Democracy will take India ahead of China: Rumsfeld(that's subtle:-))

The Times of India ^ | 06/03/05

[TigerLikesRooster]

Re #20

Because he wants to spank China hard. India may be lukewarm, but is not a security threat. On the other hand, China is.

[AFPhys]

Here is yet another example of where, if you realize the game plan of the Bush administration, the whole setup is completely understandable. This follows the whole Bush Liberty Doctrine concept. - India = more freedom = advantage

For those who don't know what I'm talking about,
all of these developments stem directly from the administration having a common game plan, President Bush's Liberty Doctrine. It is a definitive statement describing what is occurring, and laying out how this next century will progress (unless we succumb to terrorism).

For motivational material, look at:
President Bush Delivers Graduation Speech at West Point
http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2002/06/20020601-3.html

The whole strategic approach FReepers ought to be at least somewhat familiar with is here:
The National Security Strategy of the United States of America
http://www.whitehouse.gov/nsc/nss.html

Anyone who is curious as to how the next century will unfold, and why, or who wishes they had an idea what is going on behind the scenes, owes it to themselves to spend some time studying these.

[Gengis Khan]

Thanks for the links. The NSS is an interesting read. Only thing is ....there was the same old India-Pak hyphenation in more than one place. US will have to stop looking at Indo-US relation from a Pakistani prism. Only then can we really move forward.

[FreedomSurge]

Looks like Rummy has been talking to Victor Davis Hanson again.

[AFPhys]

You're most welcome.

Personally, I've always thought it strange that the US/India have not been much closer during the last half century, and hoped that would happen.

As far as Pakistan is concerned: for at least 35 years, US military thinkers have been very concerned about the nuclear proliferation threat the India-Pak area represented, and the 'Toon's administration ignored and let come to life. Now, we have terrorism to be concerned about with Pakistan. A strong working relationship with Pakistan is important, despite the India-Pakistan rivalry, and in my mind, India being the more critical. This is a similar situation to Egypt-Israel for the U.S., and in many ways even more difficult.

[snowsislander]

"The tension will grow as they move through the years," he said.

Yes, as the CCP grows wealthier and more influential, the tension with the U.S. will grow.

Since China is getting wealthier largely from our trade, we could try to nip at least some of this in the bud by ceasing normal trade with Red China.

[A Simple Soldier]

Your comment should read India has to stop looking at its relationship with the US through a Pakistan prism. We very clearly see two different countries. India will not accept that. Ever wonder why India and Pakistan are in different regional combatant commands?

This is one area where most Indians are very rigid in their outlook. I would say with 90-95% of Indians (educated or not) I talk with regarding foreign policy, security policy, etc. that within 10 minutes, no matter what topic or what region we are discussing, they will bring the discussion around to US relations with Pakistan.

Frankly, it is very predictable and pretty tiresome.

[Gengis Khan]

Sorry my posts should read just the way it reads. I was referring to the NSS report where India was referred alongside Pakistan in more than one place. Please read the article.

Even if US sees India and Pakistan as two different countries, facts remain that the US policy as regards the subcontinent is always an "India-Pak" (hyphenated) policy and sadly this is more tiresome than anything. If at all there has been any change in the US attitude as regarding India, its only been due to 9/11.

And as regards the rigidity of the Indians on this issue.....well.....90-95% of Indians cant be wrong can they? Or is it (as always) that Americans know better than the Indians? Most Americans I have talked to (quite like you) always show their surprise on why Indians get all worked up over US ties with Pakistan but then themselves show the same reaction on India's ties with Russia, the NAM and now China.

[ekidsohbelaas]

Frankly, it is very predictable and pretty tiresome.

Possibly its also very valid? Did you read the Jaswant Singh article and his theory of unintended consequences?