The article on aviation security 'The eternal challenge' by Scott Stewart (October 2009) was very informative. Come to think of it, it's not very difficult for militants to blow us up to bits 30,000 feet high in the sky. All that is needed is an out of the blue mid-air explosion and only our bits and pieces will come down to earth. It's a horrible thought, and one that is not difficult to imagine.

The writer says that after 9/11 the aviation security has become so foolproof in the United States that it's no longer possible for hijackers to take over a commercial airliner and fly it into a building. But what about the smaller countries, which are also part of the war against terror? What about Greece, Ireland, Italy, Spain and Sweden? And what about the developing countries like India, Sri Lanka, Pakistan and Bangladesh? These days tourists travel the world over. Do these countries have the same infrastructure and commitment to provide for near foolproof aviation security?

Aviation security concerns us all and providing it has got to be a combined effort. Rich countries with requisite expertise should extend all possible help to other countries for the safety and security of all passengers.
On the issue of terrorists hell-bent on carrying out mid-air explosions, the article points out that 'emphasis needs to be placed on finding the bomber and not merely on finding the bomb'. This is a very important fact. It underscores the importance of 'observation and intuition' on the part of airport officials. Assigning trained security officers to watch for abnormal behaviour and suspicious demeanor at airports becomes imperative.

Miriam Ross
Mumbai

The change in Japan
Reading David Watts' 'Huge power shift' in Japan (October 2009) was both a pleasure and a revelation. It was a pleasure because only a writer with good grasp of the country's politics could have written so clearly and concisely; and a revelation because one didn't know that for 50 long years Japan had been governed by an 'iron-triangle' of politicians, bureaucrats and businessmen. One always thought of Japan as a vibrant and prosperous democracy, albeit with a shady past.

Arthur Wheaton
Northampton

More of Massey
This is about the review of Sir Gulam Noon's book by Reginald Massey (August 2009). Massey is obviously a good writer but I notice he has been doing only book reviews for your magazine. Though book reviews are important, why don't you ask him to write a full article? It'll be a greater pleasure.
I understand Massey is a poet. Would you carry his poetry in your next issue?

Pradeep Mehra
Jaipur (Rajasthan)

Asian Affairs does not carry poetry. But we'll reach your message to Mr. Massey and hope he'll write an article for us.

– Editor

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