tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4704148890264843595.post2367889590447027894..comments2024-03-27T03:46:07.097-07:00Comments on Raman's strategic analysis: WINDS OF RADICAL ISLAM REACH MALDIVESB.RAMANhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12278000644746170031noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4704148890264843595.post-42314496635025652922011-12-25T04:15:11.363-08:002011-12-25T04:15:11.363-08:00the following ramifications are of extreme concern...the following ramifications are of extreme concern to me:<br /><br />0)The last time there were possible signs of a takeover of Maldives, the government of the Maldives asked the Indian government for help. In response India launched Operation Cactus and prevented the take over. If such a call for help comes again, will the spineless Indian government do the right thing and help them?<br /><br />1)With the exception of the Islamic Movement of East Turkistan, the Chinese have never fully opposed any Islamic militant/terrorist group. Would they oppose such a take over of Maldives or would they side with the Islamists in exchange of greater control in Maldives adding to their existing naval presence in Marao?<br /><br />2)The Maldives is one of the few Islamic countries which has had a few short spells of democracy albeit with abysmal religious freedom for non Muslism, would the hard liners push for a Sharia law based state which destroys whatever little liberalism and tolerance there is?<br /><br />3)The Maldives is also one of the few Islamic countries which chose to recognise Israel and establish full diplomatic relations with them. Would this change as well?<br /><br />4)The incident mentioned in the link about the theft and possible burning of the Buddha momento is particularly macabre. The Maldives were traditionally an island-tribal people, who were later converted to Buddhism, but were subsequently converted to Islam by Arab traders and conquerors and later exposed to Arab culture. This rabid denial of one's antecedents while making political and militant Islam gain power has been a source of much bloodshed, bigotry and hate throughout human history, will we see a repeat of this in the Maldives?Vihanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04070322968053641544noreply@blogger.com