Bull's Eye

The genesis of the nexus between America and China should be recalled. The nexus was forged during the Nixon years. Earlier, India had received a drubbing from China in 1962. Before that, the Soviets had backed China. Tension surfaced for the first time between the two communist giants at the start of that conflict. America saw an opportunity to drive a wedge between ussr and China. Israel had already done the spadework.

After 1962, Israel helped China become a nuclear power. Shaul Isenberg, a refugee from Nazi Germany in Shanghai through the Second World War, and subsequently Israel's richest businessman, arranged the transfer of nuclear technology to China. In 1964, China exploded the bomb.By then, Pakistan had not only forged good relations with China but had also ceded to it a strategic portion of j&k. This was done with American blessing. The strategic alliance between America and China rested on the integrity of Pakistan. That was why then US president Richard Nixon said: "The integrity of Pakistan is the cornerstone of American foreign policy."

At that time America needed Pakistan to block a Soviet advance into the Indian Ocean. China needed Pakistan as a second front against India. Then the Soviet Union collapsed. America doesn't need Pakistan as a bulwark against Russia now. Instead, it needs a stable South Asia for constructing an oil pipeline from Central Asia. But China's hegemonic mindset still dictates the need of a Pakistan hostile to India.

American and Israeli financial interests in China have grown enormously. Both want good relations with India but they dare not displease China. This explains America's indulgence towards Musharraf. It also explains America overlooking India's security concerns in deference to China. This complex situation challenges India to formulate an adequate response. 2003 is a good year to do it. Is the Vajpayee government up to it?

Uncle Sam, Uncle Sam,
You really are a big sham!
All your words against terror
Die in deeds full of error!