‘I Think Pakistan Has Supported Groups Like the Taliban’– Expert

By Sarah Neary

02 July, 2013

Intense, inescapable, and irrefutable is the tug-o-war relationship which exists between two divided nations. According to a 2013 poll, 55 percent of people believe Pakistan has a mainly negative influence. Two specialists give the Voice of Russia the run down on how friendship can be feasible for the two nations looking to make economic and social improvements.

Leaders from Afghanistan and Pakistan are in a position where they can allow new policies to pass, to ease the tension, however, many roadblocks stand in the way of any sort of progress to be made in each nation. Bringing stability to Afghanistan is a goal they should strive for and more importantly Pakistan should want. Though, for that achievement to be accomplished Pakistan must be ready and willing to make changes.

“Unfortunately in the past I think Pakistan has supported groups like the Taliban, which has caused instability in the country and this has been the primary stumbling block between the two sides being able to find common grounds today,” Lisa Curtis, a senior researcher at The Heritage Foundation said.

Still, as political officials struggle to make headway because of the Taliban’s restless efforts of striking up a storm, another issue which continues to keep the tension going is the question as to who is in control of the Taliban. “Afghans think that Pakistan is totally in control of the Taliban. That’s probably not the case but that’s a very small belief among Afghans and Afghan officials particularly,” Dr. Thomas Barfield, a professor at Boston University explained.

No matter who is truly guilty of the Taliban’s efforts, their effect has put a damper on Afghan President Hamid Karzai. The Taliban has been said to be receiving a safe haven, retreating to Pakistan after finishing their attacks.

As the governments on opposing sides are currently attempting to patch up any past holes, the public can play a vital role in persuading their government bodies that now is the time to close up any loose ends. Reporters in Pakistan are actively speaking about the military tactics and how supporting such groups are backfiring on the nation itself.

“Well I think the Pakistani people can put pressure on the government to stop the policy of supporting the Taliban and providing sanctuary for groups like the Taliban, the Haqqani Network and we do see some of that,” Curtis told the Voice of Russia.

While politicians ponder about policy and the public keeps pressure on the issue, the question over how India fits into the equation comes into play. An important player which both Afghanistan and Pakistan look to is India. Afghanistan has taken billions of dollars’ worth of aid from India and has a good reason to keep a proper alliance with them.

“Kabul’s government historically have played balance of power games so since they’re afraid of Pakistan it makes good sense for them to have alliances with India,” Dr. Barfield said and then continued, “On the other hand that frightens Pakistan, which is always worried about being surrounded— everything to Pakistan is an Indian plot, so that becomes a problem.

India may actually hold the key to a lot between the two nations, since they have history and business ties with each side. Still, Pakistan should be careful about the moves both India and Afghanistan may be making in the future.

“Now India’s not agreed to provide that [military equipment] as of yet but I think it is something they maybe consider in the future but they would weigh that with Pakistani’s sensitivity on these issues,” Curtis revealed.

The conflicts between Afghanistan and Pakistan though have a deep seeded history, one stark point being the Durand Line, the border which Pakistan accepts but Afghanistan rejects. Even though issues of this nature divide them, they remain united spiritually through Islam. However, Pakistan has been seen displaying violence in the name of their religion.

“If Pakistan really wants to have better relations with the Afghan government, then they need to crack down the violent groups, on the Taliban and move their energy toward supporting better economic relations, better people to people relations,” Curtis suggested.

Unfortunately, the answer is not always clear as to who has the upper hand, Afghanistan or Pakistan. However, it is clear to see that staggering developments are taking place now and in the future in Afghanistan. “India has said that it will pay ten billion dollars for irons deposits in Central Afghanistan, the Chinese have already paid three billion dollars for a copper deposit and they’re going to build railways,” Dr. Barfield said.

Resolution between the two neighbours is a pact which would help not just one country, but both. If violence can become just another sentence in their history books, a massive amount of economic development could bring in profits for Afghanistan and Pakistan. Additionally, energy sources coming from Afghanistan could aid Pakistan’s rolling blackout issue, while Pakistan’s port could offer their neighbours a way to transport goods in and out of their landlocked country.

Doubt surrounds the future of Afghanistan and Pakistan, but many experts still hope they will make the right decision. Coming to an agreement concerning peace talks and business deals would be the most beneficial treaty for each side to not just sign, but to abide by for the sake of development.

Source: http://english.ruvr.ru/2013_07_31/I-think-Pakistan-has-supported-groups-like-the-Taliban-expert-8326/

URL: https://newageislam.com/islam-terrorism-jihad/‘i-think-pakistan-supported-groups/d/12876