While wikileaks has embarrassed the US, Pakistan are probably the most pissed off by the leaks. It is one thing to keep saying that they are partners in the 'war against terrorism', but totally another to defend the same in the light of solid 'evidence' that the US do not trust Pakistan.
I listened to the Pakistani Ambassador to the US in BBC World News, claiming emphatically that Pakistan have spent money and lost lives in fighting the war on terrorism in Afghanistan. No one will deny that. But, at the same time, it is not easy for the Pakistani Ambassador to deny that several rogue elements in the Pakistani establishment have always colluded with the terrorists in Pakistan and Afghanistan. NY Times opinion clearly touches on this point.
As far as most of the Americans are concerned, Pakistan is destabilizing the war efforts of the US. That is why, NY Times headlined the wikileaks story as: Pakistan Aids Insurgency in Afghanistan, Reports Assert.
Can all this help India in some way? It is important for India to curtail Pakistan from easily getting military and other aid from around the world. However, it is not in the interests of India to have a bankrupt Pakistan. It will destabilize that country to such an extent that Pakistan will become a Somalia and there will be a hundred jehadi warlords roaming the country.
So, Pakistan should get aid - civilian aid. And the aid should come with a lot of strings attached. The strings should be in the hands of a global consortium. And India should join such a consortium so that it can control the rogue elements from capturing power in Pakistan. Part of the task should be to force Pakistan to cut down on its military spending. This will help India save up substantially on its military spending (focus mainly on China). Part of the job should be to de-nuclearise Pakistan (which won't be easy).
So far, Pakistan got away by saying it was the most important ally of the US in the war against terror. Now, it has been proven that such is not the case. We in India should really be looking forward to the American response to this.
One point though. The information leaked out to public only now. But the American officials knew about this all along, and hence they should have been tougher with Pakistan already. But, now the media and public will pressure the US administration to act, and act fast.
Americans should remember that some of their soldiers were killed in Afghanistan because some Pakistani elements helped Taliban.
well said
ReplyDelete"One point though. The information leaked out to public only now. But the American officials knew about this all along, and hence they should have been tougher with Pakistan already."
ReplyDeleteI guess this is the most important point. BTW, are they really tough against Pak ?
Wishful Thinking.
ReplyDeleteThere is no way Pak would accept India in any consortium that decides how it should be funded.
Yes, the Americans knew this all along and they just enabled Pakistan to have unfettered access to Central Asia's markets through Afganistan and allowed reciprocal access to India from Afganistan while successfully locking India out of land access to both Afganistan and Central Asia. Secretary Clinton was present in person to get this deal signed. That shows the American thinking.
This leak is likely to hasten the exit of the Americans from the region leaving only the drone based attacks to keep Osama's men from roaming around freely.
The Afgans know that the Americans will leave sooner or later and that the vultures are waiting. So, they have reached out and struck deals with both Pak and the Taliban. India has already lost this game. And very badly.
Nothing in these leaks would have surprised the South Block or indeed anyone watching the Afgans for decades. Now, more than ever, India needs Iran and the Central Asian republics in its alliance. Fortunately, Narasimha Rao had already initiated steps to build this alliance when he was the P.M.
Indians have no choice but to hold the Americans accountable for Pakistan and proceed with steps that are in its strategic interests including alliances that may be unsavory from American perspective.
Alas, there is no one with that kind of a backbone in New Delhi.
-Mani M. Manivannan
good post. thanks badri.
ReplyDeleteThere is some Omniscient person/group out there in US. They will never be stumped at any time. they will always be in control.
ReplyDeleteYour analysis is great. particularly,a point that You had made in another post about providing aid to Pak in Rupees and not USD.
Does the name "pak"isthan (pure land) hold good any more?
Thanks,
Venkat
VERY, VERY SIMPLISTIC VIEW!
ReplyDeleteUSA HAS BEEN GOVERNED BY ARMAMENTS, OIL, FINANCE, & PHARMA INDUSTRIES. SINCE ROOSVELT ONLY CARTER SEEMS TO HAVE KEPT THEM AT BAY AND PAID A PRICE FOR IT. MOST OF THE US PRESIDENTS & POLITICIANS ARE PROXIES FOR THESE INDUSTRIES.
USA FOREIGN POLICY NEVER AIMS AT REDUCING ARMS RACE, THEY TRY TO ESCALATE IT AND SELL ARMS TO BOTH THE SIDES AND THEIR BANKS WILL LEND TO BOTH THE SIDES!