Pakistan’s reluctance to act decisively against the Taliban and/or other related targets inside Pakistan made Pakistan’s demands to have a strong say in the Afghan solution not trustworthy
Need for re visiting Pakistan’s Afghan Policy and Role in
finding Peace
Published in two parts on 19 and 20 August 2013
Need for Re Visiting Pakistan's Afghan Policy
Pakistan tried to bargain a solution for Afghanistan that will ensure
an upper hand to groups it considers friendly to it. Pakistan’s diplomacy
relied on US plans/ needs to disengage militarily from Afghanistan. Pakistan
also depended on the strength it gained from its location and history of the
past two and half decades which gave Pakistan a real influence in Afghan
affairs. Pakistan has been using that influence as a bargaining chip. If played
appropriately, it could have got Pakistan a much better deal. However, it
appears Pakistan has not just failed to gain much, but has lost in terms of
domestic security; is facing a crisis of existential proportions, economic
meltdown, and international and regional (almost) isolation with a very
negative image. It’s getting late but if Pakistan is somehow able to make some
quick adjustments in its demands and methods can still clinch a favorable deal.
At least, it can minimize the loss.
