reality of Indo US relations
The reality of Indo-US relations Shibboleths permeate comment about Indo-US relations. ... The software and outsourcing powerhouse that India is becoming now allegedly constitutes an irresistible magnet for the US. But every now and then there is jolt because the US sticks the knife in and India despairs. ... Indians need to get real and more cynical about the limits to Indo-US ties. The US is not the least bit impressed with Indian democracy. ... The closest third world allies of the US have usually been pliant military dictatorships, which is why Pervez Musharaff remains the preferred choice in Pakistan. This is exactly the same reason why the US cannot afford democracy in Iraq, since a pro-Iranian Shia regime would result. US democracy itself is managed cynically and determinedly by a wealthy oligarchy. ... The US has never been intent on exporting democracy for third world consumption. The importance of the Indian lobby in the US is also grossly exaggerated. It is more to do with reassuring oneself than the reality of its modest role, compared to other powerful lobbies in the US.