Monday Newsline:Change in India,Thailand;Adam Scott Wins

India's Nifty Fifty Index was up Monday on optimism over the swearing in of new Prime Minister Narendra Modi,63,who is seen as business-friendly.On Tuesday,Mr.Modi will have bilateral meetings with foreign leaders who are attending the ceremony,most notably with Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif,whose presence at the event is unprecedented.Relations between the neighbouring countries have traditionally been tense.*
The MSCI Asia-Pacific index rose 0.29% in early Monday trading.US markets are closed for Memorial Day,which is considered the first of the summer holidays.Shanghai copper gained on declining stockpiles of the metal.*
Thailand's military coup received the approval of King Bhumibol.The army will name an interim premier today.At least hundreds of protestors demonstrated against the regime in the streets of Bangkok.*
In sport,Australia's Adam Scott won the Crowne Plaza Invitational at The Colonial in Fort Worth,Texas.The World Number One shot a nine under par 66 and beat American Jason Dufner in a playoff.He is the first person to win the Texas grand slam-all four PGA tournaments played in Texas.Scott is playing in The Memorial Tournament in Dublin,Ohio this week.
At the Formula One Monaco Grand Prix,AMG Petronas Mercedes continued its sweep of the series as teammates Nico Rosberg of Germany and Great Britain's Lewis Hamilton took first and second,respectively.Red Bull Racing's Daniel Ricciardo of Australia won the third spot in the royal box,while his teammate,the reigning World Champion Sebastian Vettel,retired with mechanical problems.

In Depth:US-Pakistan Relations,part 2

On Wednesday,October 23,President Barack Obama and Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif held detailed discussions on the situation in Pakistan and where the two sides will go from here.President Obama commended the resolve of the government and people of Pakistan,armed forces and law enforcement agencies to defeat terrorists and praised Pakistan for its military campaign,the White House said.The two Leaders emphasized that no country's territory should be used to destabilize its neighbors.President Obama reiterated his confidence in Pakistan's commitment and dedication to nuclear security and recognized that Pakistan is fully engaged with the international community on nuclear safety and security issues.
Prime Minister Sharif expressed appreciation for the development and rehabilitation by the U.S. government of roads in Pakistan's border areas.Both sides emphasized the need to maintain and enhance the GLOC's infrastructure.
They welcomed the ongoing security transition in Afghanistan and Afghan-led preparations for next April's presidential elections.Prime Minister Sharif also underlined that the support of the international community in the repatriation of Afghan refugees and their reintegration in Afghanistan was of critical importance to Pakistan.Both Leaders called on the Taliban to join in the political process and enter into dialogue with the Afghan government.
The two Leaders stressed that the improvement in Pakistan-India bilateral relations would greatly enhance prospects for regional peace,stability and prosperity,as it would significantly benefit the lives of citizens on both sides of the border,the White House added.

In Depth:US-Pakistan Relations,part 1

Last Wednesday,President Barack Obama and Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif of Pakistan had a wide-ranging discussion on matters of mutual interest to the two countries.They acknowledged the substantial progress in the bilateral relationship over the past year and noted its resiliency,the White House said.President Obama conveyed appreciation for Pakistan's internal and regional security challenges and affirmed that a peaceful,prosperous and democratic Pakistan was an essential partner for the United States in the advancement of shared goals of peace,security and socioeconomic development in South Asia.
Both Leaders welcomed the resumption of the US-Pakistan Strategic Dialogue and reaffirmed its importance as the suitable framework for guiding the bilateral relationship.Secretary Kerry will host the forthcoming Ministerial-level Strategic Dialogue by March 2014.They also decided the strategic priorities for the working groups,including:1.Law Enforcement and Counterterrorism 2.Economics and Finance 3.Energy 4.Security,Strategic Stability,and Non-Proliferation;and 5.the Defense Consultation Group.
Taking note of the robust bilateral defense cooperation between the two countries-including recent miltary engagements,exercises and consultations on regional security-President Obama and Prime Minister Sharif expressed satisfaction with the positive momentum achieved in defense realtions and reaffirmed that this partnership should continue to grow and endure.
The two Leaders noted with satisfaction that the Ground Lines of Communication(GLOCs) are facilitating the movement of US and ISAF cargo through Pakistan.The US plans to continue providing assistance and support,including training and equipment to Pakistan's military and security services.The two Leaders decided to strengthen their cooperation,including in regional maritime security.President Obama noted Pakistan's positive efforts to counter IED's and both leaders resolved to continue working together to disrupt the threat posed by these devices.

Asia This Day:Pakistan-US Relations;Indian Grand Prix

Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif concluded several days of dialogue in Washington when he met with President Barack Obama on Wednesday.Mr.Sharif,63,had begun his unprecedented third term as Prime Minister on June 5,2013 following a smooth democratic process.A noted businessman,he owns the industrial conglomerate Ittefaq Group.
Speaking at the White House,the two Leaders assessed their talks for the news media in a serious yet relaxed atmosphere.To see a peaceful transition was an enormous milestone for Pakistan and a testament to the Pakistani people's desire for democracy,the President said.The United States considers Pakistan to be an important strategic partner.
We discussed how the United States could potentially be helpful on energy projects and infrastructure projects.The Prime Minister emphasized how trade can be a powerful engine for growth as well.
We talked about security.We agreed we need to find constructive ways to partner together,in ways that respect both countries.Both the Pakistani people and the American people have suffered from terrorism in the past.It can be a source of strength for our two countries to work together in this way.I pledged to fully brief the Prime Minister and his government as we make progress not only for the Afghan elections,but to long term progress in the region.
The resources India and Pakistan are spending on arms would be better spent on social programs,for the good of the world.We want want to be fully supportive of continued progress in Pakistan.As a young man,I had the opportunity to visit Pakistan,the President recalled warmly.
Despite occasional misunderstanding and tensions,the fundamental good will between the American and Pakistani people will be reflected in our governmental relations,President Obama said.*
I have just had a most cordial exchange of views with the President,Prime Minister Sharif said.Over the past 65 years,our two nations have traveled together.I advised him of our domestic and foreign policy priorities:the economy;education;and combating extremism.We both agreed focusing on these areas is indispensable.
Pakistan and the United States have a strong ongoing counterterrorism cooperation.I raised the issue of drones and the need to end these strikes.Let there be no doubt about our commitment for a peaceful and stable Afghanistan.I told President Obama about my sincere commitment to build a peaceful relationship with India.I also assured the President as a responsible nuclear state,Pakistan would continue to act with restraint.
I look forward to welcoming you and Mrs.Obama to Pakistan,Mr.Sharif concluded.*
In sport,Red Bull Racing scored their fourth straight double victory at the Formula One Indian Grand Prix in New Delhi Sunday,taking both the constructor's title and the world driving championship with Sebastian Vettel,who seemed to be quite the fan favourite in India.It was Vettel's tenth win of the season,and his sixth straight,as he enters the upper echelon of drivers in the history of the sport.
Vettel,26,was beside himself with joy,ignoring his instructions to follow the staid post-race protocol of F1.Instead,he made several donuts with his car to the delight of the fans,then got out of the car and made prostrations to the crowd.Their were no boos such as he faced in Europe as he mounted the podium;only chants of approval from his legion of Indian followers.
For me to join people like Prost,Fangio and Michael(Shumacher) is unbelievable,Vettel said.So many people I have to thank that have been teaching me a lot.I don't feel old.Maybe in 10 years' time I'm a little bit better at understanding what we have done this far,the German driver reflected.At his age,the great Alain Prost had yet to achieve his first Grand Prix win.*
In golf,the CIMB Classic at Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club,Malaysia,the historic first ever PGA Tour event in Asia,was won by American Ryan Moore,30,in a playoff with his compatriot Gary Woodland.It was Moore's third career victory and his second in twelve months.He has played on the PGA Tour for nine years.
Next weekend,the PGA Tour moves on to Shanghai for its second and final Asian stop of the 2013-14 season.It is generally recognised as being the pre-eminent tour in professional golf.*

Singh,Putin Focus On Terrorism;Pakistani PM in Washington

The focus of Monday's meeting between Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Russian President Vladimir Putin was on terrorism and those who are not vigilant enough about it on their territory,i.e.,Pakistan,even as Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif is on a four day visit to Washington.Following their talks,the two leaders strongly condemned countries that tolerate terrorists within their borders.States that provide aid,abetment and shelter for such terrorist activities are themselves as guilty as the actual perpetrators of terrorism.They need to irreversibly shut down terrorist networks,organisations and infrastructure,and show tangible movement in investigating and bringing quickly to justice those responsible for acts of terrorism.*
Singh and Putin expressed opposition to Pakistan's attempts to rehabilitate Taliban militants,and concern about Afghanistan's future post-2014,when NATO and coalition forces will have largely departed the war-torn country.Anti-Taliban sanctions should be maintained,the Indian and Russian leaders agreed.The sides considered it necessary to extend the sanctions regime introduced by the UN Security Council against the Taliban as one of the most important tools of fighting terrorism.They also said the Mumbai attacks were acts of terror whose perpetrators must be brought to book-referring to Lashkar-e-Tayibba in Pakistan,whose efforts to arrest and try the militants are seen to be anemic by Russia and India.*
Agreement on the building of units 3 and 4 at the Kudankula nuclear power plant on India's southern coast was not ready for signing at the meeting between Singh and Putin.India has enacted tough new safety requirements in light of the Fukushima nuclear disaster in Japan in 2011.
Even as Putin and Singh were meeting,Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif was in Washington for four days of high level talks with US officials,including President Barack Obama on Wednesday,as well as Secretary of State John Kerry and Members of Congress.It is the third meeting between Sharif and Kerry in the last three months;it continued the robust dialogue on our shared goal of a stable,secure and prosperous Pakistan,the State Department said.*
Mr.Sharif tried to draw the US into the Kashmir territorial dispute between Pakistan and India while he was in London,describing it as a nuclear flashpoint.The US rebuffed him,however,saying Kashmir was strictly a matter for the two South Asian nations to resolve among themselves.*
The US has quietly resumed military and economic aid to Pakistan in recent days,following a period of tension after the unauthorised US raid and killing of Osama bin Laden on Pakistani territory in May 2011,as well as a US drone strike that mistakenly killed two dozen Pakistani troops in November 2011.*

Special Access:With the NATO Commander

General Bantz J. Craddock,U.S. Army,recently evaluated the state of the Western defense alliance,NATO,for The Atlantic Council of the United States,a foreign affairs study group.General Craddock will complete his tour as Supreme Allied Commander Europe,SACEUR,a post once held by Dwight D. Eisenhower,in July.We are making slow progress in a part of Afghanistan,the general said,but we are stalemated in the south and east.We cannot prevail until greater control is taken in Pakistan.Secondly,the narcotics industry in Afghanistan is supporting the insurgency there.Governance is the critical path.If it fails,we fail.It's up to the Afghan people.Unless they see government as a positive factor in their life,we fail.We build;the Taliban extremists destroy,because they know they will lose if governance succeeds,General Craddock explained.

What Al-Qaida Brings

Al-Qaida offers the people of Pakistan nothing but destruction,President Obama stated.We support legislation authorizing 1.5 billion dollars of aid to Pakistan every year for the next five years.The creation of opportunity zones in the border region is a down payment on our own future.We must isolate al-Qaida from the Pakistani people.We will launch a standing trilateral dialogue between the United States,Pakistan and Afghanistan,to include intelligence-sharing.We must reverse the Taliban's gains.Our allies have borne a heavy burden.Now we must make a commitment that will accomplish our goals,Mr.Obama feels.

Who Obama Is:Commander-in-Chief

In a major address last week,President Barack Obama set out his strategy for the war in Afghanistan,which will be a central topic of the NATO summit the President will attend in Europe April 3-4.If anyone considered him a pacifist,they will have to reconsider in light of his firm position,which Senator John McCain(R-Arizona),his opponent in the recent election,described as a good plan.The situation in Afghanistan is becoming increasingly perilous,President Obama warned.If the Afghan government falls,the country will again be a base for al-Qaida attacks on America.The al-Qaida leadership uses the Pakistan frontier with Afghanistan to train and launch attacks.This is an international security concern of the highest order.The safety of people around the world is at stake.Afghanistan would be cast into the shadow of perpetual violence.I want the American people to understand we have a clear goal:to disrupt,dismantle and defeat al-Qaida.We must recognize the fundamental connection between Pakistan and Afghanistan.The terrorists within Pakistan's borders are a grave threat to Pakistan.They are a cancer that threatens to kill Pakistan from within.Military assistance to Pakistan is essential.To help Pakistan with the economic crisis,there must be International Monetary Fund and World Bank assistance.We must stand for lasting opportunity in Pakistan,the President held.

Oversight and Threats

Oversight of the right kind does nothing but good for the intelligence community,Dennis Blair stated.I will be leaning forward on the side of consulting more,rather than consulting less.The greatest threats do lie in that convergence of stateless individuals with weapons of mass destruction.The scientist A.Q. Khan,who shared nuclear secrets with North Korea and others,is restricted by the Pakistani government,Mr.Blair pointed out.He's not the head of a nuclear lab as he was before.Mr.Blair,a retired U.S. Navy admiral,was Commander,U.S. Pacific Command,from 1999-2002.He speaks in a deliberate way and has a military haircut.The members of the House Intelligence Committee seemed to have a lot of respect for him.