News analysis |
While calling off talks with and bilateral visits to the US, Pakistan hosted Beijing’s Special Envoy on Afghan Affairs Ambassador Deng Xijun. In the meeting with Foreign Secretary, Tehmina Janjua, both diplomats opposed Trump’s new Afghan strategy and favored a political solution over a military one. This meeting is of greater significance since it took place days after Acting US Special Representative for Pakistan and Afghanistan Alice Wells’s visit was postponed on Pakistan’s request.
It is upon Pakistan to use the window to iron out differences with Iran and incorporate it in a regional alliance. The battle lines have been demarcated with the US little support for its new policy
Both countries expressed indignation over the new South Asia policy, which revolves around using force, wilting Pakistan and giving India a greater role in the Afghan theater. Many analysts have rightly pointed out that the new policy will edge Pakistan closer to China and Russia; something which subsequent events have proven to be correct.
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The Chinese envoy reassured his country’s “continuing and firm support to Pakistan’s drive and efforts for peace and stability in Afghanistan” while emphasizing that there was no military solution to the conflict. He also underlined the need for a politically-negotiated settlement through an Afghan-led and Afghan-owned peace process, according to the Foreign Office.
China, in light of her own security interests, has been supportive of reconciliation in Afghanistan. It is expected that the tripartite alliance between Pakistan, Russia, and China can take shape and push this agenda forward
Beijing also made laudatory references to Pakistan’s fight against the menace of terrorism. The Envoy said: “Pakistan’s efforts towards eliminating the scourge of terrorism should be fully recognized by the international community.” Ms. Janjua while emphasizing the importance of strategic ties between the two countries, said that both countries will cooperate and coordinate to eke-out a peaceful solution to the Afghan imbroglio.
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No buyers
Trump’s new policy has been questioned and censured by one and all. Apart from China, Russia, and Iran, analysts also find it hard to explain. Question marks are being raised as to what 4,000 additional troops can do to turn the tables in US’ favor. Moreover, the induction of India in the Afghan theater has been objected to as it takes away the incentive for Pakistan of not intervening in that country.
Trump’s Indo-US plan for Afghanistan is seemingly bereft of a strategy; objectives are not time-bound and the very idea of compelling the Taliban by force is at odds with the realities on the ground
Trump’s Indo-US plan for Afghanistan is seemingly bereft of a strategy; objectives are not time-bound and the very idea of compelling the Taliban by force is at odds with the realities on the ground.
Pakistan will garner more support in face of mounting pressure from the US. Foreign Minister Khawaja Asif is also expected to go on a tour of regional countries, including China for mustering more diplomatic support.
In the meeting with Foreign Secretary, Tehmina Janjua, both diplomats opposed Trump’s new Afghan strategy and favored a political solution over a military one
With pecuniary leverage on the decline, the pressure of revoking aid and ally status may just not be compelling enough. The US has hinted at possible strikes inside Pakistan. It is important for Islamabad to elicit diplomatic cover as ties are not likely to improve anytime soon. The briskness of the Taliban will continue unabated; its buck will be passed onto Pakistan.
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Active diplomacy is being assiduously carried-out by Pakistan, much to the chagrin of the US. China, in light of her own security interests, has been supportive of reconciliation in Afghanistan. It is expected that the tripartite alliance between Pakistan, Russia, and China can take shape and push this agenda forward. It is upon Pakistan to use the window to iron out differences with Iran and incorporate it in a regional alliance. The battle lines have been demarcated with the US little support for its new policy.