Iran as mediator

The tides in the Pakistan-India Kashmir conflict may be changing direction. In one of the latest developments at the Heart of Asia Conference in New Delhi, Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif offered that Iran act as a mediator between the two neighbouring countries over their long drawn out Kashmir tussle. This is a slight detour in the usual course of action when tensions flare over the disputed territory, in which innocent lives are cut short a few at a time and threats are issued asa show of prowess by the other country, often following a trigger event. Over time and after some handful of lives lost, tensions are doused. However, with globalisation expanding in the South Asian region and increased trading being augmented in Asia, it is in Iran’s interest to have the two neighbourly brothers cooperate so as to focus energies on profitable economic ventures. Out of deep concern for human rights violations committed by either side, we welcome the gesture.

Previously, Pakistan acted as a buffer between Iranand the United States, doing the balancing act and maintaining diplomacy with both countries that did not see eye-to-eye on a few major points of consternation. Now, Iran is engaging in a role reversal of sorts with Pakistan but even going so far as to offer to arbitrate. Kashmir is finally garnering national attention, though still out of international focus save for a few forums. Intriguingly, Iran was the first country to recognise Pakistan as its own sovereign state after Partition; a parallel can be drawn here with Iran potentially supporting the Kashmiris’ right to self-determination, which has been a popular public sentiment, at least in Pakistan. We do wonder what is in this for Iran, but the prominent answer is its wish to realign focus on stable economic trade with both countries. With no end in sight to the Kashmir issue, Pakistan and India should further explore this offer. Iran is an ideal mediating partner as it has maintained relatively healthy relationships with both countries, even if intermittent at times.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 11^th, 2016.

Like Opinion & Editorial on Facebook, follow @ETOpEd on Twitter to receive all updates on all our daily pieces.