But Nathan, look on the bright side. Our skilled diplomats have gotten India and Pakistan to agree on something. Clearly, this is the first step toward resolving their border dispute.

What a State Department triumph!!

I don't think we ever really expected their support on this. There's a whole lot of pride over there concerning their nuclear program, and some corresponding resentment of the United States and its high-minded anti-proliferation agenda. THey might agree that Saddam is a meanie, but they'd never support the US taking away his WMDs.

What on earth does the Indian position on Iraq have to do with the Democrats' unconstitutional obstruction of the Estrada appointment, to say nothing of excusing it?

Interesting how you take note of countries that oppose the Anglosphere coalition, but ignore, e.g., the majority of EU countries that support us ("unilateral military action" blah, blah, blah).

Yes, but they're not on the Security Council. Some, like Thomas Friedman, say they should be. That's a different point, though.

Those who oppose the liberation of Iraq have adopted a system of selective myopia. They'll see India's position all right, but they'll ignore Japan's. The result is a picture of the world that is badly skewed to the left. Here is a report you can find at:

http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/T153036

Japan backs Iraq deadline despite anti-war public

TOKYO, March 8 (Reuters) - Japan gave its backing on Saturday to the latest deadline for Iraq to disarm or face war, despite overwhelming public opposition to any U.S.-led military action against the country.

"Our nation supports the proposed resolution as it is the final effort by the international community to put pressure on Iraq to disarm on its own," Foreign Minister Yoriko Kawaguchi said in a statement.

The Indian position has nothing to do with democracy. It is a result of a long lasting, tacit alliance with Russia, coupled with their status as a (dedicated) NAM member.

Jack,

Funny how you talk about the unconstitutional filibuster of Estrada. especially considering that filibusters have been around since the first session of the senate. Not to mention the fact that Republicans tried to filibuster many of Clinton's nominees and not even allowing some of them to get a hearing. Remember Robert Paez. Typical Republican Hypocrisy.