Iran’s cooperation is vital for the US improving the situation in Iraq. Iran is not as isolated from the world as North Korea was. Yes, President Ahmedinejad is notorious for his vituperative pronouncements about Israel. But Ahmedinejad does not wield dictatorial powers in Iran and the Iranian record, illustrated by their acceptance of a truce with Iraq, which Ayatollah Khomeini had said was like drinking poison, shows that they come to terms with reality. Iran is also very crucial to stabilize Afghanistan.

These are all issues of common vital concern to the US and India. Therefore, instead of demanding compliance from India on certain lines of policy determined in Washington, there is a need for detailed discussion between policy makers in the US and India. Delhi does not expect Washington to shape or determine its Pakistan policy on the basis of Indian perceptions. Similarly, Washington cannot expect Delhi to toe the US policy on Iran without questions. Lastly, the US will do well to remember the lessons of Iraq War. The Washington Post has recently reported that ground-level intelligence about the Iranian nuclear programme was rejected because of policy considerations. There is a lot to discuss with Congressman Ackerman.

The writer is a senior defence analyst ambimani@gmail.com