US Factor in Pak-Iran Relations

Editorial

It is encouraging to see President Zardari extend a hand of friendship to Iran in spite of the inevitable United States (US) opposition.

The US-Iran relationship has been on edge ever since Iran took the bold step of developing its nuclear capability.

Despite the assurances that this was for peaceful purposes, the US continued to dispute this and went to mobilize sanctions against Iran.

In fact, one could say that relations between the two countries have never been on a positive upward curve throughout the decades following the Islamic revolution.

In the ensuing decades, the US has described Iran as a rogue state, guilty of human rights abuses at home and fanning the worldwide atrocities of terrorism.

Iran was consistently blamed for supporting the Afghan resurgence against the illegitimate occupation of the country by American and allied forces.

Notably, America has also blamed Iran for masterminding the latest Hamas attack on Israel, which resulted in Hamas taking Israeli hostages and provoking Israeli retaliation to the scale of unabated genocide in Gaza.

Americans continue to look for every opportunity to malign and undermine Iran. They are not only the architects of the current sanctions against Iran but have consistently threatened to resort to direct military action against Iran, given the slightest opportunity.

Therefore, notwithstanding the American consternation, it is a daring move by President Zardari to reach out to Iran to strengthen bilateral political and economic ties.

The issue of the gas pipeline project between Iran and Pakistan has been held in abeyance mainly due to the American opposition, and no doubt it will continue to be the case as Pakistan decides to move forward towards its completion.

But Pakistan must not give in to American coercive influence. This would be a litmus test of Pakistan’s resolve to strengthen its ties with its neighbors.

It will signal positive vibes to both China and Afghanistan that Pakistan is able to act independently, thus fostering confidence across borders, improving security, and strengthening mutual trade and reciprocal cultural and social ties.

Maybe President Zardari, because of his religious affiliation and political cool-mindedness, is better suited to the task of mending the recently somewhat strained relations between the two countries. The benefits of doing this for both sides are enormous.

Of course, we must not overlook the fact that moving closer to Iran would place strain on Pakistan-America relations. On the same account, Americans are also not happy about Pakistan’s close ties with China and do not want Pakistan to move closer to Afghanistan either, two of America’s principal foes.

On the same token, Pakistan is only too aware of the consequences of American anger and wrath, which it can ill afford a present for being dependent on the IMF bailout, for which ongoing American support is of paramount importance.

It is this jigsaw of foreign policy that Pakistan’s present administration must resolve. Perhaps Zardari is best suited for this; after all, he is the master of political intrigue.