The concept behind the post was that Pakistan and Afghanistan and their conflicts and difficulties were so inextricably interlinked that they had to be viewed as an entity, separate but conjoined. The Tillerson view is different, and he prefers to handle the issue at a regional level and that means including India. With the US currently on something of a charm offensive with the Indians and Indian Premier Modi about to visit the White House a shift in focus was inevitable. The implications are complex. The US has made very clear the lack of trust that exists in respect of Pakistan; and it has been notably silent on the Kashmir issue but the matter cannot be avoided indefinitely and India will be anxious to avoid any internationalisation of the conflict. The Trump administration may have little time for old and established positions and India may find itself between a rock and a hard place — keen to advance trading relationships whilst protecting its position vis-à-vis Kashmir.
India and China are both players in Afghanistan and both are being courted by America which is not courting either us or Afghanistan. Interesting times.
Published in The Express Tribune, June 25th, 2017.
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