1. Chandramahal, I think the euro vs. $ issue is only one amongst several issues, and it was probably not the major reason for the US invasion of Iraq. There were many other reasons including a) neo-con hubris, b) greed for oil, c) revenge, d) a need for an easy victory (given that iraq had been ’softened up’ by the 10-year sanctions.

2. Manishbhagat, India does not gain anything from doing the old NAM-dance like Cuba of being anti-American all the time in all things. It’s better off only piping up in things where it can make a difference — otherwise, India will be like NAM, which everybody tolerates with bemused scorn. In things like oil, etc. India is a heavyweight big buyer, so people will listen to it. On the other hand, India’s views will be treated with due contempt when India does not have the clout or the gunboats to force its will on others. Whether India has any will is another good question. On balance, it doesn’t.

3. MGVinod, I am pro-America, starting from the basic idea that I prefer America to the other emerging heavyweight, China. China is far more ruthless, imperial and bloodthirsty than America is. So an abrupt and precipitate American decline is nothing to be wished for, and indeed, it will not happen considering that America is far better endowed than just about any other nation, in terms of resources.

US is a country trying to maintain its hegemony over the world. Its economy is slowly weakening, technology edge is also being eroded by other rising nations. So, US looking to the future, would use its military superiority to arm-twist its way, to maintaining its hegemony in everything. To think otherwise, would not only be stupid but could be suicidal(ex: Saddam).

Saddam is no saint, neither are the many rulers in this world. So, Saddam reaped what he sowed, and I’m sure US will reap the good and bad of its actions. The coming dollar collapse and Iran war are few of the things that may speed up US’s downfall.

very well written.

Bush and Blair have gotten away by illegally attacking a country that posed no threat to the US or UK and killing hundreds of thousands of Iraqis:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/10/10/AR2006101001442_pf.html

Using MOABs, depleted uranium, carpet bombing civilian areas and white phosphorus:

http://www.marchforjustice.com/shock&awe.php

Why aren’t they accountable? Why isn’t George W. Bush being made accountable?

Peaceful Warrior
http://underboss.wordpress.com/

But hey, what would you say to the fact that if no one questions the bullying, USA will soon run out of traditional enemies and then in the name of saving a nation, will attack India! Iran will be replaced by India. Islamic fundamentalists will be replaced by Hindu nationalists. Saddam Hussien will be replaced by Narendra Modi. Think I am overreacting? Do you not see this as a possibility? Perhaps a look at the history of Afghanistan. A country systematically destroyed by the USA. And now perhaps Pakistan. Wonder whats to become of this nation caught in a Catch 22.

So while Iraq is someone else’s problem, Iran is someone else’s war, Afghanistan is someone else’s worry… USA was, is and will remain the biggest threat to world peace. Go figure.

Of course,his trial on other charges might have ended up in embarrassing the Americans because it was they who were egging him on and it was so convenient to finish him off before all that came out.

But was his asking for payment in only euros the clinching factor?