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Iraq-Jordan
India 'discussing' force for Iraq
2004-06-13
India's new Foreign Minister, Natwar Singh, says his government has yet to decide whether to send troops to Iraq. Speaking after talks in Washington with US Secretary of State Colin Powell, Mr Singh said the issue would have to be discussed within the government. "It is premature for me to say aye or nay," said Mr Singh on the subject of sending troops to Iraq as part of a multinational force.
Some softening in their position? UN resolution may have changed their minds.
When in opposition, Congress fiercely criticised the BJP for considering the American request for troops. As the first politician from the new government to visit the US for talks, Natwar Singh was keen to emphasise the ties between the two countries. "Both our countries have clear commonalities in shaping a democratic and pluralistic world order, free of terrorism," he said. Echoing his remarks, Mr Powell said the "US and India have a strong relationship right now and we intend to not only keep it strong but to build on that relationship, to move forward." Mr Powell also thanked India for backing the latest UN resolution on Iraq and brushed aside the notion that Washington had pinned its hopes on a BJP victory in last month's polls. "We don't place bets on elections," he said. "I learned that long ago. We will support and work with the government which the Indian people have decided upon."
Posted by:Steve White

#5  A couple tribal lashkars is the last thing we need running around Iraq. And the Pak army wouldn't be much of an improvement.
Posted by: Fred   2004-06-13 11:00:53 PM  

#4  ...to get Pakistan to move its butt and get a division shipped in there.
Call me cynical, #3, but why would we want the Pakistanis in Iraq? Aren't these the same guys who always give Al Queda operatives multiple advance warnings to surrender and then ultimately let them escape?

Except for the fat hairy guy,[and maybe special ops gave the Pakis credit for his capture], what Al Queda have the Pakis nailed as of late? Could our GI's trust Pakistani soldiers to fight on the same side as them in Iraq? Just wondering...
Posted by: rex   2004-06-13 3:04:07 PM  

#3  Oh - one other thing:

Talking to India is a spur to the side of Pakistan.

The Paks hate India - seeing Indian troops in Iraq would freak the Pakis out in addition to the local Arabs.

That may be the real reason behind this - to get Pakistan to move its butt and get a division shipped in there.
Posted by: OldSpook   2004-06-13 3:48:09 AM  

#2  Muslims, particularly al Qaeda, have a tremendous amount of respect for Hindus.
Fortunately, the reverse is also true. (/s)

If Indian troops do get stationed in Iraq amidst the terrorists, I believe they could be very effective at whacking black hats. They'd relish the chance.
Posted by: JDB   2004-06-13 3:47:28 AM  

#1  Hmm.

This might really PO the Muj. If there is anythign they like even less than "Joooos", its "Hindoooos". Look at the slaugher they perpetrated there over their history - thats where some of the harshest doctrine for bigoted abuse of non-believers was founded.

Hindus. That would really mess with them.

Even better: make sure India sends over the Sikh units. Talk about fierce - they are a warrior culture from day one. Only ones any tougher are the Ghurkas.
Posted by: OldSpook   2004-06-13 3:44:51 AM  

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