I do not know why but the fact remains that India-America relations are better under the Republicans than the Democrats. Idea-wise or ideology-wise, Indians should feel closer to the latter but it does not happen that way. No doubt, Washington is guided by self-interest which every country does. I am sure New Delhi understands that policy.

Hardline incumbent Mahmoud Ahmadinejad was set for a landslide victory in Iran's presidential race, officials said today, crushing his moderate rival and Western hopes of change in the Islamic republic.