Evolving from the first wargames played with dice to the game of Kriegspiel, which trained the Prussian Army and led to their stunning victory in the Franco-Prussian War, contemporary military exercises are an acid test to validate existing concepts and evolve new doctrines for waging war. The recently concluded Exercise 'Sudarshan Shakti'  in the Thar desert was one of the largest military exercise after the famous 'Brass Tacks' which took place in the early eighties. Conceptualised by Lt Gen AK Singh, Southern Army's C-in C, the exercise generated widespread interest as it tested, evaluated and validated new concepts like seamless information networks, integrated theatre operations and transformational initiatives. The President of India, the Defence Minister, the Chief of Army staff and some selected Members of Parliament witnessed the exercise and made an assessment of the Army's preparedness for war. In a region as unstable as our subcontinent, military rehearsals of this nature help restore the common man's confidence. Modern armies are now relying on simulated models to practice military drills, but occasional live practices cannot be replaced to get the real feel.

The standoff between the government and military in Pakistan continues giving rise to speculations and intense debates over survivability of the present government.  Coup rumours have swirled in the country ever since a secret memo to Washington came to light last year that said that President Zardari had feared an army take-over after Al Qaeda chief Osama bin Laden was killed in Abbottabad. We hope for an amicable peaceful and lasting solution which would be in the best interests of the country and the subcontinent. In this issue we are joined by Lt Gen (Retd) Harish Dutta in a debate over normalising relations between the two neighbours  India and Pakistan. For the region to progress and prosper, India and Pakistan must learn to live with each other despite each other.

Other features include an analysis on Seychelles' strategic options, present state of Iraq and a commentary on Naxalism. As always military technology section carries some interesting stories as well.

South Asia Defence & Startegic Review's entire staff joins me in wishing all our readers and patrons a Happy and Prosperous 2012.