India’s Israel envy is manifest, like clockwork, upon every Uri-like attack. India is a soft state, inviting further punishment, while Israel rains fire upon its enemies, keeping them in check. In terms of conventional war, Israel enjoys a number of advantages. Shashi Tharoor, writing on Israel envy during the Gaza war in 2009, noted that “whereas Hamas operates from Gaza without international recognition, India’s tormentors function from Pakistan, a sovereign member of the United Nations”—and one with nuclear weapons. Israel offers India positive lessons in how to raise highly capable military and intelligence organizations, under challenging conditions.

Source: Mint September 25, 2016 17:26 UTC