With the US and its allies determined to complete combat operations in Afghanistan by the end of 2014, there is a dire need for increased cooperation between Pakistan and Afghanistan. Unless this happens, it may not be possible to ensure that the departure does not lead to lawlessness and a chaotic situation as it did in 1989. The recent trilateral summit between the Presidents of Pakistan, Afghanistan and Turkey has agreed upon two measures to make a beginning in the removal of the backlog of apprehensions and misunderstandings between Islamabad and Kabul. These are relatively minor steps. In case they succeed one can hope they will be followed by more daring and meaningful measures.
On Friday, the three countries decided to hold joint exercises; the first of these are to be held in April next year in Turkey. Ankaras presence in the trilateral summit is more of a moderating nature as the meetings are in fact aimed at building trust between Pakistan and Afghanistan. Despite their being neighbours, it would be difficult at this stage to make the two neighbouring countries undertake a joint operational activity anywhere in the vicinity of the Pak-Afghan border. With joint drills conducted in a friendly country, it might become possible one day for the armies of the two countries to work together in the Pak-Afghan border region whenever needed. As Turkey enjoys prestige in both Pakistan and Afghanistan, joint exercises on its territory cannot be misinterpreted as they are likely to be if held under the aegis of the US. In view of the impending US departure, many would term the move as timely and appropriate. Another equally important initiative is the agreement to promote closer cooperation between the intelligence services of the two countries. While security agencies in both countries play an important role, their relations continue to be plagued by mutual suspicion. Once the two measures succeed, one can hope more steps will be devised to bring about an improvement in understanding.
One likely step of the sort is the holding of the second joint meeting of the parliamentary foreign affairs committees of Turkey, Pakistan and Afghanistan. This will be possible after the new parliament in Afghanistan opens early next year. Turkeys growing regional clout may not be appreciated by the US and some of the Arab states. Initiatives devised by the trilateral summit will however be easier to sell in Pakistan and Afghanistan than those taken in western capitals.
