Are there Chinese newspapers that have the right to criticise what Mao did in Tibet? Was there anyone who dared speak up when he let millions die of hunger so he could build his nuclear bomb? Are there Chinese newspapers that can criticise their government even today? What of Iran, whose nuclear ambitions our Marxist parties support? How many ordinary Iranians dare object to what their government does? How many dare protest when women are arrested for not covering their hair?

As we approach the terrible anniversary of 9/11, we need to remember that the global war on terrorism we have fought since then is a war to preserve the open societies and freedoms we cherish in a country like India. America is our natural ally in this war.