http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=3D2006\09\22\story_22-9-2006_=
pg7_29
Friday, September 22, 2006
US views relations with Pakistan cynically: Krepon
By Khalid Hasan
WASHINGTON: Washington places far too much optimism on its geostrategic
relationship with India as against cynicism vis-=E0-vis Pakistan,
according to Michael Krepon, founder president of the Stimson Centre.
Krepon writes that excessive optimism or pessimism was unwise and
unhelpful, as both partnerships could produce mutual dividends when
national interests and domestic politics are in alignment. But at
present, significant divergences remain in both cases, he argues.
"The extent of these divergences was on display in Havana last week,
where Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and President Musharraf attended
the non-aligned summit meeting. In Havana, the Indian prime minister
had a photo opportunity and a meeting with Fidel Castro, while
foregoing a trip to the United States and a meeting with President
Bush. This speaks volumes about his government's political
sensitivities in the wake of signing the nuclear cooperation agreement.
The Indian prime minister's primary need at this hour is to distance
New Delhi from the Bush administration's agenda.
Hence, India's endorsement of the NAM summit's final communiqu=E9.
Musharraf, the Bush administration's other strategic partner in South
Asia, also endorsed the NAM agenda." Krepon, who has been a vocal
critic of the Indo-US nuclear deal, wonders if these endorsements are
no more than political verbiage. If so, should pledges directed to US
audiences also be discounted? Or do these statements reflect serious
differences in national interests?
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