While not forgetting the old ones
The deadly power games have been going on in Afghanistan for decades. They could take an even worse turn if the future plans leave out any significant detail. While the region has seen more than its fair share of violence, destabilisation, terrorism and political upheavals, it is the future of the region that really counts, particularly more so after the American forces’ withdrawal by the year 2014. If peace does not find a way in in this area, all the stakeholders would be pushed against the wall.
Avoiding the likelihood of such a scenario seems to be the main driving force behind Afghan President Hamid Karzai’s second visit to India this year. Being an aspiring regional power, India is flexing muscle by offering investment worth billions in Afghanistan in infrastructure and Afghan security personnel’s capacity building. There is a talk of a “strategic partnership” between the two which would ultimately undercut Pakistan’s role in the regional stability and its relations with its Western neighbour. Indian involvement in a country, which they don’t share a border with, could undermine the efforts of bringing peace, and have the potential of upsetting peaceful relations with Pakistan.
Geography is not the only common factor between the two states. Culture and a long historical interaction have created deep rooted ties between the people of both the states. Pakistan has always had stakes in peace in Afghanistan, supporting the government in Kabul and providing support at international forums. This support has been recognised and appreciated by the international powers, including the US, who is now in rhyme with the idea that peace in Afghanistan is not possible without Pakistan’s involvement.
Decades of fighting has made this region a total wreck. For Pakistan, on one hand, a peaceful neighbour in the form of a stable Afghanistan would bring down militant and terrorist activities and could enhance trade opportunities while earning kudos from the international community. On the other, Kabul and New Delhi both must understand and address genuine concerns shown by Pakistan. Whereas the Indian involvement in Afghanistan must be in accordance with the wishes of the Afghan people, it should also not be rejected outright.
