Handshake in Korea
U.S. President Donald Trump took everyone by surprise by announcing a sudden meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and then coming face to face with him in the Demilitarised Zone ( “After surprise Trump-Kim meeting, n-talks to resume,” July 1). The decision taken by the two countries to resume talks is a positive development, especially after the deadlock in the Hanoi summit earlier this year. Mr. Trump also created history by becoming the first sitting U.S. President to enter the isolated country. Both sides should take substantial steps to bring peace to the Korean peninsula.
Tala B. Ragunath,
Thanjavur
The one-to-one meeting augurs well for thawing of relations between the U.S. and North Korea. It is encouraging that both the tough-talking and strong-willed leaders realise that there is no option to the resumption of stalled talks to settle differences and disputes. That the meeting lasted for nearly an hour indicates that it was more than a handshake and a photo-op. The three things that Mr. Trump did — the announcement of creation of a team to resume denuclearisation talks; the downplaying of latest short-range missile tests by North Korea; and the extension of an invite to Mr. Kim to visit the White House — showed his keenness to find some common ground and arrive at an agreement. The Korean peninsula is one of the potential flashpoints today and any diplomatic step that heralds peace in the region must get international support.
G. David Milton,
Maruthancode
The G20 spectacle
The G20 deliberations did not result in any substantial outcomes (“Among members,” editorial, July 1). Mostly, they have only made the participating nations reiterate their stated positions. It is distressing that the leaders couldn’t reach a consensus on the important issues of trade protectionism and climate change funding. Even the “very big deal” between India and the U.S. promised by President Donald Trump did not materialise. It is important that preparatory discussions are held prior to such events. Otherwise, they’ll remain grand spectacles for a few leaders to show off.
Kosaraju Chandramouli,
Hyderabad
Water and voter
Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted two important issues in his recent Mann Ki Baat programme — water conservation and the need to deepen democracy (“Democracy is our heritage, says Modi,” July 1). As regards the first point, there can be no disagreement — many parts of our country are facing water scarcity, requiring people’s participation to overcome the crisis.
However, it was amusing to hear someone whose party enjoys a brute majority talking about not taking democracy for granted. The people are not and will not be capable of going against democracy. They cannot snatch away the rights ensured by the Constitution — the political class can. The dark phase of Emergency was possible as the-then ruling dispensation, not the people, had taken democracy for granted. As long as the ruling party is mindful of democratic spirit, there won’t be any risk to its glory. But as Mr. Modi has rightly said, everyone should be alert enough not to allow it to be dented.
D.V.G. Sankararao,
Vizianagaram
Taste of defeat
India’s first loss in the Cricket World Cup to favourites England made the weakness of its middle order apparent (“India loses to England, tastes first defeat of the tournament,” July 1). The debate on the ‘No. 4’ position is yet to be settled, especially following the exit of Vijay Shankar due to injury. M.S. Dhoni’s role in the team also needs to be discussed and a potential alternative like Dinesh Karthik can be considered. One’s place in the team shall not be reserved just for the sake of advice during referrals to the third umpire. Both the present captain and vice-captain have enough experience to spearhead the team. The bowling side appears alright but inconsistency in the death overs has cost the team dear, including in the match they lost on Sunday.
Sateesh Reddy. K,
Nalgonda
Losing to England should not be a concern as India has two more games with relatively easy opponents. What should be of concern is the fact that the country’s brittle middle order was exposed for the third game in a row. For the ‘Men in Blue’, this doesn’t augur well, especially with the tournament now progressing towards the business end. A win would have sealed a spot for India in the last four, but the defeat has extended the wait for fans. The pitch seemed to have slowed down during the chase, but India crawling to 28 for 1 in the first 10 overs was baffling. And in the slog overs, veteran M.S. Dhoni, who has in the past taken India home in countless difficult situations, couldn’t do justice to his reputation as he and Kedar Jadhav showed lack of intent, and settled for ones and twos.
R. Sivakumar
Chennai
