Need of the hour
Efforts to initiate serious strategic and military relations with Russia have been underway for some months now. Not only is Russian expertise and influence in high demand, but their hardware also commands special significance in the international arms bazaar. Little surprise, then, that many of Pakistan’s friends are on its client list; signifying its importance to regions that indulge in arms races, not the least because its weapons are easily repairable and replaceable, and not as expensive as similar high-tech American war toys.
The partnership with Russia comes at a good time for Pakistan. Moscow will no doubt be a crucial player in post Isaf Afghanistan. Considering how Pakistan’s ‘strategic depth’ is all but compromised, all regional players will have to play a significant role to Keep Afghanistan from imploding. And it will help to have the Russians on board. The two fought in opposite corners in the same setting and changed the world. Their coming together this time will not only benefit them, but also Kabul. Then there is the question of Russian arms, never far from Pakistan’s mind, especially since business with the Americans has become a consistent problem. For one thing, it is never without political influence and attachments. For another, the partnership has come under unprecedented strain since the war on terror. Perhaps a reduced profile till things settle down will be better, not the least for Pakistan’s war chest.
There are other, not so pronounced, implications as well. Russia and America have moved a world apart since they got together shortly after 9/11 and George Bush got a peek into Vladimir Putin’s soul. Of late, they have returned to the rivalry of the Cold War. And Pakistan’s strategic position, wedged between Moscow’s partner states China and Iran, is crucial. Even if no future political shifts have been mentioned yet, there will be plenty of opportunities to explore such avenues once the partnership strengthens. But Islamabad should be careful. Closeness to Moscow will invariably bother Washington. And a point must come when Pakistan’s priorities are explained, and adhered to, very clearly.
