Residents' concerns over Asia

Reader's club members say ...

Terrorism is the root cause
Yes, in today's scenario, more and more countries are vying with each other and trying to dominate over each other using nuclear power as a tool to consolidate their position. Other than that, issues like separatism and terrorism are pretty much alive. In fact, terrorism is the root cause for countries wanting to go nuclear. It is quite possible that the coming year could see more nuclear powers emerging in Asia.
Thomas K.
India

Environment is at great risk
Nuclear building in Asia is likely to increase for decades to come. The main motivation being the necessity for Asian governments to supply security and moderate their fossil energy import bills, yet to meet the increasing energy demand due to their economic growth. Although nuclear technologies could be of great risk to the environment, it remains the only greenhouse-gas-free alternative. I would, however, anticipate that besides Iran, Japan will increase its nuclear development and would not be surprised to hear more about countries such as Vietnam and Kazakhstan.
Karim Djerboa
France

We may see 'Nuclear Asia'
In the current scenario, it is easy to presume that there will be more emerging nuclear powers. For North Korea it may not be as important if they resort to nuclear war but what if they sell nuclear technology? South Korea will feel comfortable with its own nuclear power instead of depending entirely on US support. This would force Japan to think of nuclear power, which in turn will definitely force China, given their relationship with Japan, to intensify their nuclear safety programme. Will it then be an exaggeration to say that soon we may see “Nuclear Asia''?
Sumanta Banerjee
India

Perhaps it will deter the US
Yes, I do think that 2007 will see more nuclear power in Asia, mainly because countries all over the world are focusing on strengthening their defence and therefore going nuclear. Asia too has some countries that already have nuclear power. Furthermore, this could even strengthen Asia as a continent and perhaps deter the US from imposing sanctions on them. Another advantage I see is that it could encourage all nuclear countries in Asia to have better ties for the fear that all are equally powerful.
Shaima Bint Abbas
India

People say ...

Economy is on the rise
Peace and security can be felt only if there is political stability in the country and there is no fear of terrorism. But due to unfavourable conditions in and around the country, there is a general concern and fear in the public mind. Although slow, the Indian economy is on the rise and we take heart in the matter that at least it has not declined. We further look positively at job opportunities during the coming year.
Ekta Gupta
Make-up artist, India

Kashmir issue a compulsion
In the new year, the situation in and around the country is likely to improve because Indians desire peace. The Kashmir issue is a compulsion with both India and Pakistan. It will be in the interest of both to resolve the issue. There is definitely a change in the Indian economy, as both the IT and the retail sector are booming. And there will be still further progress if politicians give results. The public is in no mood to suffer politicians who make false promises.
Rakesh Kumar
Real estate agent, India

Year will be good for peace
Our relations with India are certainly going to improve further in 2007, a year in which both these countries will also celebrate their 60th year of independence. There have already been a lot of confidence building measures and we expect that the momentum will continue. However, our relations with Afghanistan are a bit tricky given all the allegations made against Pakistan by Hamid Karzai. Even given the tensions in our region because of UN sanctions on Iran we expect that 2007 will be good for peace and stability.
Zafar-ul Haq
Corporate worker, Pakistan

Our politicians do nothing
We're a country of highly-opinionated people. It's good. But it also has a downside especially when our politicians do nothing but debate. I hope in 2007, our leaders will do their God-given roles of serving the interest of the greater number of people. There's a huge disparity between the rich and poor. The government has to work more and give less of lip service. After all, action speaks louder than words.
Andrea Echavez
Public relations consultant, Philippines