Anti-U.S. Axis

Your Oct. 4 editorial (“Anti-U.S. Axis? Not Too Likely”) appeared to underestimate the degree of frustration and alarm that countries like Russia, India and China feel when the U.S. imposes its writ at will at strategic spots around the world.

You dismiss the likelihood that these nuclear powers would submerge their differences in order to provide a measure of bipolarity to this increasingly unipolar state of the international power structure. Established states such as these are likely to pursue their national interests, and if it requires putting aside “decades of suspicions, rivalries and occasional open hostility” in order to enter into alliances, even expedient ones, this possibility cannot be taken lightly.

You ended on the right note by advising Washington to “pursue its interests in ways that are as mutually beneficial as possible.” Curiously, you directed that advice with respect to China and Russia only. It would just as well apply to Washington’s dealings with India.

SARDUL S. MINHAS

Anaheim Hills