Colonel ANIL A ATHALE (Retd)

Stories by Colonel ANIL A ATHALE (Retd)

Time for India to EMBRACE Russia

Time for India to EMBRACE Russia

Rediff.com   6 Dec 2021

We can make a beginning by openly acknowledging the Russian help in 1971 victory when President Putin visits India on 6 December 2021. Showing gratitude to a friend is part of our DNA, notes Colonel Anil A Athale (retd).

How India Won The 1971 War

How India Won The 1971 War

Rediff.com   3 Dec 2021

December 3, 2021 marks 50 years since the beginning of the 1971 War which ended in a decisive military victory for India and the liberation of Bangladesh. Most analysts of the 1971 War agree that the IV Corps dash across the mighty Meghna river led by the brilliant General Sagat Singh was the turning point in the war, recalls military historian Colonel Anil A Athale (retd).

US could have defeated the Taliban...

US could have defeated the Taliban...

Rediff.com   27 Aug 2021

The US military efforts in Afghanistan were akin to filling a bucket that had gaping holes, asserts Colonel Anil A Athale (retd).

How the Soviet Union Helped India Win the 1971 War

How the Soviet Union Helped India Win the 1971 War

Rediff.com   9 Aug 2021

It is a timely reminder that when faced with twin threats, India has succeeded by wisely choosing allies, points out Colonel Anil A Athale (retd).

The Roots of the Taliban

The Roots of the Taliban

Rediff.com   7 Aug 2021

Internal strife and tribalism is endemic to Afghanistan, notes Colonel Anil A Athale (retd).

Why Delhi is concerned about the Taliban

Why Delhi is concerned about the Taliban

Rediff.com   7 Aug 2021

India is apprehensive about the Taliban's return as it would mean loss of access to Baluch rebels and help to the restive tribals of Waziristan. This would be a setback to the Indian strategy of returning the compliments of death by a thousand cuts to Pakistan, notes Colonel Anil A Athale (retd).

Is Xi likely to be overthrown?

Is Xi likely to be overthrown?

Rediff.com   10 Jun 2021

China's presence in the international dog house is just the kind of opportunity that his opponents must be waiting for, predicts Colonel Anil A Athale (retd).

China's 'Sputnik Moment'

China's 'Sputnik Moment'

Rediff.com   22 May 2021

'Seen in the context of world turmoil in face of the pandemic and the Chinese 'miracle' of being the only country in the world to control it, this is not merely a 'Sputnik' moment, but a 'Sputnik Plus' moment,' argues Colonel Anil A Athale (retd).

Why Xi's China resembles Nazi Germany

Why Xi's China resembles Nazi Germany

Rediff.com   17 May 2021

Chinese hubris and the slippery slope it finds itself on have important lessons for authoritarian leaders elsewhere, including in India, observes Colonel Anil A Athale (retd).

Modi govt forced Pakistan to talk peace

Modi govt forced Pakistan to talk peace

Rediff.com   19 Apr 2021

'Under National Security Advisor Ajit Kumar Doval and now Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat, India began to actively work on Pakistani internal faultlines with a possibility of the break-up of Pakistan as the only solution,' observes Colonel Anil A Athale (retd).

Enlist the army to fight the Naxalites!

Enlist the army to fight the Naxalites!

Rediff.com   9 Apr 2021

'It is time to use the Indian military's decades-long expertise in fighting insurgency successfully,' advocates Colonel Anil A Athale (retd).

Is Pakistani leopard changing its spots?

Is Pakistani leopard changing its spots?

Rediff.com   25 Mar 2021

All Pakistani moves towards peace will be seen as tactical compromises, to be abandoned when the situation changes, observes Colonel Anil A Athale (retd).

Time for an India-Britain reset?

Time for an India-Britain reset?

Rediff.com   17 Mar 2021

In the changed circumstances and attitudes in Britain, we must let bygones be bygones, argues Colonel Anil A Athale (retd).

Shivaji: Founder of the Indian secular State

Shivaji: Founder of the Indian secular State

Rediff.com   19 Feb 2021

Shivaji made sure that his soldiers respected the sanctity of mosques and the Quran Sharif to ensure that his fight against the Mughals did not become fight against Islam, explains Colonel Anil A Athale (retd).

Joe Biden's Many Challenges

Joe Biden's Many Challenges

Rediff.com   23 Jan 2021

'India should be aware that China will take full advantage of US domestic turmoil and reduced international prestige,' warns Colonel Anil A Athale (retd).

Why Pakistan isn't taking advantage of Ladakh standoff

Why Pakistan isn't taking advantage of Ladakh standoff

Rediff.com   2 Jan 2021

TheWhat led to Pakistan not taking advantage of India's difficulty is the hold that the US has over the Pakistani ruling elite, observes Colonel Anil A Athale (retd).

Why India must celebrate its 1971 victory

Why India must celebrate its 1971 victory

Rediff.com   16 Dec 2020

We celebrate Dassera and regard it as an auspicious day as a day of victory of good over evil! So was 16 December! It is time we regard this day as auspicious as Dassera in future, observes Colonel Anil A Athale (retd).

Time to end DRDO's monopoly on defence research

Time to end DRDO's monopoly on defence research

Rediff.com   17 Sep 2020

We must seize the opportunity provided by the COVID-19 crisis to kick-start indigenous research efforts, recommends Colonel Anil A Athale (retd).

We need a treaty with America to deal with China

We need a treaty with America to deal with China

Rediff.com   8 Sep 2020

American help in defending our independence will send a strong signal to the Chinese, argues Colonel Anil A Athale (retd).

75th Independence Day: What India should do

75th Independence Day: What India should do

Rediff.com   15 Aug 2020

India is too diverse to be governed centrally and with a single system. The way forward is for the central government to keep the monopoly of military power and a share of national resources while the provinces must have greater autonomy, recommends Colonel Anil A Athale (retd).