Washington:
The positive turn in the relationship between Washington and Islamabad was clearly on display at the first ministerial-level strategic dialogue between the two last month - where Pakistan made demands for more Military and economic aid and even raised the issue of US mediation on Kashmir.
Now, a US Journal has reported that the Obama administration is considering putting pressure on India to resolve tensions with Pakistan in return for Pakistani cooperation in Afghanistan.
Obama issued orders in December to make India resolve tensions with Pakistan
The idea that resolving tensions between India and Pakistan is central to stabilizing Afghanistan is not new. Obama himself first raised it during his presidential campaign. But in the face of vociferous Indian opposition there was no reference made to India or Kashmir in the appointment of US Special Representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan Richard Holbrooke in January 2009.
However, according to the Wall Street Journal, the Obama administration is now divided with the Pentagon lobbying for more pressure on New Delhi, and the state department resisting the idea. US Joint Chief of Staff Chairman Mike Mullen is reportedly among the most vocal advocates of pressing India to take Pakistan's concerns more seriously.
Ironically, while the US has maintained all along that they would like India and Pakistan to set aside their differences and confront militant extremists, they continue to push arms sales that could fuel the simmering tensions in the region. Since the Sept. 11 attacks Pakistan has received more than $17.5 billion in US aid and recently the US has even taken on controversial projects, such as helping to expand Islamabad's fleet of F-16 fighter jets. Many US officials have been wary of such deals with Pakistan, asking what Pakistan had done to uphold its part of the bargain.
However, New Delhi will be watching the new US bonhomie with Pakistan with concern.
Now, a US Journal has reported that the Obama administration is considering putting pressure on India to resolve tensions with Pakistan in return for Pakistani cooperation in Afghanistan.
Obama issued orders in December to make India resolve tensions with Pakistan
The idea that resolving tensions between India and Pakistan is central to stabilizing Afghanistan is not new. Obama himself first raised it during his presidential campaign. But in the face of vociferous Indian opposition there was no reference made to India or Kashmir in the appointment of US Special Representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan Richard Holbrooke in January 2009.
However, according to the Wall Street Journal, the Obama administration is now divided with the Pentagon lobbying for more pressure on New Delhi, and the state department resisting the idea. US Joint Chief of Staff Chairman Mike Mullen is reportedly among the most vocal advocates of pressing India to take Pakistan's concerns more seriously.
Ironically, while the US has maintained all along that they would like India and Pakistan to set aside their differences and confront militant extremists, they continue to push arms sales that could fuel the simmering tensions in the region. Since the Sept. 11 attacks Pakistan has received more than $17.5 billion in US aid and recently the US has even taken on controversial projects, such as helping to expand Islamabad's fleet of F-16 fighter jets. Many US officials have been wary of such deals with Pakistan, asking what Pakistan had done to uphold its part of the bargain.
However, New Delhi will be watching the new US bonhomie with Pakistan with concern.
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