INDIA NUKE DEAL
Rich Lowry
The Corner
More India nukes, via e-mail:
<<< Hi Rich,
I very much agree that this is a strategic & diplomatic triumph for GWB & the US. And a huge one:
1 - It gives us access & monitoring of India's nuclear program, without the bureaucracy & corruption of the UN.
2 - It promotes the use of nuclear energy (something which cannot get past the raving environuts here at home) in an accelerating industrial economy, lessening demand for fossil fuels, and in turn lowering the costs for all.
Beats the hell out of ethanol and wind power in a practical sense.
3 - It will only lead to far greater access to India's economy at all levels, which Wall Street, and the average American investor, will love.
4 - It encourages diplomacy between India & Pakistan (as well as strengthens our relationship with both parties, which will assist us as an arbiter in conflict) by reducing nuclear tensions in the region.
5 - It provides a model by which Iran looks more the rogue lunatic, isolating them at the UN.
6 - It could well lead to a future base of operations in the region outside of Muslim countries, a source of much strife and propaganda tool for those that refer to us as occupiers and/or crusaders.
7 - It will counterbalance Chinese influence in south Asia, and greatly increase our capabilities in any conflict over Taiwan/North Korea.
I know that this is only a first step, and that much of the above is speculation. But it is clear the direction(s) our very capable and visionary leaders are driving.
Now, the administration must frame this debate deftly to cut the Democrats off at the pass, and make them explain their all too predictable coming opposition. The points above, even as hints, would be a firm beginning, being based on the best issues - national security & economics.
corner.nationalreview.com |
