I must admit I was quite surprised to read in a report yesterday that certain lobbies are speculating that Indian PM Dr Manmohan Singh might succeed Kofi Annan as the new UN Secy Gen. Tony Blair seems to be another choice…
If Manmohan Singh is supported all the way and eventually singled out for the job, which is usually said to be given to those who are easily influenced and controllable, what will become of his political role in India…?
Congress party will be happy, since they are desperately looking for a role for Mr. Manmohan Singh, who due to his good work is getting popular by the day. Him going to such a prestigeous role will also clear the road for Rahul Gandhi to take over as PM … this will fall in line with Congress work plan… :hoonh:
it is highly likely that the general secretary would be from asia. India has not choosen a candidate yet to run. Right now Thailand, sri lanka and sth korea have already announced their candidates.
I would personally choose A P J Abdul kalam. He is really brilliant and quite popular as well. He is a moderate muslim, who might be able to negotiate between the muslim and the western world. Still i think it wont be easy for a indian to win the UN seat. I would prefer someone from asia, it is about time we have someone at the top, more then 60% of the population lives in asia.
May be former prime minister IK Gujaral would be another option. I dont think Congress could field Rahul so early as prime ministerial candidate. Congress need to do a lot to get back the northern belt. Their strength comes from the south and North East. Congress if need to come back to their original strength need to be a force in UP and Bihar where they are miserable now.
Ik Gujaral has a good head and also experience as being foreign minister as well as being the prime minister. I think he was also ambassdor too.
Some months ago newspapers were speculating that Benazir Bhutto would be nominated for the UN Sec General position.
But a very good choice would be former US President Bill Clinton, whose international diplomacy led to some historic breakthroughs e.g. Ireland, Palestine and the Balkans.
clinton has good diplomatic skills. I would still prefer an asian this time. To have general secretary from your country is good, but i prefer india to be a permanent member of unsc as it is more significant. Lets see how it goes. We have firm support from 3 members - uk, france and russia. Usa and china are undecided. The most difficult bit would be to get a yes vote from china. I personally think india has more chance of getting the seat alone then if it goes as in the four country group of japan, germany, brazil and india, that have been bidding together.
:no: