[CarrotAndStick]

The US also believes India's democracy - unlike China's one-party rule - gives it a long-run advantage in political stability in the economic race with its giant to the north. That reflects President Bush's strategy to promote democracy as an antidote to nations becoming bases for jihadist terrorists. It is exactly because India is a democracy that few if any Muslims from its 150 million Islamic minority have ever joined Al Qaeda.

I think a lot of folks will agree, the problem is Islam. Modern India and Pakistan were born essentially under the same circumstances, and same conditions. Just see the contrast today. Besides, can anyone name ONE Islam-based state which is a democracy? We all know Malaysia and Indonesia are sham democracies. Turkey is secular officially.

[FYREDEUS]

India may be the next [i am loathe to say last] best hope for Western Civilization when the REAL 'Clash of Civilizations' comes, probably in the last quarter of this century - it's therefore none too soon for the Serious People to begin preparing her to be ready to pick up the Torch [though I still have Hope for America for a while longer yet].

[Boot Hill]

"Embracing India as a Rising Power"

Sorry, I dou't embrace on the first date.

--Boot Hill