Third Millennium Equipose

Retired Major General Vinod Saighal’s book: THIRD MILLENNIUM EQUIPOISE (Lancer Publishers Spantech and Lancer, New Delhi, London, Hartford W ISBN 1 897829 48 5 and available at Amazon.com) is a surprise in many ways.

Coming from a military man of India, it is filled with idealism, insightful analysis and positive solutions to the violence and dangers facing the world these days.

He deals with issues from violence, war, nuclear proliferation, Islamic fundamentalism, and ecological responsibility.

Note a few gems:

• “The USA is the hub of the world whichever way the wheel of mankind’s destiny spins…tragically it is also at the forefront of the race that could write ‘finis’ to the tale of mankind.”
• “If the USA doesn’t heed the warning signals it could lose its lead in world affairs in as little as twenty to thirty years.”
• “America must not squander the goodwill generated over the past two hundred years.”
• “The Indian Emperor Ashoka (272-232 BC) is the only case of a mighty emperor who after winning a great battle, renounced war because of the carnage that he witnessed (Battle of Kalinga circa 261 BC).”
• “The military-industrial complex has ruled the roost long enough. It has brought enough misery to the world.”
• “The USA may fritter away its global advantage if it continues to follow the path set out for it by the military-industrial complex; which may even succeed in triggering off another arms race.”
• “Since deception and untruth have become deeply ingrained in the minds of most statesmen, politicians and diplomats…a gradual shift back to the Christian ethic will have to be the basis for every global treaty.”
• “Sadly for the world, the remaining superpower is again setting the pace for another nuclear arms race by refining the miniaturization and target specificity of nuclear weapons.”

It is refreshing to see a military man with such insight and idealism. His book is a breath of fresh air and should serve as hope to all who seek a world safe for our grandchildren.

It is a good read, perhaps required reading in this era of global violence.