Point Blank with James Astill on Terrorism and Militant Islamism

Published: Aug. 3, 2007, 12:30 p.m.

This week, we chat up with James Astill from The Economist, the recepient of the annual Gerald R. Ford prize for distinguished reporting in National Defence. James business card a few months ago read, Defence and Terrorism Correspondent. Meeting terrorists or fairly rough characters as he likes to call them is an occupational hazard for someone who bears the tag of a Defence Correspondent. Over the past decade, hes visited Cuba, Sudan, Congo, Afghanistan and many more places including a 6 year stint with Islamabad. In this 20 min talk, James gives us his hands on insights on Pakistan. James feels that Indias sometimes friendly neighbour is changing and that it is Indias turn to extend its hand for peace.