- Imran Khan’s leap of faith
Those who launched an impetuous offensive in Yemen had under-estimated the resilience of the Houthis. Instead of returning victorious in weeks or months as they had hoped, the allies have remained bogged down in the quagmire for nearly four years now. The longer the war, the greater the expenditure, and all this amidst condemnations pouring in from all over the world over human rights violations and gross ignominies. What the allies desperately need is an honourable exit which remains elusive.
The airstrikes in Yemen , according to a UN report published last month, had led to thousands of civilians deaths. The Houthis who had rebelled against a pro-Saudi government in their country, consider themselves the aggrieved party. Despite the odds against them they have refused to surrender.
Imran Khan feels indebted to Saudi Arabia for the financial help provided early this week. What is more he has been asked by Riyadh to act as a mediator. To be a successful arbitrator one has to enjoy the trust of both the parties and seen by each as an honest broker. So far Khan only enjoys the confidence of Riyadh.
Pakistan has successfully kept itself out of the Gulf disputes. Despite being close to the Saudi Kingdom, Pakistan declined to take sides in the Saudi-Iran dispute or the Saudi-Qatar confrontation. On Syria, Islamabad has kept a strongly neutral stance. Pakistan joined the Islamic Military Counter Terrorism Coalition but ensured that the organisation did nothing that was seen to be targeting Iran.
Imran Khan has his work already cut out for him. All the more so because besides being the PM he has decided to retain the portfolio of the interior also. In order to succeed he must not bite off more than he can chew. What goes against him is that he has so far shown little aptitude for diplomacy required from a mediator.
In case Pakistan decides to mediate, necessary ground work should be done by the Foreign Office. The foreign minister has to reach out to the Houthis to assess if they are wiling for talks through an arbitrator and what their conditions for reconciliation are.