Strategic dialogue with US
by
Javed Hafiz |
The United States requi-res, ever more cooperation with Pakistan to execute its new strategy for defeating the Taliban in Afghanistan”, Said Admiral Mike Mullen to a congressional panel recently. Defence Secretary Gates also acknowledged that “Pakistan’s extraordinary military campaign ” against Taliban had helped improve ties with the United States.
A lot of hype was created by the Pakistani electronic media about the strategic dialogue with the United States. TV talk shows were discussing it day in and day out, as if it was a unique event. The government-controlled TV channel said that Pakistan now had a number of winning cards which it must use to its advantage. It was a wide-ranging dialogue, covering 10 fields of cooperation, which came at a crucial time. US forces will start withdrawing from Afghanistan in the middle of next year and congressional elections are due November this year. In the next six months the US government must demonstrate to a sceptical voter that that it was making significant gains in Afghanistan. Pakistan assumes crucial importance in that scenario.
Strategic dialogue between the two countries was instituted in 2006 and this was its third round. However, this is the first time that the dialogue has taken place at the ministerial level. It is also the first time that so many areas of cooperation have been discussed at one forum.” We have talked a lot in the past. “It is time to walk the talks now”, said Foreign Minister Shah Mahmoud Qureshi, on the eve of this round. Both sides were clearer about their aims and objectives this time. Both were frank and prepared to tell each other, there is no free lunch. There had to be a quid pro quo if cooperation was to be enhanced to a strategic level.
It may be worth its while to probe the high confidence level of the Pakistani delegation and why it was listened to with so much attention. Firstly, Pakistan now has an elected government which, despite its many inadequacies, does carry the popular mandate. Secondly, the Pakistani armed forces have made very impressive gains, in the past year, against the Taliban and continue to do so. Those achievements have been internationally recognised. Thirdly, the recent arrests of some high profile Taliban leaders by the Pakistani security outfits have infused a new level of confidence in the Pak-US relations, previously marred by mutual mistrust. And fourthly, Pakistan has emerged from a wavering ally last year to a credible partner in war on terror. There is a general consensus in Pakistan now that extremism is as much a threat to the Pakistani society as it is to any other.
As the Helmand operation ends, a fresh campaign is expected in Kandhar district which is quite close to the Pakistani border. Much of the logistic support to the US troops has to go through Pakistan. If Pakistan effectively checks the flow of fleeing Taliban into its territory, the Kandhar operation will have greater chances of success. That would afford the US forces the position of strength badly needed for a “respectable” pullout from the Afghan quagmire. The dialogue process will also require Pakistani help for a successful conclusion. Thus Pakistani importance, both in war and peace in Afghanistan, is beyond any doubt.
The cash-strapped Pakistani government needs US assistance in a number of fields. Of the 10 areas discussed in Washington, defence, trade and energy cooperation were most important from Pakistani angle. Apart from that the social sectors in general and infrastructure in particular need immediate attention, especially in Swat and Fata. During the dialogue, it was announced that $125 million had been earmarked to make three thermal power stations operational again. Pakistan currently faces 5000 megawatt of power shortfall. Funds will also be provided to the Benazir Income Support Programme. Delivery of military hardware will be expedited.
The body language of leaders from both sides was positive in Washington. Karachi Stock Exchange crossed the crucial psychological barrier of 10,000 points. However, a question frequently asked here is, will this relationship sustain at this level after the US forces leave Afghanistan? Different people have different answers. If you ask a US official the answer would be positive. If you ask Pakistanis, they would be sceptical. However, the positive development is that this relationship is now graduating from a narrow focus on security and proliferation issues to a broader spectrum.
The Pakistani side had prepared well for the dialogue this time. It had sent a 56-page brief to Washington, ahead of the talks. This helped in making this round goal-oriented. However, it is necessary to clarify one point. The funds promised during these talks will be from within the amount available in the context of Kerry Lugar bill and not additional.
In my opinion, a good new direction in the bilateral relations has started. Pakistan government needs to use the funds quickly and judiciously to mitigate the energy crisis and develop the war ravaged areas. To follow up the decisions, a steering group has been set up and it is likely to meet in Islamabad soon.
(Javed Hafiz is Pakistan’s former ambassador to the Sultanate) |
Other comment for Javed Hafiz
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