The US factor

And the India factor

The world, especially this region, has changed considerably since the old days – when we began playing jihad in the US fold and India was non-aligned. Much of the Indian press, after Kerry’s visit, still refuses to accept the reality of the inevitable, complete end of that non-alignment as Washington warms up to Delhi. Yet the Pivot to Asia is now past takeoff, and it suits India just fine that Sushma Swaraj could have Kerry nodding as she described their views on Pakistan as a sideshow to the talks. Pakistan would do well, therefore, to study these changes carefully.

It’s been all south with Washington for quite a while as far as Islamabad is concerned. The ‘do more’ more or less lasted the extent of the war on terrorism. There was a brief break, when the QCG was formed, and chances that Pakistan would bring the Taliban to the talks – and help end the war – seemed real, especially to the US. But then, after the Mullah Omar leak, it came back with more force. Then the F16 story, all the way to the CSF freeze. All this, of course, as US-India ties make history. That India, Afghanistan and America are going to hold talks means there is more to come, which should worry Islamabad.

Yet, worryingly, there are no alarm bells ringing anywhere near the ruling party. If anything, the government acts as if it really believes all is still well. If only Sartaj Aziz would look over the border – on any side except China – and then check how we’re doing with our number one donor and ally, perhaps he’d at least seem less confident when defending the prime minister’s no foreign minister policy. And China, no doubt a cherished and respected friend, should still not be our only ally in the region, and indeed beyond. Kerry just came to India and confirmed Pakistan’s isolation. If Pakistan can still not read the tea leaves, it will slide further into isolation.