An Overlooked Battle

This piece of work depicts a brutal battle between India and Pakistan in 1971. Strangely enough, this conflict between two great nations is one of the less common battles our world's rich history. My hopes are that this short essay will revolutionize your opinion of this great battle. For you:

Year after year, century after century history is created and is yet in the making. But out of so many revolutionary events and valiant battles, the India-Pakistan War of 1971 is commonly overlooked, and those brave soldiers who gave their lives for the green, orange, and white are neglected from eternal glory. East Pakistan was in peril of the monopolizing Pakistan government. Indeed, in the 1970’s Pakistan was two separate landmasses under one government rule. But the residents of East Pakistan were cheated of their rights, their voice in congress, and the democracy they were promised by their nation and. Instead, they were destined to genocide by the Pakistan government after their rising power. To escape these injustices and atrocities, they fled from East Pakistan into their neighboring country, India, as refugees. An estimated 10 million refugees was and economic drain and too overwhelming for the Indian government to handle forcing them to intervene in Pakistan’s civil crisis. On December 3rd, 1971, the India-Pakistan War of 1971 had officially started. After two weeks of battle, the East Pakistanis were rewarded with a nation to call their own: Bangladesh. The liberation of a new country and its newly earned freedom came at the cost of a heavy political, economic, and social burden to the citizens of both India and Pakistan.

During the course of the two weeks of friction between India and Pakistan, the government of India was seriously jeopardized politically. A fellow citizen living a common life in the midst of this controversy was Gyana Chandara Kar, married and a father of three. During these two weeks of warfare, it seemed as if all political parties within India had united to fight for a common cause: the liberation of East Pakistan. Although a threat to the federal and state governments was imminent citizens like G. C. Kar did not live in constant fear. State governments were on high alert regarding Pakistani spies camouflaged into city societies requiring citizens like Mr. Kar and his family to stay alert about who they communicated with and what information they conveyed in the process. The results of a security leak would be devastating. When it came to opinions on the war, most citizens agreed that the Pakistani government had to stop torturing minorities in order to avoid turning into a military controlled country. On the contrary, the Pakistan government was moving towards that exact political destiny more and more every day. Of course, safety was the foremost concern of all citizens in India. The relationship between India and Pakistan since Indian independence had always been bitter, especially when it came to politics and diplomacy. For this reason, the Orissa State government, that of Mr. Kar’s home state, assured safety to all citizens and imposed a precautionary curfew to protect residents from enemy bombing raids. During the war, all families had to return from work, schools, etc. before 7 PM when the city commenced their “lights out” procedure. In this manner, they could appear as an unpopulated city from the air as to keep themselves away from the danger of air strikes and bombings by the Pakistan Air Force. Although the government was doing all this in the best interest of the people, the Kar family’s life was dramatically altered through political instability during the 1971 war.

Not only did the India- Pakistan War of 1971 (a.k.a The Liberation War) impact individuals politically, but also influenced the worldwide view of India as a political leader. The primary cause of the 1971 War was due to the rising power of Bengalis (residents of East Pakistan). When Bengali leader Shiek Mujibur Rehman gathered enough political strength to earn a seat in the Pakistani government representing the Bengalis, the corrupt Pakistan government ordered genocide of all Bengalis within Pakistan’s borders. The outbreak of violence throughout Pakistan soon carried over to the Pakistani parliament urging the nation to split into two. Obviously, the president of Pakistan, Yahyah Kahn, was against this entirely and declared civil war. When India’s prime minister, Indira Gandhi, officially entered the war on December 3rd, 1971, the nation lacked global support from many nations. Surprisingly, one of these nations that did not support India during the war was the United States. All the more shocking, the USA supported Pakistan in the Liberation War as both were close allies from past relations. The Indian government’s primary objective throughout the war was to establish an interim government in East Pakistan (soon to become Bangladesh) before the cessation of hostilities. To achieve this goal, the Indian government arranged several stealth attacks on major Pakistani cities in hope of forcing President Khan to surrender. When all seemed to be going well, Pakistan earned another key ally in the war to help in efforts of defeating India. China’s border disputes with India from past times were a motivating factor for them to support Pakistani forces in the Liberation War. In spite of the uncooperativeness from the global community, India’s government remained calm and controlled playing an intelligent defensive role throughout the war. Using this strategy, India won the war against all odds and freed the Bengalis from the hostile Pakistani government. This war was one of the most revolutionary turning points in Indian history. Their victory helped India’s prime minister win her reelection to serve a second term in office and assisted the country in obtaining new support and allies from foreign countries. Clearly, the India- Pakistan War of 1971 made India’s presence prominent as a political leader amongst hundreds of countries in our world.

Just as the turbulence in political status of India during the 1971 War, so was India’s economy and, more importantly, the economic status of its people. As any person would expect, Mr. Gyana Chandara Kar was a very patriotic citizen of India and supported his country under any circumstance. However, the Liberation War taught him that a country must have both military and economic strength in order to be labeled “powerful.” During wartime, neither he nor any other citizen saw any drastic changes in the economic status of their own families. As patriots, Mr. Kar and most other men and women in India willingly supported the government during the war when it came to spending money on arms and forces to use in battle. Although economics did not play a major role when it came to the safety of oneself and one’s family, those with higher economic status were able to afford fleeing from areas where a threat was more imminent than other places. On a smaller scale, because G. C. Kar owned a house and was somewhat financially settled, his family had the protection of their own home and food to keep themselves alive when the war was at its worst. The only economic threats to citizens like Mr. Kar were higher taxes and possible inflation to assist the government in financing the war. Even so, economics was one area which least impacted Mr. G.C. Kar during the war.

As a result of the Liberation War, India’s economy was not seriously affected on a large scale. However, India did cause a heavy economic depression in Pakistan through blockades and sheer destruction. A major asset for India during the war was its navy. The Indian Navy was used to blockade major Pakistani seaports like Karachi and Gwldar in hopes of cutting off imports and exports in Pakistan and disrupting foreign trade. In this manner, the Pakistan economy crashed and lost the ability to purchase modern weaponry for use in the war. This clever strategy enabled India to now use their old weapons from World War II without having to match Pakistan’s new technology. Not only did this save expenditure but also introduced a new country into the war. Several years prior to the 1971 crisis, India had signed a treaty of friendship with the Soviet Union binding a positive relation between both countries for years to come. This treaty benefited India in the 1971 War when the Soviet Union began producing and delivering new weaponry to India. The modern technology came in great use against Pakistan forces. Apart from military assistance, the Soviet Union provided a profusion of diplomatic support for India, as well. With new strength, India obtained total control over the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea by the fifth day of the war. This destroyed Pakistan’s economy and only bettered India’s. By the sixth day of war, the future of Pakistan was lucid. While India’s economy lay unaffected by the Liberation War, Pakistan’s economy slowly crumbled as its fate was sealed.

While two weeks of war passed one day at a time, citizens all around India, including Gyana Kar, felt an immense social change amongst their communities. As the Liberation War began with Bengalis migrating to India as refugees, Gyana Kar pitched in to help in rehabilitation efforts. He saw volunteering in situations like this as his community’s responsibility to help out in the war efforts. Similarly, all Indians around the world recognized that it was their duty to provide all the support they could for the liberation of East Pakistan. In this sentiment of patriotism, the Indian community, as a whole, came much closer together with a great sense of philanthropy, support, and full-hearted love for the glorious nation they called their homeland. For Mr. Kar, the most prominent expression of this closeness became evident as he observed the strict caste system temporarily diminish within societies in the country. As everyone’s mind and focus was set to fighting for a common cause, the mentality of castes and religion became a thing of the past, even if for a short time. What Mr. Kar and millions of others saw in their communities during this war was a pure feeling of love for each other and their nation. By participating in open protests and war campaigns, India became a more unified nation and its people more cohesive than ever before. The social impact on Gyana Kar’s life and community through the India- Pakistan War of 1971 recreated a sense of unity; something all Indians had hoped to create after their independence, which they fought so hard to accomplish.

Despite the fact that the Liberation War was a brutal affair, it developed India socially and changed the Indian perception of unity. Before the war had officially begun in December of 1971, East Pakistan had already declared itself an independent nation in April of 1971. This caused the Pakistan government to declare genocide of all East Pakistanis (Bengalis). This was seen as an obscene crime by the Bengalis throughout South Asia but unified them at the same time. The war also spurred conflict between India and the USA when President Nixon disagreed with the Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi’s views on the war. However, this conflict was soon resolved with Pakistan’s surrender on December 17th, 1971. During two days of the war, India united socially and assisted the Indian Armed Forces in the best manner possible. Between the 6th and 8th of December, the Indian Army needed to move troops and supplies from West Pakistan to East Pakistan around major Pakistani forces. The only way this could be done was by moving all troops and materials over thousands of miles of Indian soil. This, however, was only possible due to the help and support that local residents provided in towns which the army passed through. Indian enthusiasts who saw this major movement immediately made efforts to quicken the moving process by providing basic necessities, private helicopters, and merely by giving moral support. However small their efforts may have been, they were greatly appreciated once India became victorious. The social effects of the war benefited the Indian nation and all those who resided in it immensely.

From the very beginning of the war, the Pakistanis bet that the best India could get out of the war was a stalemate. But against all odds, the Indian Armed Forces, and the nation as a whole, fought to the very last drop of blood and proved to be the victors in the end. This triumph not only gave the Bengalis a country to call their own, but also impacted India and its citizens politically, economically, and socially. Through valorous battles and bold efforts, India earned its place amongst the leaders of worldwide peace. Fighting for something thought to be inconceivable, the Indian Army proved to the world that the unattainable is, indeed, attainable. India showed the world what true potential is; what unity, valor, and hope can turn potential into. This just goes to show that you should never feel disheartened. No experience is negative; experience it, enjoy it, and learn from it. Every event in life is an opportunity for a brighter future. And when you feel downcast, just remember what India did for the Bengalis. After all, the impossible is nothing!

Today's Issues In the Eyes of An Ideal President

Here is a piece that I wrote which include my own opinions and possible solution to the most prominent issues in the USA today. Johannes Conklin is the ideal president who I have created to set our country straight.Please leave your comments about whatyou think about my opinions and (radical) solutions. Here it is:

Americans are used to the best of everything, the highest standards, and being on top. But the world is advancing and the United States is stuck. For this very reason, our country needs a change, a massive revolution in the way we live. And now it is quite apparent that the change has arrived. That change is Johannes Conklin, our most promising presidential candidate. Give him your vote and allow him to address the most crucial issues in our country today keeping in mind what happens tomorrow.

Illegal immigration is the foremost powerful rising issue in US history. Alongside its power, it is also a very fragile topic that must be dealt with in the most professional manner. As president, Johannes Conklin would do just that. Every year, the number of immigrants illegally crossing borders into the United States seems to grow. Most citizens look down upon them with pity and disdain. But the sincere reason those people choose to take a risk and cross borders illegally is because they have a deep passion to give their families only the best financially. Due to the fact that their home countries are incapable of accommodating such an abundant number of residents in need of high-paying jobs, they encourage immigration to foreign countries. As president, Conklin proposes to tighter security on foreign borders but encourage legal immigration. To accomplish this, he plans to give all current illicit immigrants living in the USA extendable visas and work licenses as well as to increase the yearly visa quota in our country to welcome all new immigrants. By improving economic relations with neighboring countries, Conklin may also support local industry to be offshored to these nearby nations. In this manner, illegal immigration may eventually become a thing of the past revealing a brighter future.

Although illegal immigration is a very prominent issue amongst today’s media, the prime controversy with the greatest potential is embryonic stem cell research. In Johannes Conklin’s words, stem cells are “possibly the greatest discovery in medical history which may save millions of lives on a yearly basis.” The results of embryonic stem cell research (henceforth referred to as ESCR) are overwhelmingly promising. With Conklin as president, this medical phenomenon will be greatly supported idealistically and financially. Although Conklin’s viewpoint of ESCR may seem extreme, if this concept is properly handled, it may result in a medical breakthrough for doctors around the world. Even as the embryos in the labs used in this procedure may have life in them, the cell is at and always will be at a very premature stage and can never develop into a moving, breathing organism. With this knowledge in mind, Conklin’s support for ESCR displays his immense humanitarian qualities as well has his care for humankind.

The final topic of concern Johannes Conklin will address during his presidency, is elected, is that regarding our troop concentration in the Middle Eastern country of Iraq. The Iraq war has been lurking in the minds of Americans for the past four years as a storm of violence and bloodshed. The images of the war that flash upon our eyes and remain embedded in our memories when we turn on the television set illustrate the brutality of this endless fight and that of the administration who initiated this great sinful war. Clearly, it is time for change. Thankfully, there is someone who agrees completely and has what it takes to make that change. All he needs is your support in the ballots. Johannes Conklin intends to use his seat in the White House to end this hullabaloo once and for all. “The only way,” he says “is to end it like we started it: with a BANG. We go in strong and sudden, we leave strong and sudden.” Radical as Conklin’s theory may be, it may in fact be the most effective manner in which to approach this international dilemma. The religiously segregated state in which Iraq is currently in shows no possibility of eternal peace falling upon the land. If the USA army does indeed withdraw completely from Iraq, both the Sunnis and the Shi ‘ites would experience years of bloodshed and endless martyring. However, one religious faction would conquer the other in due time and coup the government to control the entire country. From that point on, Iraq would become a warless country for times to come and the consistent loss of US troops in the Iraq war would halt as well. If Conklin were to be voted into the Oval Office, this would be a grand triumph for his administration and our great nation as a whole.

The United States of America is among one of the most prestigious countries in the world. Yet, its current status is never permanent. Times are changing and the world is changing. Now is the time for the United States to change. Some people may speak with great confidence that change is never a good thing and never makes a situation any better. But for once, change may be the one thing our country needs. Change may be the key to unlocking our nation’s true potential. Transforming our economy may benefit our country and result in great economic growth. Changing our primary energy sources may uncover new innovative energy solutions and make our nation less dependent on foreign oil imports. Just slight adjustments to the ways we live may indeed make tomorrow much brighter than we had ever imagined. The change which Johannes Conklin can bring to our lives as president can unlock a world of opportunity within our country and earn our nation the title of a worldwide leader in global influence.

Our country isn’t falling apart but the rest of the world is getting stronger. So why not put America in worthy hands when the opportunity lies before us? Johannes Conklin has everything it takes to lead our country in the most effective manner. His philosophy and opinions of the global community and worldwide issues such as illegal immigration, embryonic stem cell research, and the Iraq War make him the most suitable candidate for president of the United States. Let Conklin make tomorrow a much brighter day. So for the sake of our children, our families, and our grand nation, join hands and show your support for Johannes Conklin as president. Vote him to the top for Conklin will lead America across the bridge to our tomorrow!

A Little Story of Truth

To open my new blog, I have a special story for my readers. A little far fetched, but completely from the heart. I think you'll enjoy it:

It had been almost four years now. For many, it was just a matter of turning on the news and hearing of another helicopter crash or suicide bombing. Four years of watching a country being devoured by war. But for some, it had been four years of pure bloodshed, tranquility, and vengeance. And worst of all, more was yet to come.

… “Ready your arms men, we attack at the strike of dawn!” commanded Lieutenant Ricardo Jones. He wore his uniform with honor far above any other. His men loaded their guns and positioned them solidly in their right hands, the barrels pointing straight over their shoulders. Lieutenant Jones marched his men out the tent into the scorching heat of the Iraqi desert. Their primary focus was one: raid the enemy barracks just 500 feet from the cliff ahead and spare nobody.
“Sir, permission to commence Operation: AD Stealth Raid,” exclaimed a squad leader, looking over the cliff.
“Good luck men! For the red, white, and blue, all units are go.” Lieutenant Jones clicked off his radio and followed his corps down the hillside. Within moments of departure, smoke erupted from the barrel of Jones’ gun. The first shot was fired…

Ricardo Jones was ripped out of his daydreams by the booming voice of his chief officer. Indeed, Jones was only a Lieutenant in his daydreams. A marine was all he was and all he could ever be in reality.
“Jones, do you know what ‘court-marshaling’ is? If you don’t now, you sure as heck will in the next few days if you don’t pay attention when I’m discussing the dang ops plan!” the chief marine shrieked at him with utter anger.
“My greatest regrets, sir. Just lost in my thoughts,” replied Ricardo. As the head marine continued reviewing the mission plans, one by one Jones’ fellow marines began mounting their guns shoulder side preparing to exit the base. As the officer finished and rolled up the sheet on the table, the marines proceeded to exit the tent. As Ricardo followed, he was pushed and shoved out of the way by several of his colleagues. Acting oblivious, he followed them out without standing up for himself even once.

Now Ricardo’s heart was racing. Brave as he was, (which was almost not at all), all he ever wanted to do was become fearless and fight valiantly to make his country proud. He was unsure if that was something he could ever achieve.
His feet were now trembling with fear. He stepped out into the Iraqi sunlight which pierced his skin with heat like a hot knife into butter. He started to feel dizzy. Not from the heat, but from the sensation of holding a rifle and getting ready to kill or get killed. Ricardo walked farther trying to catch his stance. As he approached his corps, he felt as if everything was wrong.

… “Thank you all for gathering here with me today amongst some of the bravest men in our country who choose to do things sacrificing to make this world better for people like you, me, and our country’s children,” said the President Riley, standing at the podium emblazoned with the presidential seal. “And without further ado, I am proud to present this year’s Outstanding Patriotic Service award to Lieutenant Ricardo Jones for selfless deeds to protect the national security of the USA and the people of Iraq from rebels of their own kind. Please, give him a grand round of applause.”
Applause erupted from all over the hall. Cameras started flashing at Jones from all over. All he could do was stand up and smile. All he ever wanted in life, all he ever hoped for in his career was before him at this very moment. He embraced the applause and the occasional “thank you for your wonderful work” or “very brave” from a few alien faces amongst the vast crowd. The President paced over to Jones holding a medallion and delicate piece of paper his hand outstretched inviting a hand-shake. Jones shook the Presidents hand, a hand he knew he would not shake again for years to come…

“Jones, watch yourself. Grenade shell at 9 o’clock!” shouted a marine from thirty feet away. Ricardo, still adjusting to reality, jumped to the right avoiding the explosion.
“Thanks. I owe you,” he replied.
“You owe us all Jones, you owe us all,” the marine said back.
Ricardo had a sudden rush of anger. Until now, he had allowed everyone to push him around, think of him as some amateur. What if he did something that stretched the limits even for his chief officer? Something so selfless, so honorable, that his fellow marines would never again even dare look him in the eye with a straight face. He would finally be respected. As a marine, he would now be considered worthy and more importantly, brave. He could just imagine it. His daydreams were coming before him. All of them could be a reality! Warmth spread through Jones’ body. The decision was clear and he had made up his mind.

Ricardo Jones came out of hiding into open firing range. He detached three fragment grenades from his uniform and began to run towards the enemy barracks. His daydreams flashed before him but were very vague from all the gunfire around him. He could hear the mines explode behind him, the sniper bullets whipping past him. He could even hear the occasional “IS JONES OUT OF HIS MIND!” or “WHAT ARE YOU DOING?!” from his co-fighters behind him. He knew he had made the right decision.

Ricardo came within 20 feet of the enemy territory and stopped in his tracks. He felt the sudden searing pain of a bullet in his knee. He fell to the ground. Without thinking twice, Ricardo unpinned the three grenades in his hands and heaved them into the barracks. Before he saw any explosion, he heard a crack! The warmth of confidence he had felt just seconds ago slowly turned into an icy cold sensation which spread all too quickly around his body. He lowered his head and saw blood pouring out of a bullet hole in his chest. He smiled, closed his eyes and fell to the ground. As he lost all sensation in his body, he heard a cacophony of explosions and screams from the barracks. He took his final breath and heard a “By god! He’s done it! Jones has done it!” He smiled and saw himself atop a hill holding the American flag proudly. He passed away as Jones the brave...