Most of the opposition (and the support) is not supported by facts, because of the secrecy surrounding our nuclear program. We can only go by what the experts connected with the nuclear program say.

In that context, the chief scientist of our nuclear program, who was completely against the nuclear deal is now fully in support as are virtually all the nuclear scientists who have gone on record.

The National Security Adviser to the BJP, Brajesh Mishra, was also initially against the deal. Then he said that if the govt told him what was the current status of our deterrence, he would be able to make an intelligent decision as he was aware of the status when he left. He is now in support of the deal, which led Manmohan Singh to make his appeal to Vajpayee (and Advani) to support the deal.

Brahama Chellaney is an external observer …… I would go by Brajesh Mishra over Chellaney anyday.

And, I think we need to understand the realpolitik of the US as well ….. it is naive on our part if we expect them to completely ignore the Hyde Act as the communists (who are bent on derailing any relations with the US) and their supporters are demanding. This is impossibe given the power of the NPT hawks among US politicians. Given this background, my limited understanding says that we have got a fabulous deal from the US – we are being allowed to stockpile nuclear fuel, we choose the reactors to put under safeguards, we have India-specific covenants with the IAEA (?) ……. these have not been offered to any country in the past, and certainly not one who has not been part of the NPT regime.

But, I am not an expert …….. the experts connected with the nuclear program say this is a good deal. I see no good reason to doubt them.

Opposition to the nuclear deal does not mean that one is just biased against the US. I am not in favour of the nuclear deal but I do welcome the strategic partnership. Plenty of experts including scientists from AEC, politicians (excluding communists) and political analysts have voiced their discontent with the deal. I know there is plenty of support for it too. I just think it must be debated in the parliament. In fact, all foreign policy issues must have political consensus. If it is such a good deal, why is the congress party trying to push the deal without trying for political consensus. I dont know if you have read Brahma Chellaney’s articles. He brings up a lot of valid points. Try his blog – http://chellaney.spaces.live.com/

Also, there has been plenty of US bashing in the posts related to the nuclear deal. There is a simplistic creed of bloggers here that US = christianity = domination over hindus.