Mishra proposes India-Israel-US anti-terror alliance

The Times of India ^ | May 9, 2003 | Chidanand Rajghatta

[ArmchairWarrior]

WASHINGTON: India's National Security Adviser Brajesh Mishra has proposed an alliance between the United States, India and Israel, among other democratic countries, to meet the threat of terrorism.

In an address at the American Jewish Community Annual Dinner here on Thursday, Mishra said such an alliance would have the political will and moral authority to take "bold decisions in extreme cases of terrorist provocation" without being distracted by diversionary arguments like "root causes."

Preventive measures like blocking financial supplies, disrupting networks, sharing intelligence, simplifying extradition procedures can only be effective through international cooperation based on trust and shared values, he added.

The idea of a Washington-New Delhi-Tel Aviv axis against terror is not new, but it is the first time it is being proposed so openly and formally. While doing so, Mishra spoke of the "fundamental similarities" between India, the United States and Israel, including their democratic system, sharing a common vision of pluralism, tolerance and equal opportunity.

"Stronger India-US relations and India-Israel relations have a natural logic," India's foreign policy principal, who is in Washington for talks with top US officials, told the Jewish movers and shakers. Mishra also announced at the dinner that New Delhi hoped to receive Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon soon in India on an official visit.

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[ArmchairWarrior]

I couldn't resist including this excerpt, which made me laugh out loud :

"In interviews with two Pakistani networks and a press conference, Armitage, who joked that he was a son of a policeman and therefore not inclined to firefight..."