The US & others working with Pakistan

[Ray]

There is a very interesting development going on in Pakistan beyond the latest shenanigans over OBL and the embarrassment and anger amongst the public.

Pakistan has made overtures to Russia that would have great import on the geopolitical and geostrategic equations in play in the region.

Russia could become another intense and active player in Pakistan in addition to the US and China.

Zardari has announced that Russians would have access to their ports, apart from other concessions.

Thursday, May 12, 2011
Pakistan offers Russia access to “southern seas
http://voiceofkarachi.blogspot.com/2...access-to.html

A better analysis is at:
http://www.thehindu.com/opinion/lead...?homepage=true

What is interesting is the intent of Russia working towards the return to its old glory and influence the region, if not the world.

In Sochi, the new forum, which Mr. Medvedev described as “a working regional format,” was institutionalised as a permanent arrangement, independent of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation and the Collective Security Treaty Organisation, a defence bloc of former Soviet states focussed on Central Asia. …..

“Russia may become a donor of economic, social and military-political security for Afghanistan, Pakistan and Tajikistan,” Chairman of the Russian Parliament's Foreign Affairs Committee Konstantin Kosachev said commenting on the Sochi summit.

One has to observe how the US will react to this move and what will it be its effect on the US presence in Afghanistan. Will the US abdicate the strategic space to Russia or not?

Pakistan would play a key role in the Russian plan in bringing the Russian influence deep South and into the Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean. It will also spur the Russian presence in the Indian Ocean and that would not be in the US’ or Chinese interests.

It is a very smart move on the part of the much maligned Zardari to bring all key players in the world into Pakistan to balance any move to unbalance Pakistan by any power.

Yet, one has to see if the bringing in of all powers to play in Pakistan is beneficial or will it only make the situation more complex and explosive.

In so far as to the adding of a nuclear plant to Pakistan’s array, it is indeed disquieting. One wonders if it is for her chronic power shortage or for its nuclear stockpile. It is said that Pakistan has the fourth largest stockpile in the world. The development will be watched with keen interest, not only by India, but also others.

One can do little about Pakistan’s nuclear quest since any action would be an act of war. India naturally would not like to be labelled an aggressor.

However, there is great apprehension in Pakistan that the US could carry out an Abbotabad type of action against its nuclear assets.

The real real concern in India is another Mumbai like terror act, engineered by Pakistan.

This time, the Govt of India would not be able to pussyfoot since the wrath of the people would be inflamed beyond doubt.