Comments on: A response to Michael Robert’s Dilemma at Wars End: Thoughts on Hard Realities http://groundviews.org/2009/02/14/a-response-to-michael-roberts-dilemma-at-wars-end-thoughts-on-hard-realities/ Groundviews is an award winning Sri Lankan citizen journalism initiative Sun, 12 Feb 2012 16:35:21 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 By: pacheez http://groundviews.org/2009/02/14/a-response-to-michael-roberts-dilemma-at-wars-end-thoughts-on-hard-realities/#comment-5321 pacheez Fri, 20 Mar 2009 19:08:32 +0000 http://www.groundviews.org/?p=1103#comment-5321 With regard to Wijayapala's remark, flattening the LTTE will not dampen Tamil separatist sentiment, around the world. The present approach will augment an elaborate LTTE marytrology already in place and promises that the dream of a separate state prevails. Funds or materiel have not been problems to produce, an error made if believing that the LTTE will not resurface. Also, can we please cease referring to Tamils as For or Against the LTTE as if a clear delineation can be made under the present circumstances? Those supporting the SLAF's approaches might ask why the Trinco hospital to which some civilian casualties have been evacuated remains hopelessly under-staffed and witout adequate drugs or supplies? How are SLAF casualties managed? With regard to Wijayapala’s remark, flattening the LTTE will not dampen Tamil separatist sentiment, around the world. The present approach will augment an elaborate LTTE marytrology already in place and promises that the dream of a separate state prevails. Funds or materiel have not been problems to produce, an error made if believing that the LTTE will not resurface.
Also, can we please cease referring to Tamils as For or Against the LTTE as if a clear delineation can be made under the present circumstances? Those supporting the SLAF’s approaches might ask why the Trinco hospital to which some civilian casualties have been evacuated remains hopelessly under-staffed and witout adequate drugs or supplies? How are SLAF casualties managed?

]]> By: wijayapala http://groundviews.org/2009/02/14/a-response-to-michael-roberts-dilemma-at-wars-end-thoughts-on-hard-realities/#comment-4900 wijayapala Tue, 17 Feb 2009 15:18:50 +0000 http://www.groundviews.org/?p=1103#comment-4900 Please educate us Megan- what other group is waiting in the wings after the LTTE's demise to start the war anew? Please educate us Megan- what other group is waiting in the wings after the LTTE's demise to start the war anew?

]]> By: wijayapala http://groundviews.org/2009/02/14/a-response-to-michael-roberts-dilemma-at-wars-end-thoughts-on-hard-realities/#comment-4899 wijayapala Tue, 17 Feb 2009 15:17:05 +0000 http://www.groundviews.org/?p=1103#comment-4899 DB, how would you <b>specifically</b> suggest the armed forces to defeat the LTTE while not causing any civilian casualties? And please name one terrorist organization which has threatened a country the same way that the LTTE has threatened Sri Lanka. DB, how would you specifically suggest the armed forces to defeat the LTTE while not causing any civilian casualties?

And please name one terrorist organization which has threatened a country the same way that the LTTE has threatened Sri Lanka.

]]> By: Megan S. Mills http://groundviews.org/2009/02/14/a-response-to-michael-roberts-dilemma-at-wars-end-thoughts-on-hard-realities/#comment-4897 Megan S. Mills Tue, 17 Feb 2009 10:06:39 +0000 http://www.groundviews.org/?p=1103#comment-4897 I am disappointed by Dr. Roberts' remarks as Will mislead an ill-informed or indifferent reader, including an intriguing suggestion that rubbing out the LTTE will permit normalization... a ridiculous aim, when one thinks of it; the clearest manner in which to perpetuate separatist sentiment. References to WWII are very curious in the article's early sections, along with an implication that war zone Tamils have not been deprived by the Govt of Sri Lanka. Above all, one sees a disagreeable way of referring to two 'sides' -- the north a sort of rugger field, the idea given that a chauvinist ideology will permit a peaceful unitary SL if the Tigers can be obliterated. I am disappointed by Dr. Roberts' remarks as Will mislead an ill-informed or indifferent reader, including an intriguing suggestion that rubbing out the LTTE will permit normalization… a ridiculous aim, when one thinks of it; the clearest manner in which to perpetuate separatist sentiment. References to WWII are very curious in the article's early sections, along with an implication that war zone Tamils have not been deprived by the Govt of Sri Lanka. Above all, one sees a disagreeable way of referring to two 'sides' — the north a sort of rugger field, the idea given that a chauvinist ideology will permit a peaceful unitary SL if the Tigers can be obliterated.

]]> By: Dr Jaya http://groundviews.org/2009/02/14/a-response-to-michael-roberts-dilemma-at-wars-end-thoughts-on-hard-realities/#comment-4886 Dr Jaya Sun, 15 Feb 2009 21:40:54 +0000 http://www.groundviews.org/?p=1103#comment-4886 It is certainly clear in the above discussions that the LTTE supporters do not want to accept the fact that no country in the world is going to let go an armed terrorists group, having fought a bitter battle so far, without fully dismantling its fighting capacity before introducing any political solution. Neither Sri Lankan government, nor any other country in the world, would have a second thought of the necessity of eradicating an organization like the LTTE. Don't forget that the LTTE had many chances to accept a political solution without undergoing so much suffering by the Tamil and all other communities in Sri Lanka. I know this is hard to digest for those who have funded this organization for nearly 30 years and will keep promising to do the same. But the government of Sri Lanka will have no choice but to eliminate the LTTE before putting forward any power devolution for the Tamil people in Sri Lanka, not those LTTE supporters in foreign countries. That's the truth! It is certainly clear in the above discussions that the LTTE supporters do not want to accept the fact that no country in the world is going to let go an armed terrorists group, having fought a bitter battle so far, without fully dismantling its fighting capacity before introducing any political solution. Neither Sri Lankan government, nor any other country in the world, would have a second thought of the necessity of eradicating an organization like the LTTE. Don't forget that the LTTE had many chances to accept a political solution without undergoing so much suffering by the Tamil and all other communities in Sri Lanka. I know this is hard to digest for those who have funded this organization for nearly 30 years and will keep promising to do the same. But the government of Sri Lanka will have no choice but to eliminate the LTTE before putting forward any power devolution for the Tamil people in Sri Lanka, not those LTTE supporters in foreign countries. That's the truth!

]]> By: D B Wijetunge, MD http://groundviews.org/2009/02/14/a-response-to-michael-roberts-dilemma-at-wars-end-thoughts-on-hard-realities/#comment-4881 D B Wijetunge, MD Sun, 15 Feb 2009 10:48:54 +0000 http://www.groundviews.org/?p=1103#comment-4881 I am rather disappointed with Dr. Michael Robert's attempt to completely mislead the readers of quoting totally inappropriate example of world war 2 and to justify the misery caused to poor helpless Tamils caught up between the might of Sri Lankan armed forces and the vicious LTTE. It is the duty of any government to protect all its people. Calling every one with differing view a 'do-gooder' is a totally unintelligent statement from an intellectual. He should have compared our terrorist problem to how other governments handle terrorist problems in other parts of the world. For eg IRA vs. Al-Quaida. We can learn important lessons from such a exercise. Dr. Roberts' should use his 'God' given wisdom for the betterment of humanity rather writing like a another extremist. I am rather disappointed with Dr. Michael Robert's attempt to completely mislead the readers of quoting totally inappropriate example of world war 2 and to justify the misery caused to poor helpless Tamils caught up between the might of Sri Lankan armed forces and the vicious LTTE. It is the duty of any government to protect all its people. Calling every one with differing view a 'do-gooder' is a totally unintelligent statement from an intellectual. He should have compared our terrorist problem to how other governments handle terrorist problems in other parts of the world. For eg IRA vs. Al-Quaida. We can learn important lessons from such a exercise. Dr. Roberts' should use his 'God' given wisdom for the betterment of humanity rather writing like a another extremist.

]]> By: Dayan Jayatilleka http://groundviews.org/2009/02/14/a-response-to-michael-roberts-dilemma-at-wars-end-thoughts-on-hard-realities/#comment-4880 Dayan Jayatilleka Sun, 15 Feb 2009 09:11:45 +0000 http://www.groundviews.org/?p=1103#comment-4880 Think post-election and a new arithmetic, new allies. Even pre-election, there are economic ( growth, investment) and geopolitical realities ( India) which cannot be ignored and which require devolution. Finally , do not underestimate the factor of the full representation of the Tamil voters in a new parliament. Think post-election and a new arithmetic, new allies. Even pre-election, there are economic ( growth, investment) and geopolitical realities ( India) which cannot be ignored and which require devolution. Finally , do not underestimate the factor of the full representation of the Tamil voters in a new parliament.

]]> By: Dias http://groundviews.org/2009/02/14/a-response-to-michael-roberts-dilemma-at-wars-end-thoughts-on-hard-realities/#comment-4876 Dias Sun, 15 Feb 2009 05:30:35 +0000 http://www.groundviews.org/?p=1103#comment-4876 It is regrettable that in Sri Lanka's struggle, it is always "our" and "yours" but never the congenial middle-ground "us" together. This childish you vs. us must end. Both sides must mature to give and take. Sad. It is regrettable that in Sri Lanka's struggle, it is always "our" and "yours" but never the congenial middle-ground "us" together. This childish you vs. us must end. Both sides must mature to give and take. Sad.

]]> By: A. Rajapaksa http://groundviews.org/2009/02/14/a-response-to-michael-roberts-dilemma-at-wars-end-thoughts-on-hard-realities/#comment-4872 A. Rajapaksa Sun, 15 Feb 2009 03:09:23 +0000 http://www.groundviews.org/?p=1103#comment-4872 Dayan,____Are you saying that your government is going to offer autonomy to Tamils after eliminating the LTTE? Coalition partners of the government, JHU, Weerawansa fraction, MEP & majority of SLFP MP’s are dead against granting full powers to the Provincial Councils. The army general has also made it clear where he stands on this. ____So it would be good if you can explain how the government is going to offer some sort of autonomy to Tamils. ____What we see is president & his allies using the war victories to muzzle dissent, intimidate opponents and create a culture that leads towards a dictatorship.__ Dayan,____Are you saying that your government is going to offer autonomy to Tamils after eliminating the LTTE? Coalition partners of the government, JHU, Weerawansa fraction, MEP & majority of SLFP MP’s are dead against granting full powers to the Provincial Councils. The army general has also made it clear where he stands on this. ____So it would be good if you can explain how the government is going to offer some sort of autonomy to Tamils. ____What we see is president & his allies using the war victories to muzzle dissent, intimidate opponents and create a culture that leads towards a dictatorship.__

]]> By: Dayan Jayatilleka http://groundviews.org/2009/02/14/a-response-to-michael-roberts-dilemma-at-wars-end-thoughts-on-hard-realities/#comment-4869 Dayan Jayatilleka Sat, 14 Feb 2009 16:47:42 +0000 http://www.groundviews.org/?p=1103#comment-4869 Good luck and thanks - our large armed forces need the exercise and training. By the way, as Prof Jeevan Hoole keeps warning, your numbers are dropping as you keep playing this game... Good luck and thanks – our large armed forces need the exercise and training. By the way, as Prof Jeevan Hoole keeps warning, your numbers are dropping as you keep playing this game…

]]> By: Sie.Kathieravealu http://groundviews.org/2009/02/14/a-response-to-michael-roberts-dilemma-at-wars-end-thoughts-on-hard-realities/#comment-4868 Sie.Kathieravealu Sat, 14 Feb 2009 14:19:03 +0000 http://www.groundviews.org/?p=1103#comment-4868 "I agree a cease-fire itself is not in itself going to help the Tamil civilians trapped in the war torn areas of the Vanni. However, there is an urgent need for the involvement of an international body such as the UN, to create a safe passage to affected civilians and ensure their protection. Such a humanitarian exercise must be linked with a political solution which genuinely devolves power to address the issues that gave rise to the war in the first place." The statement of the Tokyo Co-Chairs, though late, is a welcome move that has to be accepted by all concerned As a First Step the Tokyo Co-Chairs must press for the urgent passage of a resolution in the UN for the immediate ceasefire in Sri Lanka and to establish and maintain a UN force in the conflict area to oversee the implementation of the said resolution. Secondly all those within the present conflict area together with all those IDP's now in the detention and or refugee camps maintained by the Sri Lankan Government to be taken back to the conflict area under UN care. Third action must be taken for the establishment of a Peace Council comprising of an equal number of persons from each ethnicity in the country drawn from the civil society organizations and political parties with the Co-Chairs chairing the Peace Council to discuss and formulate a system of governance addressing all the causes that led to the present situation and arrive at a formula where members of all ethnicity would be represented in the government. The South African constitution may be taken as an example. The discussions should take place ON A WAR-FOOTING to arrive at an early solution. The UN force must be present in the country until the full implementation of the solution arrived in the Peace Council. Sie.Kathieravealu "I agree a cease-fire itself is not in itself going to help the Tamil civilians trapped in the war torn areas of the Vanni. However, there is an urgent need for the involvement of an international body such as the UN, to create a safe passage to affected civilians and ensure their protection. Such a humanitarian exercise must be linked with a political solution which genuinely devolves power to address the issues that gave rise to the war in the first place."

The statement of the Tokyo Co-Chairs, though late, is a welcome move that has to be accepted by all concerned

As a First Step the Tokyo Co-Chairs must press for the urgent passage of a resolution in the UN for the immediate ceasefire in Sri Lanka and to establish and maintain a UN force in the conflict area to oversee the implementation of the said resolution.

Secondly all those within the present conflict area together with all those IDP's now in the detention and or refugee camps maintained by the Sri Lankan Government to be taken back to the conflict area under UN care.

Third action must be taken for the establishment of a Peace Council comprising of an equal number of persons from each ethnicity in the country drawn from the civil society organizations and political parties with the Co-Chairs chairing the Peace Council to discuss and formulate a system of governance addressing all the causes that led to the present situation and arrive at a formula where members of all ethnicity would be represented in the government. The South African constitution may be taken as an example. The discussions should take place ON A WAR-FOOTING to arrive at an early solution.

The UN force must be present in the country until the full implementation of the solution arrived in the Peace Council.

Sie.Kathieravealu

]]> By: Eelam tamil http://groundviews.org/2009/02/14/a-response-to-michael-roberts-dilemma-at-wars-end-thoughts-on-hard-realities/#comment-4867 Eelam tamil Sat, 14 Feb 2009 13:55:54 +0000 http://www.groundviews.org/?p=1103#comment-4867 Dayan Jayatileka India spain phillipines etc may not fester, but we will try our best to make your country fester for as long as we can Dayan Jayatileka
India spain phillipines etc may not fester, but we will try our best to make your country fester for as long as we can

]]> By: Dayan Jayatilleka http://groundviews.org/2009/02/14/a-response-to-michael-roberts-dilemma-at-wars-end-thoughts-on-hard-realities/#comment-4860 Dayan Jayatilleka Sat, 14 Feb 2009 12:54:07 +0000 http://www.groundviews.org/?p=1103#comment-4860 "There are countless examples currently and in the historical records that show that questions of competing identities and nationalities are only resolved when the issues fuelling such questions are addressed; otherwise they fester and deform the body politic of a nation state". Oversimplified, mechanistic and clichetic...when 'absolutised' as it is here. In the first place such addressing in no way precludes warfare against armed separatism, so long as it is accompanied or followed by some measure of autonomy ( Chechnya). In the second place here are plenty of states with identity conflicts which have not been fully resolved, which are neither festering nor deformed in consequence: India ( Kashmir, Nagaland, Mizoram, Assam), Spain, the Philippines, China, Turkey, Iran. "There are countless examples currently and in the historical records that show that questions of competing identities and nationalities are only resolved when the issues fuelling such questions are addressed; otherwise they fester and deform the body politic of a nation state".

Oversimplified, mechanistic and clichetic…when 'absolutised' as it is here.

In the first place such addressing in no way precludes warfare against armed separatism, so long as it is accompanied or followed by some measure of autonomy ( Chechnya).

In the second place here are plenty of states with identity conflicts which have not been fully resolved, which are neither festering nor deformed in consequence: India ( Kashmir, Nagaland, Mizoram, Assam), Spain, the Philippines, China, Turkey, Iran.

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