India-Pakistan Relations 101: War and Cooperation

Prem Shankar Jha titled the triumvirate formed by President Pervez Musharraf, Pakistanese Army, and recently rehabilitated PM Benazir Bhutto an “Unholy Trinity”. Without any intention to characterize the events of Thursday night as anything else than political by nature, it is made clear that many do not wish her return to power. The reaction of Bhutto herself (and of some political analysts which spoke on Indian TV) suggests that her return is not keenly seen by large number of group, including Al Qaeda, Talibans, and others.

Is the long reaching arm of Uncle Sam in action behind Bhutto’s return? Without a doubt: the role of the USA influence was not denied clearly by officials. Negotiations between then General Musharraf and USA officials at the time USA military forces invaded Afghanistan is strong evidence of it. It is in the interest of the USA that Pakistan remains at peace… or at “war with terror”.

Pakistan is indeed at “war with terror” on its own territory since the region of Warizistan has fallen to the hands of Talibans, who in the opinion of Prem Shankar Jha, have also won the war in Afghanistan. Since the open conflict between Tamil Tigers of Sri Lanka and Indian “Peace Keepers”, India has not taken part to direct Military Interventions to pacify its neighbours. Is this going to be the wind of change in India’s usual policy of non-intervention?

Prem Shankar Jha calls for action as it is, for India, a matter of national security, and he does not see any other way around:

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(Source: Outlook magazine, Oct. 22, 2007)

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India and Pakistan have been at war for some time during the 20th century:

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“1947: Pakistan occupies one third of Kashmir (which Pakistan claims as its territory) India occupies three fifths.

1965: India attacks Pakistan on all fronts after attempts by Pakistani troops to infiltrate into Indian controlled Kashmir. War results in strategic stalemate and tactical victories for India.

1971: India decisively defeats Pakistan resulting in the independence of Bangladesh.

1999, also known as “Kargil War”: Kashmiri insurgents backed by Pakistani troops capture Indian army posts. Indian Army retaliates and recaptures the posts. International pressure forces Pakistan to back down. The war ends with India regaining possession of Kargil.”

(Source: Wikipedia)

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Pakistan has claimed that it would abandon its annexionist ambition on Kahmir, let India do the same. Could cooperation between “brothers” lead to a resolution of India-Pakistan conflicts over Kashmir?

~ par bheroux le 20.octobre.2007.