Mr. Shashi Tharoor ...

Ah! For once, India decided give it a shot in a world forum! For once, the Indian government stood up for one of its illustrious citizens!

Mr. Tharoor has been in UN for the last 30+ years!! Of all the candidates, he seems to be the best. But, as of Yesterday's straw poll, he has almost lost the race. That too by a wide margin! Well, I still have hopes! Kofi Annan got elected after much background discussions, just two weeks before he actually took over.

But, if Mr. Tharoor is qualified so much, why is he facing an uphill task? It should have been a cake walk for him!

In my opinion, it is not his popularity in question!

The whole world knew that the next UN Secretary General has to be elected in October. And, though not a written rule, everybody knew that it was Asia's turn!

WHY COULDN'T OUR GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCE HIS CANDIDATURE WELL IN ADVANCE?

Why was he announced as our candidate just two months back? If we are decided that we are fielding a candidate, we need to have done our homework!

We should have decided on him long back. We should have given him sufficient time to do his campaign!

Nobody votes simply on an individual's popularity. People want to be convinced of a leader, before voting. India, in my opinion, has not done that convincing. Because, we decided late in the game to take part in the game and we did not have time.

Having an Indian, at the helm of UN, would have been lot easier! After all, we deserve to be a permanent member in the Council. Mr. Tharoor could have very well helped India get it.

It is everyone's opinion that the Security Council needs reforms. Yet another politician there surely is NOT going to bring out the reforms! The UN needs a CEO who can take things forward and actually bring out the reforms. Another politician is the LAST THING, UN needs! Mr. Tharoor, with his UN career of more than 30 years surely fits the bill. But, one question remains!
HAVE WE DONE OUR HOMEWORK?