The view from a tiger's back

 

 

Consequences. Big word this. Oft en comes calling when least welcome. Like in the case of Pakistan and its relations with Afghanistan. For years, the world called on Pakistan to watch it with the Taliban and other Islamist fundamentalists in the region. Pakistan barely paid heed, busy as it was with pampering militants for what it perceived as immediate gains.

But now, with the Pak-Afghan border getting too hot even for Islamabad as a hunting ground for Afghan terrorists, Pakistani authorities have decided to fence and mine the border to stop Afghan infi ltration into Pakistan. Says Pakistan’s Interior Minister Aft abdeployed 80,000 troops, established 800 checkposts and are now fencing and landmining the area. Th is is the best we can do.” However, there could be more. Alok Bansal, an analyst on South Asian aff airs at New Delhi’s Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses (IDSA), told TSI, “Th is is an attempt to legitimise the Durand Line which Afghanistan opposes.” Th e United Nations has also objected saying it may lead to civilian deaths.

Also, Pakistan has struck a deal with tribal leaders in Waziristan to prevent cross-border movement. All this is because Pakistan is feeling NATO pressure to stop giving Afghan militants safe haven. As Dr Sreedhar, an expert on Afghan aff airs, told TSI, “How can thieves talk about security?” Under US pressure, President Pervez Musharraf wants to dump the Taliban. He should. Th e earlier the better.

Ahmed Khan Sherpao, “We have