Under the imperative of the war against terrorism, the diplomacy of the coalition means that the tectonic plates of world politics are having to shift. The USA, that sought to punish Pakistan and India for acquiring the nuclear weapons with which it dominates the globe, needs their support too much. Today Pakistan and India became accepted nuclear powers in the councils of the world. We are seeing the world hegemon having to make compromises in order to enforce her authority. The ground rules of global governance are being rewritten. Now if the USA would attend to a short check list, it might get on better with islam Chechnya Palestine Kashmir Pakistan would like 36 billion dollars of debt written off, and India no doubt has a price for a democratic settlement in Kashmir. How about a South Asian Development Plan for peace and cooperation, lubricated with a little capital? Chris Burford London
