Letters

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Putin may be Russia's new man, but his ideals lie in the past. While his philosophy of judo--"Hit first and hit so hard your opponent will not rise"--seems insightful, it merely restates the general trend of thinking that has been around for ages. The quote seems quite similar to a 16th century statement by Machiavelli: "The injury, therefore, that we do to a man must be such that we need not fear his vengeance." BRAD VOGEL, AGE 16 Kiel, Wis.

CLINTON ON THE SUBCONTINENT

You deprived the world of appreciating the real significance of President Clinton's historic visit to South Asia [NATION, April 3]. The U.S.-India "vision statement," which calls for regular engagement between these two democracies, heralds a qualitatively new chapter in post-cold war politics. India, "a geopolitical orphan," deserved better treatment from you. It was insulting to read about "cows, beggars...and pedestrians" at the expense of substantive issues. South Asia is a perpetual victim of feudal-colonial-cold war malaise. BRIJ MOHAN Baton Rouge, La.

Behind the fog of euphoria, hype and hoopla, what has actually emerged from the first visit of a U.S. President to India in more than two decades is hope and symbolism. The tangible results of President Clinton's trip will only accrue, not in the months to come, but in the years ahead. SIDHARTH GHOSE Calcutta

President Clinton's visit to Pakistan confirms the U.S.'s continuing practice of making no distinction between foreign relations with democracies and with military dictatorships, making a priority of its own national interests instead. Consider the U.S.'s dealings with the following Pakistani strongmen: in the 1960s Ayub Khan; in the 1970s Yahya Khan; in the 1980s Zia ul-Haq. The list goes on. Ironically, President Clinton feels he can preach to General Pervez Musharraf on the virtues of democracy! SARWAT ALI Karachi

Clinton's trip to India marks a new coming of age in the relationship of India and the U.S. Both countries have a lot to share and to learn from each other. There is a remarkable change taking place in India in socioeconomic growth. Members of all communities and castes are involved and reaping benefits. Surely the U.S. has helped India in bringing about this transformation. AKHILESH MEHTA Bombay

WHY INDIANS WANT TO LEAVE

Your feature on Indian-born American citizens who work in the U.S. [WORLD, March 27] was thought provoking. But you should have investigated what prompted these people to leave home. Perhaps the greatest threat to India is the policy that reserves places in educational institutions and jobs in government for the so-called backward classes or untouchable castes. This concept of reservation has gradually become a kind of fundamental right for these people. Nearly half of federal jobs are reserved for them. The cream of the crop of students are assured of nothing, whereas students from lower castes are offered high-caliber jobs. So for budding scientists, lawyers, doctors and other professionals, the message is clear: the country doesn't want your expertise. Perhaps the words "Quit India," once directed at the British, have taken on another meaning. V.S. HARIKRISHNAN Kerala, India

A DNA OPEN-BOOK POLICY