The agreement can also serve as a lesson to Pakistan on the importance of being pragmatic rather than sentimental while formulating foreign policy and in relations with countries considered antagonists. PHOTO: AFP/FILE
The pact between Iran and the United States (US), France, Germany, Britain, China and Russia promises to make the region a safer place. Relations between the US and Iran have been strained since the 1979 Islamic Revolution, and grew still more bitter under President George Bush, elected to power in 2000. President Obama has indicated since 2008 that he wished to change this, with the election in Iran of liberal President Hassan Rouhani helping matters along. The Iranian Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who had backed Rouhani, has endorsed the deal though some opposition is expected from hard-line elements within the country. Israel, which has an openly acrimonious relationship with Iran, has also made it clear it is not pleased at all, and will be taking up the matter with Washington.
Such dissent is, of course, not unexpected. But in the larger context of things, the agreement reached has considerable significance. It opens up the doors for an era of new relations between Iran and the West, pulling that country back into the mainstream. And it also has implications for Pakistan which this year reached an agreement with Iran to pipe in much needed gas from that country. The deal now reached over the development of Iran’s nuclear programme makes it more likely that sanctions may not be slapped on that project. This, of course, would be good news for all of us. The agreement can also serve as a lesson to Pakistan on the importance of being pragmatic rather than sentimental while formulating foreign policy and in relations with countries considered antagonists — a lesson much needed at this point in time.
Published in The Express Tribune, November 26th, 2013.
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Negotating a deal with Iran that is clearly opposed by Israel and SA is a game changer worth noting. Both countries depend on the USA for survival and spend enormous resources to influence American policy - the fact that the combined efforts of both countries couldn't prevail is remarkable. I suspect Israel and SA are both going to have to consider their options - they don't have another major player in the wings waiting to replace the USA and both may have to adjust to a new reality.
Obama has realized that extremest policy of certain nations are the cause for the poor economy. with this agreement three birds are killed with one stone. KSA, Pakistan and Israel are put on notice that there extremist policies are not in the American interest. Now most of the material in 2014 will come out through Iran wand will by pass Pakistan. Iran will also be helpful in stabilizing Afghanistan. Iran, India, Russia china all supported northern alliance and were successful in keeping Taliban at the bay. Replay of this coordination is expected to continue.Pakistan is bound to lose revenue of 1500-1800 per container. Do the math. Obama administration also saw elimination of Libyan, Egyptian extremist governments too. Barrack Hussein is the best Muslim President US will ever have.
The need for Pakistan to tread a middle of the road policy was never more needed, as it is needed right now.