US losing influence?

“A CONTROVERSIAL nuclear deal between the United States and India appears close to collapse after India's Prime Minister told President George Bush that "certain difficulties" would prevent India from continuing with it.” Melbourne Age

This deal was always suspect, appearing more an effort to put pressure on Pakistan than to assist India’s development. But maybe the world’s policeman isn’t pulling the old levels of respect anymore.

“The main obstacle does not involve terms of the agreement but India's internal politics, including fears from leftist parties that India is moving too close to the US.”

The fact is, like China, India is rapidly becoming an industrial/economic powerhouse. It is fine to bully the weak, but just an intimation of some growing strength can create some interesting dynamics.

The problem for the US and allies in all of this is that commitment to Afghanistan and the role that Pakistan plays in the equation. India has served as a sort of moderating influence in the region, but obviously not happily or willingly.

The rapidly changing economic dynamic around the world appears to be catching the Bush administration on the hop. The bully politics might have worked well, but it seems like there is now a call for a major modification. I’m sure many Americans would also love to see an end to the bully approach.