http://www.dawn.com/2010/12/25/afghanistan-pakistan-turkey-to-hold-joint-drills.html
A very interesting development which is not getting a lot of media attention. If this indeed materializes it would benefit the countries and the people a great deal.
Re: Afpak Intelligence and Military cooperation
Only if Turkey's danda follows through.
Re: Afpak Intelligence and Military cooperation
I am confused to what "danda" Turkey truly has. They have no economic clout over Pakistan or Afghanistan. No desire for military expansion. No threats have been made unlike NATO. So what "danda" do you refer too?
Re: Afpak Intelligence and Military cooperation
Pakistan and Turkey are the two most powerful militaries in the Islamic World.
Re: Afpak Intelligence and Military cooperation
I am confused to what "danda" Turkey truly has. They have no economic clout over Pakistan or Afghanistan. No desire for military expansion. No threats have been made unlike NATO. So what "danda" do you refer too?
They do have economic clout, though not as much as US or China. Haven't you read about how much turkey will be assisting in the post-flood reconstruction? Afghanistan also needs monetary and industrial aid and Pakistan needs industrial and defense aid (F-16 refurbishment, upgrading pakistani ordinance factories as well as new defense collaborations).
I guess it is more of a rupiyaas than danda here.
Re: Afpak Intelligence and Military cooperation
Yes but Turkey is still a developing country. They do not have the money at the level of NATO or China. They can't buy their support because they are a lightweight compared to the US. Put it this way. If Turkey espouses a view that is contrary to the US and NATO it just gets ignored. The Iran nuclear fuel agreement is such an example.
Re: Afpak Intelligence and Military cooperation
Yes but Turkey is still a developing country. They do not have the money at the level of NATO or China. They can't buy their support because they are a lightweight compared to the US. Put it this way. If Turkey espouses a view that is contrary to the US and NATO it just gets ignored. The Iran nuclear fuel agreement is such an example.
Buddy, Turkey is a developed Country. It has the 11th largest economy in the world.
Re: Afpak Intelligence and Military cooperation
Right and now large is the Indian economy? Are they a developed country? Or China? Or Brazil?
To be categorized as a developed country you need a lot more than the 11th largest economy in the world. There are socio-economic standards that need to be fulfilled on top of political ones.