[RebelTex]

To USMMA_83:

You wrote: "My god...you are completely clueless in south-asian history, aren't you. ... ... Jeff is hawking his nonsence books...."

Wow - Those are some very persuasive insults.  Really fine arguments that will convince everyone of your superior intellect, knowledge, and humility.

To both USMMA_83 & sukhoi-30mki:

I never claimed to have a vast and/or complete knowledge of south-Asian history.   I am aware, however, of the following:

1. That both India and Pakistan have joined the nuclear club not so long ago, and that both have short range missile capability, and either already have or are working on mid-range and long range capability.
2. That India and Pakistan have had and continue to have serious border flare-ups and other issues between them.
3. That both India and Pakistan have Muslim agitators that stir up trouble every chance they get.
4. That China has definitely been making power plays on several fronts, flexing muscles economically and militarily and continues efforts to upgrade military capacity, and cozying up to our enemies and some allies, and threatening our other allies.
5. That, IMHO, if all out war broke out between India and Pakistan, the US & China would most likely be drawn into the conflict.
6. That, IMHO, whichever side the US takes doesn't really matter as China will most likely take the other side.
7. That, IMHO, it would be best for us, the US, to enhance our relationships with both India and Pakistan as much as possible, try to prevent such a war, and hinder China's efforts where possible.

Maybe that doesn't make you nervous, but I prefer for us to pay attention to possible warning signs and be prepared for whichever way the wind blows.

[Gengis Khan]

"That, IMHO, if all out war broke out between India and Pakistan, the US & China would most likely be drawn into the conflict.
That, IMHO, whichever side the US takes doesn't really matter as China will most likely take the other side."

And whose side do you think the US would take? Can you state it a bit more clearly?

[sukhoi-30mki]

You should look at things on the "ground" now-

1.The US is selling arms to Pakistan at a slightly constrained rate,though these will easily be their best weapon systems.

2.China is continuing arms sales to Pakistan & it's increasing as you saw in earlier posts over the past 40 years.

3.The US is offering pretty huge packages(atleast on paper) to India ranging from space cooperation,Civilian nuclear reactors & large scale military cooperation-from potential sale of fighter aircraft,army & navy helos etc & Indo-US military exercises aim at joint-operations be it against WMD & ordinary terrorism.

4.Make no mistake,Sino-Indo ties are improving,but these military exercises are purely cosmetic eyecandy ops .You can check up FR's search page on how the PRC is encircling India.

Your logic on the US & China having to choose sides in any Indo-Pak conflict is well,lacking in substance.First of all,since the 1999 Kargil war,the US has adopted the role of conciliator between the 2 & was instrumental in avoiding military action between the 2 in 2002.If Pakistan launches a war against India & full scale hostilities ensue(naval action & strikes across international borders along Punjab & Rajasthan),the chance is that Pakistan will be close to using nukes ie.it will have to team up with India.& We all know the US is fearful of just that.OTOH,the PRC would keep Pakistan supplied,because the last thing it needs is India to remain unscathed.A lot of folks forget that both India & China are competing for oil deposits in Africa,Iran & Central Asia as well as mineral wealth of the Indian Ocean.If Pakistan doesn't exist,The PRC loses a very potent buffer-just like it would if North Korea collapses.That's precisely the reason why China is building naval facilities in Burma & Thailand as well as upgrading ties with (a rapidly Islamising)Bangladesh.

About having Muslim agitators,well buddy,Pakistan is MUSLIM-they launched all 4 wars against India & If you didn't know,India's nuke programme was initiated in 1964 with China in mind.Need I say more......

[sukhoi-30mki]

China building "naval facilities in Thailand" should read as China building facilities in Cambodia which is not exactly far from India's sphere of influence.China though is courting Thailand,a traditional US ally & has infact sold considerable amounts of weaponry to Bangkok.