Lots of speculation recently on the cowboy Bush admin's overtures to India. Previously in the cold war era we were strictly in the Pak camp but since the fall of the Sov Union, Indier made internal reforms turning away from socialism and has become more culturally compatible with the US. Never mind 400 million Indians working in the US software industry and most US companies call centers outsourced via telecommunications to English literate India.

In what could become the world's most significant 21st-century strategic alliance, a strengthened partnership is forming between the two largest English-speaking democracies: the United States and India. President Bush and Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh cemented bilateral ties in recent White House talks, paving the way for greater trade, investment and technological collaboration. In time and with the cooperation of other friendly powers in the region -- notably, Japan and Australia -- this new alliance could emerge as an essential counterweight to China. Essentially, it will be an Anglospheric alliance in Asia and the Pacific Rim.

Who'd a thunk it? Cowboys & Indians playing together. What's next, cats & dogs?