With the amount of diplomaatic efforts going on, plus the cricket series and the subsequent mingling of people from both sides of the border i cant seem to think that this is the best phase for both countries relationwise. Today i went to the stadium in lahore and saw some heart warming scenes.
Is that the closest we ever got to our neighbors and what do you people feel of such efforts? are they gonna go down the drain as all the previuos efforts have been or this time some breakthrough beckons?
Re: Are indo-pak relations an all time best these days?
I think this time there is more chance of not just a breakthrough, but a comprehensive agreement, especially on the core issue of Kashmir. After wasting so many years saying that Kashmir was a non-negotiable issue, that it was part of India, and it would not talk to Pakistan about it, the Indian’s are now publicly saying the exact opposite. In fact for the very first time they are saying (in carefully couched diplomatic words though), that they are prepared to make historic concessions on this issue.
All this will accelerate after the Indian elections are completed in April/May, and we should see the outlines of a “final” peace before the end of the year. That is if everything remains on track.
I thought I will never say this and I still probably don't mean it a 100% but right now it feels good not to be engaged in shelling or war of words with Pakistan. It is heart warming to read the snippets of the kind Saby has written, I find myself reading 2 page encounters of hospitality word by word (whereas anything over 3 lines used to be boring before).
Believe it or not, I read one article of an Indian, after experiencing warm kindness in Pakistan, writing with worry about "imagine how it will be if it were Indian and the guest where Pakistanis" and I for a moment I was really really concerned. It will be a national shame if any Indian crowd mistreats visitors from Pakistan.
I find myself not wanting to bait Pakistanis anymore; I don't feel fun in calling them Islamic terrorists at every turn; I feel sympathy for the blokes laying seige around the mud fortress in the FATA (these soldiers look so much like our constables in their khakis). I probably shocked my friend by commenting "how the heck are they expected to fight with teh kurta and salwar uniforms they are given". She, who has been witness to my anti-Pakistani nature, gave me a strange look.
I am telling you - I wouldn't consider it a loss of face to work on a compromise about Kashmir. Even though I feel it should not be necessary for India to compromise, it does not matter - the peace and friendship are worth that price.
Please please please my new found non-enemies - tell me you're not up to some trick. We cannot take a betrayel. That would be disaster.
Looking at the crowds in the cricket stadiums, you would never have guessed that 12 months ago India and Pakistan were on the brink of nuclear total war.
My theory is that both sides are aware that for the first time, the most nationalistic elements of both India (Hindu right-wing) and Pakistan (military) are in power, and that a peace between these two elements will be a lasting, binding peace. Both government are now also painfully aware of just how badly their economies are being drained by the hostilities of the past 50 years, and both are looking for a way out of the hostility. Yet, being nationalists, neither side wants to give the other the satisfaction of "victory", so they are exploring how much compromise can be achieved.
I believe that God-willing, this may be different to the short-term peaces of before - a peace agreed between the mainstream right wings of both countries is one that is best placed to last the test of time, though it will also be the hardest to achieve.
I believe that God-willing, this may be different to the short-term peaces of before - a peace agreed between the mainstream right wings of both countries is one that is best placed to last the test of time, though it will also be the hardest to achieve.
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Correct. We have to just watch out that some stupid incident doesn't get escalated.
things look good and the fundos are soiling their pants at the thought of a reconciliation between the two neighbors.. for some the entire purpose of life is to create trouble and strife hiding behind religion.
Re: Re: Are indo-pak relations an all time best these days?
[QUOTE] Originally posted by Malik73: *
I think **this* time there is more chance of not just a breakthrough, but a comprehensive agreement, especially on the core issue of Kashmir.
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I agree. I feel the Kashmir issue will be amicably settled later this year, before President Musharraf relinquishes the Army Chief's post.
I feel all three sides have "seen the light" about armed conflict, and would be ready now for some give and take.
Its just a charade to please the muslims in india, make them forget about the gujrat massacre, and get their vote if possible. I must say that advani and co are playing this game well; sending their cricket team to pakistan to promote nationalism in india.
Re: Re: Re: Are indo-pak relations an all time best these days?
[QUOTE]
*Originally posted by Rohit: *
I feel the Kashmir issue will be amicably settled later this year, before President Musharraf relinquishes the Army Chief's post.
I feel all three sides have "seen the light" about armed conflict, and would be ready now for some give and take.
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I agree. Vajpayee has now publicly stated there will no more wars with Pakistan, just peace so I think finally all issues will be solved, most probably this year. This may turn out to be one of the most historic years for both countries, and Musharraf and Vajpayee will have a safe and secure place in history for having made the final peace.
