The US needs to understand that
Whether it pleases Washington or not, the decision to import gas from Iran is strictly in accordance with Pakistan’ national needs. The sooner the US realises the fact the better for US Pakistan relations. In case Washington persists in imposing sanctions on Pakistan as it did in the past, it would be only cutting its nose to spite its face. The sanctions didn’t work in the past, there is little possibility of them working now. Only military rulers like Ayub, Zia and Musharraf who depended on the US support can go to any extent to please their foreign masters. Cognizant of the needs of the country and knowing the public sentiment, no elected government can roll back the gas pipeline project.
Washington needs to realise that dictation will not serve any purpose in a world where American clout is gradually on the decrease. It has already failed in Afghanistan and Iran. Driven by hubris President George W Bush invaded Afghanistan, without giving diplomacy a chance. He thought that the gigantic military power at his disposal would enable him to enforce his will on the country. While Bush failed, Obama learnt little from his predecessor’s experience. After agreeing to release the Taliban prisoners in exchange for talks that could have led to a peaceful solution, Obama was swayed by the hawkish element in military and intelligence agencies. He went instead for the surge which caused enough bloodshed without achieving the visualised goal. Now Obama is washing his hands off what he called the ‘war of choice’ without defeating the Taliban or reaching a negotiated settlement. Obama’s Iran policy turned out to be equally futile because this too depended on pressure rather than diplomacy. Engagement, as pointed out by Vali Nasr, was no more than a cover for a coercive campaign of sabotage, economic pressure and cyberwarfare.
The US is once again leaving Afghanistan more insecure than it was on its arrival. Instead of being led by a visionless Obama administration, Pakistan needs to confer with China, Iran, Russia and India to formulate a joint approach to bring peace and stability in the war torn country. What needs to be realised is that any attempt by a country to use Afghanistan against another would be disastrous for the region. A combined effort has to be made to neutralise terrorists of all hues and colours. A secure and peaceful Afghanistan holds prospects of prosperity for all. A civil war in the country will only help the forces that want to destabilise the region. The continuation of hostilities will force the affected population to take refuge in neighbouring states in millions. While Pakistan and Iran will have to bear the major brunt, no country will be safe from terrorist attacks.
