tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4704148890264843595.post4390526734148064497..comments2024-03-27T03:46:07.097-07:00Comments on Raman's strategic analysis: THE CHINESE RAIL WEBB.RAMANhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12278000644746170031noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4704148890264843595.post-19767422570214016472010-11-19T07:38:20.433-08:002010-11-19T07:38:20.433-08:00I can see a clear polarization of the world into t...I can see a clear polarization of the world into two spheres of influence:<br /><br />Group 1: The US and its allies (Canada, Europe, Australasia, Japan, S.Korea, Israel and some middle east Islamic countries)<br /><br />Group 2: China and some Islamic countries with Jihadi culture.<br /><br />India, Iran, ASEAN and Russia are up for grabs and are continuously re-aligning their policies to fit into one of these groups.<br /><br />South America and Africa are enjoying whoever's attention they can get.<br /><br />It seems pretty clear India is moving slowly towards group 1, not surprising since China and most Islamic countries are causing us trouble. Iran seems moving towards group 2, since it is against the US and Israel and pro-china. Hence the latest outburst from Khomenei against Indian Kashmir - to endear Iran to other hardline Islamic Sunni bloc. ASEAN seems to be steering towards US due to fear of China. Hence friendly relations with India. Russia is undecided, but with Pres. Obama's nimble diplomacy of 'Reset', Russia seems not averse to come closer to group 1. Plus its ties to NATO, Europe are improving and it is similarly suspicious of China.<br /><br />I guess, once again there will be a cold war between these blocks. Pres. Obama seems the best US presidential candidate for this delicate diplomatic balancing act to stitch together a bloc of similar minded countries. Also Our PM Manmohan Singh is doing a great job! Although sometimes I feel the UPA is too weak and the BJP opposition too bombastic. What is needed is a rightful combination of both to make our enemies fear us.<br /><br />Overall picture looks re-assuring to me as an Indian. Our Goverment seems to have woken up and started making the right or sensible foreign policy and strategic decisions. But about India, I am still worried about Corruption, Poverty, Maoists, lack of innovation, lack of a manufacturing base and dismal infrastructure. In all these cases the UPA government fails abysmally. If these problems were to alleviate somehow in the next 5 years, I believe we would be in a great position to win any future cold war or 'clash of civilizations'!!Pareshhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14990490653401639607noreply@blogger.com