CHIANG MAI, Thailand -- U.S. President Bill Clinton's recent visit to South Asia had both positive and negative moments.
On the positive side, the long overdue trip generated a tremendous amount of media coverage and a worldwide interest in the destiny of almost 1.5 billion people.
In general, Clinton skillfully negotiat- ed a diplomatic tightrope. The president's primary focus on India was correct, and his message of a new bilateral U.S.-Indian bilateral relationship was well received and reciprocated, especially in the economic field. "India is mesmerized by Clinton," wrote a noted Indian novelist.