The UPA's top leadership speaks only when pushed to the brink. This is making their politics look increasingly defensive and reactive, writes Barkha Dutt.
The whole world is debating a post-Gaddafi nation even as Libyans have made up their minds about booting out a despot. Barkha Dutt writes.
Among the several questions that could have been asked at the prime minister's media conference - but weren't - one omission stood out for how interestingly it captures our malleable emotions. There wasn't a single question about Pakistan. Barkha Dutt reports.
The BJP must abandon its Tiranga Yatra to Jammu and Kashmir. The fragile peace in the state must be given a chance, writes Barkha Dutt.
We look at Kashmir only during moments of crisis. Recent events in the Valley merit closer attention and engagement with moderate voices, writes Barkha Dutt.
Our public discourse appears to have lost the complexity of thought that is so crucial to a democracy. The polarisations have shrunk the middle ground where the truth usually resides. Barkha Dutt writes.
Nitish Kumar's victory has a lesson for other parties: negative campaigns don't work anymore; the voters are seeking a message of hope. Barkha Dutt reports.

Two years ago, we were inspired by Barack Obama because he was a potent symbol of multiculturalism. Now he has distanced himself from what made him unique. Barkha Dutt writes.
The Commonwealth Games in Delhi held up a mirror to us. The reflections tell an interesting story of how India is changing, writes Barkha Dutt.
The political din over Maoist violence is a distraction. What needs to be done is obvious. Barkha Dutt writes.
The failure of the Centre to arm the moderates in Kashmir with political weapons has given extremists — and public anger — a fresh lease of life.
Barkha Dutt writes.
Isn’t there any value placed on the outrage of the Bhopal victims and their rights? Whatever happened to corporate social responsibility? Barkha Dutt asks.
India needs a cohesive and strong anti-Naxal plan. But after the Bengal tragedy, it is worrying to observe the first signs of political reticence, writes Barkha Dutt.
Increasingly a belief is gaining ground that the Taliban must be brought on board for peace in Afghanistan. This strategy does not augur well for India, writes Barkha Dutt.
‘This isn’t about India as a country; it’s just about a few people who do not understand the language of Modern Art. Art is always ahead of Time. They will understand one day.’ With these words and the brandish of a giant brush, a twinkly-eyed M F Husain sought to close the recent debate that has polarised public opinion about him, writes Barkha Dutt.