Talking points
With PM Sharif just back from the US and Gen Sharif packing up for a visit, Pakistan once again finds itself at the centre of crucial international diplomatic crossroads. Among the biggest concerns, of course, remains Afghanistan. And finally there is consensus among (almost) all stakeholders that Pakistan’s leverage with the Afghan Taliban might just be the key to wrapping up this war once and for all; all except Afghanistan, that is. The Murree initiative impressed everyone, including the Americans, NATO and the Chinese. But President Ghani had to change course – owing principally to overwhelming domestic pressure – once Mullah Omar’s death was leaked to the media.
But now there is, once again, high level movement on the issue. Post Murree, Islamabad’s offers for a repeat performance have not been met well in Kabul. But now that the Americans are interested again, and the Chinese envoy is also visiting the region – with similar proposals – there is a chance that Ghani might be persuaded to give a rerun a try. The Afghans know better than most parties that the Taliban are gaining momentum again, and they have till the winter to reach an agreement. The fighting will start again when the snow melts. And the last Spring Offensive was the most potent on record. Hopefully Kabul will appreciate the sensitivity of the timing, and understand why everyone is finally on the same page.
The Americans are also clearly concerned about our nukes. First they let their media in on the nuclear deal ahead of Nawaz’s visit. And with that not quite working out, they are on a fresh press offensive before the Coas lands there. But they must realise that full-spectrum deterrence is the core of our defence policy now. If they Americans are seriously interested in a nuclear drawdown in South Asia, they should begin with talking to the Indians. It is, after all, their posturing that has forced Pakistan down the nuclear road. And Modi’s government has made Pakistan’s case far easier to argue in the international arena. These, broadly, will be Pakistan’s talking points this fall. It is now for the Americans, also, to show they are genuinely interested in moving forward in this region.
