Description
“The Blood Telegram: India’s Secret War in East Pakistan” is a non-fiction book written by Gary J. Bass, first published in 2013. The book provides an in-depth exploration of the events leading up to the Bangladesh Liberation War of 1971, focusing on the role of the United States and other major powers during the crisis.
Bass’s book sheds light on the complex geopolitical dynamics surrounding the conflict between East and West Pakistan, which eventually led to the creation of the independent nation of Bangladesh. He examines the actions and decisions of key figures, including President Richard Nixon, Secretary of State Henry Kissinger, and Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, as well as the diplomats and officials who were involved in shaping U.S. foreign policy at the time.
The title “The Blood Telegram” refers to a classified diplomatic cable sent by Archer Blood, the U.S. Consul General in Dhaka, East Pakistan (now Bangladesh), which documented the atrocities committed by the Pakistani military against the Bengali population. Bass highlights the moral dilemmas faced by policymakers and the ethical considerations underlying international relations, particularly in the context of human rights violations and humanitarian crises.
“The Blood Telegram” is praised for its meticulous research, compelling narrative, and nuanced analysis of a pivotal moment in South Asian history. It offers readers a deeper understanding of the complex dynamics that contributed to the Bangladesh Liberation War and its aftermath, as well as the broader implications for international relations and diplomacy.
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