I wrote recently about the centrality of Pakistani-Indian relations to the struggle against Al Qaeda. Pakistan’s army and intelligence services have been more focused on the border with India than on the mountainous Pakistani-Afghan border, where Al Qaeda and other murderous militant groups are now based.
The elected government of Pakistan - whose prime minister, Yousaf Raza Gilani, visited the White House last week - wants to shift foreign-policy focus. It understands that jihadi groups present a more immediate threat to Pakistan than does India. But the civilian government is still trying to consolidate power and doesn’t fully control the military or intelligence agencies. It is unclear whether Qureshi can carry out his plans or whether the military will go along.
One thing is certain, however. The US should be doing all it can to help Pakistan’s new government establish control over the military and pursue warmer relations with India. I repeat: all it can.
I was struck by Qureshi’s fervour in outlining the measures he seeks to build confidence with India.
“It is in our own interest to have improved relations,” he said. “The Pakistani business community wants it.” That community grasps that its future growth depends on a more open relationship with its far bigger neighbour.
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3:46 AM
Moderate Islamist here
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