In the present complex and gloomy situation the question may not just be limited to Osama bin Laden or the Taliban and their staunch supporter countries, but the uncertainty of peace has grown manifold with the fear of reprisals triggered by Osama's apparently vast network. India also happens to be one of the main targets of Osama and his al-Qaeda, supported by Pakistan's ISI.

Hence now is the time to tackle the menace of terrorism not in isolation nor by any individual organisation or country and not even at the physical level. This is the problem, which must be solved at the political, intellectual, social and cultural levels. While militarily, the civilised world should come down heavily on militants, wherever and in whichever guise they are, we also need to educate our coming generations on the dangers of such an unhealthy and anti-civilisation trend of seeking superiority over others or the redressal of their imaginary grievances.

VED GULIANI, Hisar

Terrorism to continue: The article has raised some questions which our political leadership must answer to protect the honour and integrity of the nation.

Whether the Taliban regime in Afghanistan tumbles or not, it would hardly terminate terrorism as its seeds have been sown on the soil of every nation where more Osama bin Ladens would be born and brought up to keep the family of fundamentalists flourishing.

Tap Russia: A new strategic equation needs India to build a visible presence on the northern border of Afghanistan and work closely with Russia, its strategic partner, as well as the central Asian republics.

If Mr Jaswant Singh could make a personal visit to Washington, Paris and Berlin, why could not he go to Moscow to talk to the Russian President? Why does the PM not go much further than a telephonic conversation with Mr Putin?

Why is it so? It is because America regards Kashmir as a disputed territory and cannot be expected to pressure General Musharraf to ban the terrorist outfits that operate in J&K and else where in India.

 UMED SINGH GULIA, Gohana

Aid to Pak: America has aligned with Pakistan to grind its own axe. It has resumed massive economic aid to its ally in return for the support it has got against terrorism perpetrated by Osama bin Laden & co. But what will be the ramifications if it begins arming the Pakistan militarily? History has been witness to it that Pakistan has always used its American weapons against India. So India will have to be wary of the Pak-US nexus. America is the only superpower in the world acting like a dictator. India simply does not fit in its scheme of things.

 TARSEM S.BUMRAH, Batala

US-India ties: There is no doubt that India's support to the USA for fighting terrorism has brought the two countries closer than ever before, notwithstanding the apparent close ties between Pakistan's present government and the USA, which is not based on values or ethics, but the force of circumstances. Pakistan had no other choice and would have faced complete destruction, had it not supported the USA. Things are quite uncertain in Pakistan as the general public is revolting against help to THE USA.

ANAND PRAKASH , Chandigarh

Innocents killed: Hundreds of innocent civilians are being killed by the air attacks on Kabul, Jalalabad and Kandahar. If Osama bin Laden is a true Muslim and has faith in Quran and Islam, he must save the lives of thousands innocent Afghanis by sacrificing his own life. He must come out of the shell like a brave warrior and surrender himself.

MOHAN SINGH, Bathinda

US role: The widening gap between the various governments regarding a common strategy for suppression of terrorism needs to be viewed in the context of the potential threat that it holds. All countries should shun their national priorities in dealing with the menace and the USA in particular needs to open a wider aperture in its foreign policy to combat terrorism.

K.M. VASHISHT, Mansa

The war: The USA itself is the creator of terrorism and now paying a heavy price for it by waging a war against the Taliban. Pitiably, the USA did not pay any heed to India’s cries against terrorism let loose by Pakistan. It was all due to the terror strikes in New York & Washington on September 11, 2001, that the USA felt the heat and hence has waged a war against the Taliban.

D. D. JINDAL, Mandi Gobindgarh

Outdated syllabus

The syllabus being taught to B.E. students in colleges affiliated to Kurukshetra University has not been updated. Most of the subjects, systems and course material being taught, especially that related to computers, electronics and information technology, are obsolete and have no relevance to the latest technology available now. Computer languages and systems being taught are already obsolete.

This is, perhaps, due to the lethargy and inertia of senior professors, who have not been able to upgrade themselves and match the fast developing software systems .