Comments on: “When Goods Don’t Cross Borders, Soldiers Will.”*

By: The Anti-Gnostic

The Anti-Gnostic — Mon, 07 Nov 2011 17:11:49 +0000

I think the statement is apocryphal, because it’s demonstrably wrong.

By: Etjon Basha

Etjon Basha — Mon, 07 Nov 2011 08:27:14 +0000

Of course, mini-wars like Kargil still can happen if both countries can stomach pointless fighting that never accomplishes much. Also, financing terrorist activities is indeed the trend right now, but I do not think that it must be taken too seriously as a military weapon: after all, the word is that after the Mumbai attacks India got close to launching a preemptive nuclear attack on Pakistan. I think they got the message.

By: Mathieu Bédard

Mathieu Bédard — Sat, 05 Nov 2011 09:45:51 +0000

Frédéric Bastiat never said or wrote that, it might as well be credited to Montesquieu.

By: Joe

Joe — Sat, 05 Nov 2011 04:28:57 +0000

“When Goods Don’t Cross Borders, Soldiers Will.”

If only American politicians would take this seriously. Maybe then, America will attempt to turn Iraq and Afghanistan into free-trade areas. That would eliminate the reason for Iraqis and Afghanis to become terrorists; without business opportunities, terrorism against a perceived oppressor becomes the only apparent option for some.

By: pravin

pravin — Fri, 04 Nov 2011 08:55:51 +0000

not necessarilyy. the kargil war in 1999 occured inspite of nukes.plus now the chosen method in pakistan is financing rogue elements via the ISI to create Mumbai 2008 like incidents.

By: Etjon Basha

Etjon Basha — Fri, 04 Nov 2011 07:48:49 +0000

Actually, I’d rather say that Indian soldiers will not cross into Pakistan (or vice-versa) due to both parties having nukes, and not that much due to trade. But of course, trade helps too.

By: pravin

pravin — Fri, 04 Nov 2011 04:48:49 +0000

india had unilaterally dropped tariffs on goods from pakistan back in 1996.unilateral liberalization on trade is wonderful too.it doesnt have to be both countries together