Believing The Pakistani Propaganda
Multiple media outlets are reporting that Congressman John Conyers (Democrat from Michigan) has said in his speech to the House of Representatives that “In order to secure a long-term regional peace, the President must engage India and Pakistan to seek a final political agreement on Kashmir.” He went on to add “Only when Pakistan feels secure in the south, will the Pakistani army be able to focus its efforts on defeating the Taliban who dwell along the Afghan border.” I looked for the complete text of the speech in both the House Judiciary Committee website (John Conyers is the Chairman of this powerful committee) and also the House of Representatives website. I could not find it so far.
India is along the Eastern border of Pakistan and not on the South as the congressman mentions. But the congressman’s speech highlights the new line of thinking in Washington and other capitals that somehow solving the Kashmir issue between India and Pakistan is central to solving the mess in Afghanistan.
The Congressman also said that “One of the least discussed aspects of this conflict is the role India must play in promoting regional peace.” He said, for years the Pakistani military and intelligence services have been hesitant to crack down on Taliban militants operating in the tribal regions because they fear the establishment of an Afghan government that would be susceptible to Indian influence. “Such a worst case scenario, in their view, would give one of their traditional regional foes a foothold on both their northern and southern borders.” (Again you will notice that the congressman is using North and South when talking about the borders and not East and West).
The official Indian policy is not to allow a third party to media between India and Pakistan. Kashmir is just one of the issues between India and Pakistan. There are many other issues including water sharing, allowing pilgrims to visit holy places in each other’s countries and so on. But more importantly America so far has not shown a sense of fairness while mediating on important issues (the Israeli-Palestinian issue is a good example).
But statements like these by the congressman highlight the growing desperation in America when it comes to Afghanistan. A mission to find and eliminate those who where responsible for 09/11 has become a mission that is more about nation building. America was able to overthrow the Taliban soon after 09/11 mainly using the Eastern Alliance fighters who were for years supported by countries like India.
Since the overthrow India has deepened its relationship with Afghanistan (including with the main opposition candidate Abdullah Abdullah). This relationship is vital for India’s strategic interests in the region. Solving all our problems with Pakistan will not change the India – Afghanistan relationship or India’s interests in Central Asia (India has very quietly built an air base in Farkhor (Tajikistan) very close to the Afghan border to protect its interests not only in Afghanistan but also in Central Asia. Tajikistan shares a border with Afghanistan and China).
What America has to realize is that India is a growing power. Indian interests for the first time in a very long time is not just limited to its territory alone. Unfortunately some of the Indian interests in the region may conflict with the American interests. Afghanistan in my opinion is not one of them. India provides significant aid to Afghanistan (about $1 billion/year). India also has helped build roads, schools, hospitals and power plants in Afghanistan. Would American interests be better protected if India completely abandons Afghanistan? Is there any guarantee that Pakistan will stop its interference in Afghanistan if India leaves?
Two of the main objectives of the Bush administrations war on terror is to destroy terrorists and their organizations and also to deny sponsorship, support and sanctuary to terrorists. Adhering to these objectives is a good plan for America in Afghanistan. The boundary and other issues between nations in the region have been ongoing for centuries. But what is new is state sponsored terrorism. I feel that the United States should stop listening to the myriad of reasons that countries like Pakistan put out for doing what they are doing. The simple question is where does America stand on the sponsorship, support and sanctuary that Pakistan provides to terrorists of all likes? More importantly what is America going to do about it?
Related posts:
- India in a Tough Spot in Afghanistan
- Lessons India Should Learn From Pakistan
- Pervez Musharraf: Can India Trust the Former Pakistani Dictator?
- Pakistani Experience Relevent Against China
- Time for India to Rethink its China Policy
Category: News & Government
We can do what we like.Pak will not be able to settle score with India.
It has problem with us due to defeat in 1971 war.
They have problem with India’s democracy.
They have problem with our progress.
They are being used by vested interests.
Now,it is time when Pak is it’s own enemy.They will destroy the country. themselves.
I agree with what you said. But I wonder what would happen if Pakistan fails completely and falls apart. Also defending the Pakistani border and and all the problems they create is costing India a lot financially.