A call to honour

At the outset, Jaswant Singh confides that the title of his book is an adaptation of the title of a volume of de Gaulle's memoirs chosen in the confident belief that "there are similarities that help me identify with him". The confidence is hopelessly misplaced. Few memoirs enhance the reputation of their authors.
On the hijacking of Indian Airlines' flight IC 814 in 1999, one expected a full account, especially since the author promised to tell us about his interaction with the Taliban at Kandahar in December 1999 (Indian Express, November 11, 2003). Some explanation was due for his certificate on January 1, 2000 after the trip. "We received cooperation from the Taliban throughout the episode" (The Hindu, January 2, 2000).
There is no account of his conduct of diplomacy prior to the plane's landing at Kandahar or why he went there - "Naturally I was inclined to go as it was the MEA's responsibility". He repeatedly said the passengers and crew members were "as comfortable as can be under the circumstances" (December 25, 28 and 29). AFP correspondent A.K. Ahmadzai reported on December 28 "the stench from inside the plane... is overwhelming". At a time when restraint was called for, Jaswant Singh went about attacking all and sundry on December 26. As on other episodes, the narrative is perfunctory and misleading.
Jan. 27-Feb. 09, 2007 A.G. NOORANI- Book Review/Frontline

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