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The Wedding Day Massacre

During the second world war the British Soldiers used to refer to their American Allies (GI's) as being "oversexed, overpaid and overhere"

I think that the phrase that can be applied to the US invasion force in Iraq is "over inept, over incompetent and over there".

In yet another attempt to win the hearts and minds of the people of Iraq - the Marines attacked a wedding party and killed a fair few. Not terrorists or freedom fighters or remanents of the Republican Guard - but members of a wedding party.

The Guardian the most "human" report that I have read. They report that

Major General James Mattis, commander of the 1st Marine Division, was scathing of those who suggested a wedding party had been hit. "How many people go to the middle of the desert ... to hold a wedding 80 miles (130km) from the nearest civilisation? These were more than two dozen military-age males. Let's not be naive."

Well General Mattis people in such lands - including my own - live in remote areas. They are called "villages" but they are more likely to be hamlets. Weddings are held where the family lives.

Kaun Banega Pradhan Mantri?

The greatest entertainment show in India has just begun.Campaigning is over, all the votes have been cast - and it seems that the Indian people don't trust any of the parties or alliances enough to give them an absolute majority. So now, the politicking is over and the horse trading begins.

It has been hilarious reading and viewing politicians over the last two weeks. Sanghvi of the Congress taking on Chari of the BJP is great entertainment, as is watching Sibal of Congress taking on Jaitley of the BJP. They seem to reinforce the comment " how do you tell a politician is lying - his lips are moving". Everybody is talking about a realignment of "forces" to form the next government.

The question still remains Kaun Banega Pradhan Mantri? Because it is that one man or woman who is going to hold the coalition together. Those that are most likely are:

Vajpayee: in his Nehru mukhota is the most likely candidate. Pro's - he is mostly harmless. Con's: He is on his last legs, and i would hate to see him die and be replaced by a Modi

Sonia Gandhi: the leader of the Congress, a woman, relgious minority and foreign born to the boot. We can shut up all against outsourcing by electing her as PM:). Pro's Would have one the elections against all odds. If she can manage Congress infighting, managing an alliance would be a cake walk Con's: The RSS, the Bajrang Dal and others in the raving right would.spill onto the streets and prevent governance.

Manmohan Singh: The most likely face of a non-BJP government. Pro's: the architect of reforms in India, a technocrat, and honest. Con's: Has the charisma of a whitewashed wall, not a people's leader. Never won a parliamentary election.

Mulayam Singh Yadav: : a strong man, ruthless to the core, Con's: He is the con. a very scary leader. If he becomes PM renew your passports, pray for immigration.

Narasimha Rao: The wily old Brahmin - former Prime Minister and past master in negotiation, manipulation and governance. Pro's: Experience, moderation, and the ability to handle sticky situations. Cons': Age. Don't want a PM tottering into the grave.

The Largest Ministry


The Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister, Mulayam Singh Yadav, today inducted 91 new Ministers into his Cabinet thereby giving the largest ever Ministry to the State. The Cabinet now has 98 Ministers. - Hinduonnet 3rd October



UP is one of the worst governed states in India. It has other "highests" to its credit

Highest number of illiterates in India

Highest number of caste killings

Highest number of atrocities against women

Highest number of unelectrified villages

Highest number of unemployed



98 ministers and nothing to do :)