This is with reference to the news item that calls for US mediation to solve the Kashmir issue. It must be understood that while a third impartial party might help along negotiations between Pakistan and India, the US is not that impartial party.
Its relations with India and Pakistan are mitigated by its own agenda in the region. Also, its relationships with both the countries are qualitatively different. It wouldnt be the best mediator in this particular conflict. It is the job of bodies like the UN to ensure that the peace process is underway. While the negotiations themselves should take place between the concerned parties, there is no stopping the US from setting the process in motion. It has enough clout in India and Pakistan to pressurise them into entering into a peaceful dialogue to resolve their disputes. Once it has ensured that the two are talking, we should decide our affairs like two sovereign members of the international community rather than be treated like two children squabbling over a toy by the US.
OMER SHEIKH
Lahore
