From a CNN report, the Pakistani government is apparently requesting American influence in the India/Pakistan conflict over Kashmir. Not only that, but they demand no Israeli or Indian participation in any retaliation the US might carry through with. All this in exchange for use of Pakistani airspace, and occasional communication via Pakistan. Are they trying to milk this for all it is worth? Are they even really set on helping us? They are one of three countries to recognize the ruling power of Afghanistan, and the only one with an embassy. Trustworthy?
vj23k, Pakistan is having serious political trouble with the decision to allow the US to use Pakistan airspace. <b>Give me your impression after reading the following article. </b> <A HREF="http://www.stratfor.com/home/0109182300.htm">Washington Prepares for Long Campaign</A> <i> "......Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf has offered substantial cooperation to the United States in the wake of the Sept. 11 attacks. But pro-Taliban forces inside Pakistan threaten his hold on power. These threats come from those who feel he is too secular as well as from ethnic rivalries within Pakistan. Musharraf is a Muhajir, an Urdu-speaking member of an immigrant family from India. Although Urdu-speakers have dominated Pakistan's political and economic elite, the many of the country's indigenous groups -- including the native Pushtun population, which geographically straddles the border with Afghanistan -- view them as usurpers. Even with Musharraf's promises of cooperation, military planners in Washington must be absolutely sure that he has control of his entire military. The main questions in Washington now are whether Pakistan's offer of assistance is firm and whether the government is stable enough to allow the United States to strike Afghanistan from Pakistan...........</i>
<A HREF="http://www.stratfor.com/home/0109192000.htm">What India is seeking for aiding the US</A> Mango
From that article, I extract that president, Pervez Musharraf, is willing to provide the United States military with the space, needs, and assistance that they might need. Unfortunately, the country is much more divided than it needs to be. President Musharraf has enemies, that are also potential US enemies. It sounds like I am not the only one that suspects that there might be some in Pakistan not willing to help us(Or even against helping us). "If Washington could fully trust Pakistan's stability, it would likely have begun operations already."
Look, they are all putting themselves in a difficult situation. It is possible that a move by Pakistan to support us could plunge their country into civil war. Not mediating a dispute between Pakistan and India in this instance could result in the nukes flying between the two. I see this as an opportunity to extend our influence to other parts of the world in a way that is not invasive but supportive. It gives us influence without being intrusive. They asked so we helped. I mean, if this happened somewhere else...wait, that's a topic for another thread.
If a country or some segment of a population chooses to stay <i>neutral</i> by not aiding the US, should they be regarded on the same level as the terrorists? Mango
I would like to say no, because they are probably doing what is best for their country(Helping us could easily result in large casualties for them as well), but I also find myself saying that we should go into Afghanistan and, to an extent, do anything to get our hands on Bin Laden.* *Of course, only after we have enough evidence to reasonably beleive that he and his terrorist group were the culprits.
Thank you much for that article...Neither my parents nor I had heard much about India's(As a government) wanting to be an involvement/ally in this struggle. It's good to know that the ruling governments of at least these two countries are willing to help the United States, but does this mean that we have ruled out Pakistan...They have pretty firmly stated that they wanted no Indian(Or Israeli) participation. From this article, it sounds like India just wants the States' good will. (In addition to the obvious help in Kashmir) "Third, some Sikh separatist groups fighting for the independence of Khalistan, as they call their future state in Punjab, may attack the proposed U.S. base there because they will consider Americans to be allies of their enemy, the Indian government." Trouble awating us? The Sikh community lost a one of its members somewhere in Texas, will this add to their anger?
vj23k, If Pakistan aids the US, then India is unlikely to assist and Pakistan will have civil turmoil. If the US uses air bases in India, then Pakistan is probably enraged and will be unlikley to assist. 'Tis a difficult decision for all involved. Mango
The Sikh groups are VERY small - smaller than their Muslim versions. Sikh's are, by nature, peace-loving. They are strict believers in non-violence and a division of Hinduism. I would be surprised if the separatist groups are of any type of significant size.
Jeff, They might be small in size, but have been involved in terrorist activity for years. <A HREF="http://www.india-today.com/jain/vol3/chap2.html">Attempts made on the life of Shri Rajiv Gandhi. And preparations made to assassinate Shri Rajiv Gandhi</A> <A HREF="http://www.sscnet.ucla.edu/southasia/History/Independent/Indira.html">Indira Gandhi</A> Mango
One of the above mentioned was able to be assassinated because of a leak in security. One of the security guards happened to be Sikh, and because the Gandhi family was generally poised against Sikh leaders, allowed the assassin access.
