact, civil services face lot of challenges in their day to day activities. In this modern times civil services need to be sophisticated and appreciated. Salute the Police.
Unfortunately some section of media,spreading rumours and nonscence about Indian Army.After disclosement of corroption by Army chief some mischeivias person trying to create conflict between government and Army,these baseless can create sansation but cant degrade faith of Indian troops,Really shameful journlism.
Keep aside the motives , appropriateness and ethical side of such
stories.Just imagine the abyss into which the government has
fallen.Could this have happened if Indira Gandhi was Prime Minister?A
dumb Prime Minister,a reticent Defence Minister, a reluctant party chief
and a tottering government -all these are in full display.Seems fresh
elections are the answer to the present predicament.Your edit should
dwell on this topic too.
While we may give the benefit of doubt to Indian Express for being
factual in its reporting of the Army movement towards New Delhi on
16th January 2012, it is difficult not to criticize the under lying
insinuation that it was a kind of mini coup or a kind of Black Mailing
attempt by Army Chief to pressurize the Government on his Date of
Birth issue. Moreover, we in India believe that it is better not to
reveal a ‘truth’ that can cause severe harm, repercussions and damage
to the society. On both counts Indian Express has really compromised
Nations interests by sensationalizing its report.
Right to Freedom of speech and expression as extended to Press &
media & as enshrined in our Constitution does give a long leeway to
editors of National Dailies but concomitantly it entails a huge
responsibility on them to maintain a proper balance between their need
to build their readership & Nations & society’s interest. I am afraid
Indian Express has fallen woefully short in the present case.
I think Mr. Shekhar Gupta wrote the article basing only on conjecture. Therefore, it does not deserve the space it gained in the newspaper. A journalistic study can be taken up to see the articles such as these actually violate the the "code of ethics" or the "canons of journalism".
1.If it was a coup-of-sorts, then govt has not reacted adequately.
Why not?
2.If it was not military mischief, then who could have engineered
something like this? And why?
3.If it was a coup, then why did the units return to base upon
receiving instructions? They should have ignored
4.Or, did the units return to base because they were following the
instructions of the same body that had ordered them to mobilize in
the first place?
5.Who asked Delhi police to raise barricades? Why?
6.Was this whole affair staged to kill two birds with one stone? Keep
Tatra story under wraps, boot VK Singh out, bring a pliant chief in?
7.But why need a pliant chief? Either to keep muck hidden, or to have
an obedient army while other political levers get pulled?
8.Who in the Army can carry out something like this to discredit VK
Singh without political overlords?
9.If this is a show of strength by the chief, then why hasn’t he been
sacked yet?
10. Was this in fact a botched emergency attempt?
Interesting?
Unusual events may have many reasons to be probed.The logic ,claimed to be worst one about possible coup,can not be disregarded as unrealistic,until public sense a clarity of transparent relation between civil and military administration.It is good to caring the fears which may grow our conciousness to distance ourselves any type of military govrnment.
journalists are not angels.Their motives can and should be questioned.
One thing can not be denied is the fact that somwhere creators of that concerned article wanted to make people think of 'C' as 'Coup'. Because how the article was spread over a complete page and with 'Spooky' heading.
As rightly pointed by the author that there should exist a relation of peace,trust and harmony between the citizen and the miltary.At present we can see our neighbour pakistan, there always seems a chance that the military would superpower the democratic government.If such mistrust develops,replica may happen in our country.To inhibit such type of catstrophic situation,government should take the firm action.There should be frequent meeting between the senior officials of both parts and ensure th.In the present furuore,thr trio, the government,army chief and media should have taken more mature steps.But sadly none of them had taken it.The government behaved as if it is not related to our country or may be not an important issue.Mr V.K singh took it on his ego and instaed of talking directly to media and tried to create the fuss about the issue.The last media, saw it as the best opportunity to accelrate its TRP and started flashing everything, shedding off all responsibillty of a media.
Front page news of indian express is completely absurd marked by
coincidence of facts added with spices to taste better.How possibly one
can question about the integrity of army. Indian express immature
article used the skirmish between Govt and army general only to draw
mass attention toward them.
Journalism of sensation should be condemned. Lately this has become a pass-time of some media houses, with print media also following suit.
it seems that someone gave half cooked fake story to the Shekhar Gupta
and company.It is really disservice to the serious journalism.India
Express seems to become the India Tv of print media..
With the Army Chief, being an easy target at this point is hounded by
journalist for every action he takes. It is so not fair on the the part
of Indian Express which is supposed to be a responsible newspaper to
indulge in such petty tactic of sensationalizing issue which have no
relevance. The level of maturity is required to maintain the decorum of
a nation like India. I congratulate the 'The Hindu' for bringing out the
facts and analyzing the given situation in better light.
To call a spade a spade,the article in question comes across as a
planted,paid piece laced with innuendo and packed with
irresponsible,alarmist speculation.
And as rightly said by readers here,The Hindu can do better than try to
shield journalists.Like everyone else journalists too are accountable of
their deeds.Or is it that a few of the ilk have exalted themselves to a
self delusional level where they think their actions are beyond
questions?
A good editorial, however disagree on the opinion that while indian
express was well within its rights of reporting the facts, the concerned
journalists intentions are still questionable, given that they presented
these as the headlines and did not stop from drawing inferences having
crucial repercussions
Well Done.The iuunendo is now on the motive for the HIGHLY inflammable High Font Headline. How could anyone think of the the Chief going in for creating mischief with a'"SHOW"of Army Might with an Armoured Regiment and Paraforce -to be taken on a transport plane lying in ANOTHER field.
The worst is the Reported Action Taken by DELHI-erecting Barriers by Delhi Police.Have we this much Respect for our Armoury bought at a hight cost-sacrificing creores of poor peoples neds- and maintained at still higher cost-to believe that Police Barricades would STOP our Armoured Columns.Have we not basic commonsense to give little more Inelligence and Planning Capabilities to our Battle Hardened Army Officers.Well renowned media personalities were entrapped in the "PAID NEWS"scandal and memories are not that easily erased from public mind.There was a report that the P.M did not want to meet the Chief.To days report state that he met the P.M and was iven "Benefit of doubt".
"What remains indisputable from the facts presented by the newspaper and by other information in the public domain is that the civilian and military establishments in India are not communicating properly and have become distrustful of each other." Excellent message to the nation in your editorial!
Sadly,instead of taking urgent steps to remove the distrust, many - not all- in these establishments choose to remain inactive or become excessively active, in pursuit of their individual goals that are not always in the best interest of the nation, to increase the levels of distrust.This episode underscores the importance of all concerned to stay united for the sake of our nation and collectively fight corrupt and disruptive forces that pose real threat to our democracy and democratic institutions. Will UPA raise to the occasion at least now ,and take clearly visible steps to reinforce the faith of the common man that is fast dwindling by the ongoing events, in our democracy?
I question the assertion by commentator "Hariharan" above that the MoD must have had reason to "panic". Why would the Army need to move < 1000 troops to the capital when it has a division (10k+) troops already sitting in place in the Capital with all their weapons? This IE article was a motivated and scurrilous piece. It needs to be treated with the contempt it deserves. Contempt does not equal an attempt to silence the media. Which is what the Hindu seems to be implying. It is absolutely fair to question the motives of the editor and the journalist in splashing it over their front page when the story is logically inconsistent and devoid of basic working knowledge of the Army, the subject matter of their reportage.
Why is it unfair to question motives of journalists who wrote the story?
I believe it is about time we started treating things with a bit of maturity. It is indeed a shame that people are putting army chief's views on the age-issue and the subsequent happenings in the same league as a could-be-coup. Journalism, in times like these, requires a huge amount of maturity in the way a subject is being presented to the masses for it will and it does play a big role in shaping opinions and ethos across the nation. All due regard to the media, but it's our image as a nation to the world outside that gets a beating with such uncalled-for approach to reporting.
Good assessment, but don't agree with all the points.
I think there is a good reason to ponder about what the writers/editors at the Indian Express were thinking. The article wasn't written by some newbie journalist, but by some of the top names in Indian Journalism (mainly Mr Shekhar Gupta, who is also the editor). And, such a senior journalist doing something like this cannot be lightly dismissed. Yes, he is well within his rights to do all that, but that doesn't mean that he can write anything !! It was an extremely sensational story. I have extreme doubt that such a senior journalist was simply gullible and just made a mistake of such gigantic proportions !! If senior journalists keep writing such stuff and keep being so sensational, then who can we possibly trust ?! I, therefore, think there is compelling reason to doubt their motives. In fact, this is not the 1st time for IE. They did similar mud-slinging on Team Anna too, full of sensationalist headlines and articles !!!
It looks like 'The Hindu' is going out of the way to show Gen.V.K.Singh in positive light. Certainly the Ministry of Defence would have known what troop movements are all about - better than the "enlightened" Editorial Board of 'The Hindu'. If they acually panicked, then it couldn't have been without any basis. We can understand the PM & Defence Minister dismissing these - because they need to re-assure the people that their democratically elected Govt., is in no danger. It is looking clearer now that Gen.V.K.Singh , didn't have the grace and maturity to take the adverse decision on his DOB , in the right spirit.
Well, for a newspaper to plead the public to not cast aspersions on journalists is nothing unexpected. Coming as it does in light of The Hindu's previous exposés of the wholesale commercialization of much of the Indian media during the elections, it is ironical at best! Fact is: Just as we question the motives of any politician, we must question the motives of the journalists, too. Journalists are far from "trusted" entities in India--and for good reasons. In fact, it is incomprehensible why The Hindu would make this unsupportable philosophical point while also, at once, actually criticizing the same journalists. These journalists, like so many of Indian journalists anyway, are motivated by just two things: popularity ratings and profits (which actually amount to one: money). Most Indians know that, no matter what the Hindu may claim, as if naively, to defend its own ilk.
There is no sign of hope that the distrust between the government and
the army will end any time soon. It is unfortunate that the PM is not
taking initiative to ease the situation. I am not here to question the
patriotism or selfless service of the armed forces. But having seen the
work culture of defense institutions in India, I feel that a military
coup would be worse than the present filthy system.
Also hats off to the editorial!!
I do not agree with your opinion that it was responsible journalism on the part of Indian Express to report about the movement of troops with the eyeball-catching sensational title. Knowing the amount of speculation it can arise in the minds of the plebeian psyche, it is my opinion that it is totally unwarranted. Yet, the fact that is to be observed after this unnecessary episode is the polarization of opinions whether army take-over is better than the scam tainted polity. Many uninformed opinions pit one against the other and it is surprising to see that majority favor army (not free from corruption either) to politicians.
Very Good Editorial. Yes it is true that the so called coup will never happen in India.As Mr.Bart Namboothiri pointed out Our country is too Vast and too complex for staging a coup. I appriciate The Hindu for the lines,: Just as it is unfair for anyone to cast aspersions on the Indian Army, it is unfair to question the motives of the journalists who wrote the story.-
If while walking on the road, if a policeman approaches me, i don't fear
anything because as i have not done anything wrong his approach may by
for any other normal purpose other than apprehending me. Why elected
government should feel jittery, even if the entire Army moves towards
Delhi. Doubting army is a disrespect to that much disciplined and
responsible organization who have utmost faith in democracy than most of
the democrats.
As this editorial rightly mentioned, if 'c' meant curiosity and not 'coup', then why did the article overplay it so much? It was pure sensationalism, however much Mr Gupta is defending it now. All this talk of putting facts before the public, checking their sources etc. do not take away from the fact that the article was aimed at cheap publicity. If Mr Gupta wanted to be sober, the article was not needed at all.
Instead of protecting its brethren in the name of free speech the Hindu should have exposed the indian express sensationalism.IE seems to have some vested interest acting to remove both the Army Chief and Defence Minister as they seem to obstruct the path of the corrupt.Just as IE may have the right to use innuendoes to suggest a coup, it has also to pay the price in the form of loss of credibility.
It is absolutely true. But the disturbing factor is the arrogance and insensitivity of UPA ministers and MPs. Bad mouthing about the army Chief in parliament by these elements is absolutely unpardonable. For example, Vayalar Ravi's irresponsible statements. It is time our PM stops being a 'Mouni' Mohan Singh and reins in all the loud mouths.
High regard for shekhar gupta but this time think he succumbed to the
benefits of sensationalisation. Our army is too righteous to call a
coup. While a significant majority of Indians may not mind a coup considering the government's horrid record of corruption , it is never
going to happen(for good or for bad).
Hats off "The Hindu" for such an balanced and 'To the point article'. Moreover this article exemplifies what we call 'Responsible Journalism'.. to the state and to the people !!!
Hats off to the Hindu.Editorial is superb.The news is blown out of proportion. The
media should be much careful before publishing such news.Is it possible for such a
coup in a country like India even after 60 years of democratic rules. collusion
political governments,probably week, also may be cause for such publications by the
medias.
I've read other news papers too..but never found assessment better than The Hindu..about army,well there was never martial law implemented in India and it wont ever be..And is equivalent to insult of Indian Army to doubt their motives..instead of we should concentrate on the lack of weapons and ordinance in army..And definitely media in India need to act more mature..they should know that news they give are read by million of people..they need to be thinkful and rational..
In the Army, there are officers sympathetic towards the Army Chief regarding the age row and also some against him for his drive against corruption. Also, in the Defense Ministry there may be Babus after the Army Chief for his oblique criticism of their "sleepiIng" over procurement files, affecting Defense preparedness. It is worth noting that when the "army drill" was on, the Supreme Court had not given its ruling in favour of the government regarding the age issue. Had the ruling gone the other way, the government would have been embarrassed. The Army Chief would have continued for another year, upsetting the government's plan for his successor. It is possible that some vested interests might have considered the "troop movement towards Delhi" as an opportunity to "relieve" the Army Chief, should circumstance so arose from the SC's ruling. Fortunately, there was neither any "C" factor ever involved, nor the apex court's judgement went against the government. All is well that ends well.
Thanks for this Editorial. While I respect the rights and freedom of media to report on political affairs, howsoever they are sensitive, I completely agree with the last sentence of your editorial: "It is important to lower the temperature at this moment, not fan the flames." That is to say that the media is expected to be equally sensitive to the context in which it is reporting, to the impact it will have on popular opinion as well as to the possible reactions from common people. Unfortunately in India we have a poor record of media in this which is one of the reasons (there are many other, of course) for the spread of communal clashes India has witnessed to so far - If only media had not been making insensitive interpretation/contextualisation of the triggering events behind what have become major such clashes, we would have avoid many such unwanted atrocities.
Ridiculous piece of report as if there was a serious attempt of a coup. IE has stooped to a very low level in this mad era of seeking higher TRPs and increasing newspaper readerships. Maybe it has already achieved its purpose by carrying out a sensational story but it has also undermined its credibility by creating a mountain out a molehill. Hypothetically, only God can help us if our democracy turns into a military rule. None of the developed and peaceful nations are administered by military, everybody should remember that.
"it is unfair to question the motives of the journalists who wrote the
story.." really? A front page news that is baseless and that causes rift
and tensions should not be questioned? Clearly they were trying to
sensationalize the recent events without thinking of the consequences.
So whatever the journalists do, it should not be questioned?
These kind of things will continue to happen as long as this non functioning government is at the helm to run this country. It is high time the governement starts to function so that we can stop all these kind of non sense. Indian Army is still one of those institutions which is truly apolitical and there should be no attempt to defame it. There is no iota of doubt that the story is stage managed by someone with in the government to either defame Army cheif or to turn the focus away from the state of procurement of arms and the related scams. I think, Express and Senior Journalist like Sekhar may have fallen prey to the crooked tactics of some one with in the government. Let the government act in the correct way before it becomes too late
As usual Hindu is succinct and responsible in dousing the controversy.But the Editor of Indian express has done great damage to the army by lowering it's dignity and raising apprehension in the mind of common man who does not have much information to analyse. Mr Antony has rightly urged to all the media to behave carefully.What is appaling is that despite clearing the air with regret,Indian express is still defiant.One of the columinist of Indian express Tavlin singh yesterday went ahead and called for sacking both the Defence minister and General.Niether Mr antony nor General has done anything which jeopardise the democracy and Prime minister has rightly said we will not do anything to lower the dignity of COAS office which is a sacrosanct post.At the last whatever the position of the govt on corruption and other front the incumbent defence minister deserve better treatment for his service to the nation as defence minister.These i am saying as a person who is very unhappy with the govt for it's treatement to the Janlokpal movement and other controversy and have lost faith in this govt.
I believe this Indian Express story is part of the bigger campaign
against General V. K .Singh. I read the article and I could not find
any logical reason/fact to believe the mischievous message suggested
by this story. I find this story as ‘cheap sensationalism’ to malign
the image of General V. K. Singh and the army. I’ll not be surprised
to know that if this story was sponsored by Congress Party or Congress
Government.
I have observed in last 1-2 years that Mr Shekhar Gupta and Indian
Express have always taken Pro Congress stand on all the issues whether
it be Anna Movement or Age Controversy etc. Did Mr. Shekhar Gupta try
to find out if this kind army movement has happened in past? Did he
try to find out that if it normal to notify to government about such
movements. I believe it is very irresponsible and unprofessional to
suggest ‘C’ word based on the fact provided in this story.
Whatever campaign Congress Party/Govt runs against General V. K.
Singh, he is a HERO for me.
While my favourite newspaper has for a long time now allowed me to question its balance in taking positions on a number of issues for once has written a very objective editorial on an issue of national interest. While it has come to support its print news brethren from a rival outfit it has also questioned the hullabaloo both from electronic media (which by the way no one takes it seriously) and from the newspaper itself which published the news for going overboard on such a sensitive issue at this crucial juncture. One more egg in the face of the UPA government - it is in the eye of an unending storm of scams and scandals, weakened the federal structure and straining its working relationship with the services. It has spawned off judicial activism and overreach and general executive high handedness leaving the public thoroughly disillusioned. When will this nightmare end?
Journalism in India is far from a passionate job. As in the case of
other professions most writers make money for planting ideas. Some of
then even appear on the TV just obliquely,worse than political counter
parts in their arguments. Some intellectuals post their job applications
in articles they write.
this story by Indian Express must have highly reliable source.The
country like India where democratic values has always been respected
by apolitical army should not take this story an easy ways like other
stories.Indian Express must show the veracity of the story.Though
there is some disagreements between army and government but someone should not easily infer that any army movement near Delhi is against
the government.Indian Express must tell to the public clearly what
exactly it was or just some spicy story in the wake of loggerhead
between government and General.
The reporting of the incident had cast aspirations in the minds of the
people because there is a conflict of opinion between the army and the
government. The situation was so conducive then to believe of happening
of such an incident. Will the government come up with a detailed report
on the incident.
I refer to the editorial on the Indian Express "In denial" published to-
day (Apr, 5). The paper is in a denial mood and reiterates that the
movement of the troops is a near coup. The paper stands by its report.
The PM has said it was "alarmist". There is a deficit of trust between
the army and the government. Add to it the exposure of various scams
from the army cup board. So, it is the duty of the government to come
clean on the issue.
There is a conflict of opinion between the government and the army.
Add to it the innumerable scams that has come to the surface. But the
Indian Express report the government was not informed about the routine
fog exercises is a matter of concern. The paper has come out with a
coup that has never happened. A coup in the Indian context is highly ridiculous. But the report is a violation of journalistic ethics.
After verifying the veracity of the case, Mr. Shekar Gupta, the paper
could have ventured further.
A very objective and balanced view on a sensitive subject.Whatever be the discomforts between the two establishments,Indian Express could have excersised more caution and responsibility by taking the message to Indian public in a more subtle fashion rather than sensationalising the issue with a front page splash.This has casued more anxiety and harm to everyone than the actual episode itself,which is not an act of courageous journalism.
As usual, balanced and informative editorial by The Hindu. Wish all
other newspapers learn a thing or two from you guys.
Excellent editorial that sums it all. Indian Express has knowingly or unknowingly slipped by making a mountain of a molehill. I am convinced that the root cause of the present scenario is the lack of effective leadership at the highest level. The Prime Minister, instead of reacting to a situation should make things happen. He could have arranged a meeting of the three Chiefs of the Armed Forces and the Defence Minister to cool the things. Instead, he hides behind rules and procedures and tells the Army Chief to route his correspondence through MoD!
I am afraid "The Hindu" is making light of the story. We cannot give full benefits of doubts like this. For example there are a lot of reasons to believe that bureaucrats and even politicians are afraid or envy of the stature of armed forces and want to discredit the army for egoistical/selfish reasons. Another possibility is that some bureaucrat/politician in the ministry played Indian Express by deliberate omissions and exaggerations. Such a controversy can derail the investigative focus from controversies like Tetra truck deal involving hundreds of crores.
Please don't be naive.
Finally,a welcome whiff of sanity.
Great article !!
Calm , composed , to the point !!
- Just as it is unfair for anyone to cast aspersions on the Indian
Army, it is unfair to question the motives of the journalists who wrote
the story.-
I just admire the way , 'Hindu' does journalism !!!
yes, effective communication between the government and the army is the
need of the hour. And if that is not taking place as the new
developments suggest, then it is a more and more serious issue.
India is the last country on earth where a military coup can take place.
There is an adage that states that "the best defense is a good offense".
In India's case the best defense against an orderly coup is the chaotic
and competing mix of political, social, cultural and religious
diversity. There are too many variables and the country is too vast and
too complex for the precision necessary for staging military coups.
Please Email the Editor