Depends on how the stakeholders treat each other
What Gen Dempsey told the Senate Armed Services Committee was plain wisdom. Militancy in the region cannot be checked without the support of Pakistan. In fact the US, Pakistan and Afghanistan have to join hands if peace is to be restored in the region. As things stand, lack of trust between the three stands in the way of devising a joint strategy. Pakistan’s relations with the US which plummeted after the November 2011 air strike on Pakistani border posts in Salala started improving slowly after the US apology and the subsequent resumption of NATO supplies through Pakistan. There are still vital issues though that stand in the way of better understanding. The US administration has to realise that unlike military administrations no democratic government would accede to its demands that go against Pakistan’s national interests. The unending repetition of ‘do more is likely’ to create resentment rather than promote undertaking. Washington has to take measures to remove Pakistan’s reservations rather than take recourse to pressure tactics. Among other things which stand in the way are the drone attacks, three taking place within weeks of Nawaz Sharif’ assumption of office. The lack of understanding between the US and Pakistan helps the militants who are having a field day. As the US withdraws its forces from Afghanistan it has to ensure that no terrorist organisation with global reach remains ensconced in the region.
The US offer to Pakistan of a prisoner swap agreement for extradition of Aafia Siddiqui needs to be discussed. The FO should consider the various aspects of the matter to help the PM take a decision. Much more important issue for the government and the people of Pakistan is an end to the drone strikes. The attacks are a violation of international law and are indicative of a disregard for humanitarian concerns. While the strikes have killed a few prominent terrorists, they have killed hundreds of innocent people and turned thousands into diehard militants and suicide bombers. Enlightened individuals within the US have demanded the cessation of the drones programme. The recent report by Daniel Markey, a senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations, indicates that the influential think tank also realises that there is a need for an understanding with Pakistan on the issue.
It is equally important to remove the suspicions of the Afghan government regarding peace talks with the Taliban. In order to be lasting, the peace in Afghanistan has to be Afghan-led and Afghan-owned. The recent Doha incident has led Afghan leadership to conclude that opening of the Taliban office was a plot to divide Afghanistan. Kabul has alternately accused the US and Pakistan of being the author of the so-called conspiracy. There is a need to remove the doubts and suspicions of the Afghan government by US and Pakistan. Hopefully the visit by Sartaj Aziz would be helpful in promoting a better understanding.
