While I do agree that the PM precipitated the crisis, don't try to tell us that Left has principled stand on India's growing proximity to the US. They had token protests once or twice about the growing military relationship. But, it required the PM's unwarranted shooting off his mouth for Left Front to realise that India is suddenly becoming too close to the US. The 10year defence co-operation pact, military exercises, India's voting against Iran only evoked lip service from Left. Why couldn't they have threatened to pull out of the Government when these events happened? Or atleast lay out the ground rules on engagement with the US. I guess the Left loved sharing power with the centre more than its policy of US opposition then. But, when openly challenged by the PM, all the principles of Left have suddenly come to the fore. Whatever the pluses of Left Front (I am sure there are more than a few), don't make claims like having most intellectuals within its fold compared to any other party or only principled party and so on. (Actually joining the UPA itself is against their principle!!)
