Tuesday, May 10, 2011

America's Conundrum: India v. Pakistan

Whenever our friends India and Pakistan start shooting at each other, the United States has always sat on the sidelines and let them duke it out. It seems to have been a successful strategy, because we get along well with the rivals without ever being dragged into their conflicts.

So what do we do now if India and Pakistan restart their never ending strife?

We get along better with India on matters of Islamic terrorism, but they didn't support our position of a no-fly zone in Libya. And maintaining strong ties with Pakistan, while we continue to fight the Taliban in neighboring Afghanistan, is instrumental in winning the War on Terror.

Americans, justly sick and tired with Pakistani officials playing a double game, would probably be on India's side during such a conflict, but the federal government would not have the same luxury - because supporting one over the other would significantly weaken America's influence in the most important region in the world.

In other words, the United States would have to play peacemaker between two longtime foes that are vitally important to our own interests, and the region's.

What say you about this potential conundrum?

1 comment:

  1. America is more concerned about Pakistan and is fed up with their strategies. That's the only reason laden was killed.

    ReplyDelete