"The real struggle between the East and West is all about possession of resources and the regulation of their demand and supply, which if left to the hands of a single nation, will automatically make it the pinnacle of sovereignty.
"It is in this effort and the realisation of a forthcoming post-American era that the US is repressing the Asian predominance. Its advent may be delayed, but 21st century will be witnessed as the Asian century." This was stated by Dr Vishakha N. Desai, President of Asia Society, a New York-based global educational organisation, dedicated to deepening connections between Asian countries and the United States.
She shared these views at a discussion hosted by Moderates, a private sector think tank strengthening tolerance, interfaith harmony and democracy. The discussion was attended by senior citizens from all walks of life, including parliamentarians, bureaucrats, ex-military officials, businessmen, media owners and senior columnists.
Several areas pertaining to regional solidarity, responsible role of media, India-Pakistan relations, and US influence over Asia were candidly discussed at length. Commenting on Pakistan's perception among the US populace, Dr Desai said: "The US media gives special focus on events happening in Pakistan, owing to its status as a frontline state in war against terror.
"Secondly, with Pakistan and Afghanistan sharing the border, any disturbance across it refers back to 9/11 and Talibanisation, classifying Pakistan among the same news items that speak terrorism.
Referring to an interesting insight on the US public, she also said: "The US population at large is insolent, ranking 27th out of 30 nations surveyed for the awareness level of their average citizens." To a question on India-Pakistan relations, Dr Desai said: "People-to-people interaction is essential for India-Pakistan relations to improve."
She exemplified the possibilities of a harmonious co-existence by saying: "If Berlin Wall could faIl; if US could sign treaties with North Korea - we have no reason to believe why India-Pakistan relations could not improve and foster both economies mutually."
Commenting on the role of Asian media vis-à-vis its US counterparts, she said: "Asian media, particularly Pakistani, needs to have more checks and balances in place, not only to relay that which is true, but also to govern it by a policy whereby it is discerned what is in greater national and social interest and what is not.
"We do hope that years to come will bring in maturity and responsibility with the same pace as freedom came to Pakistani media," she added. As the first female and the first Asian to become the President of Asia Society, Dr Desai emphasised the need to recognise gender, ethnic, cultural and lingual individualities and yet overcome their disparities.
Earlier, introducing the guest speaker, Moderates' Chairman Syed Jawaid Iqbal outlined that Moderates was established in 2003 to battle against the repercussions and aftermath's of the post-9/11 developments that engulfed the world at large.-PR