fickle US n INDIA

Ever wondered what it felt like to be caught between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea? That is how the Government of India feels right now. And that is why, a week after the war began, and months after talk of war began, India is only now beginning to criticise the war.

There is no doubt that even though India values its growing closeness to the United States, the present war is simply not justifiable; if anything, it sets a dangerous precedent, leaving New Delhi little choice but to speak up.

The US claims this is a war pre-pre-emption: taking on the enemy before he is able to threaten you, let alone become a threat. It is about taking the war to the enemy rather than waiting for him to strike you where you are weakest: at civilian targets at home.

Ever wondered what it felt like to be caught between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea? That...