Re: Could this be the exit strategy??
Pakistan had the third option, immedieately after Soviet left and we all know how that went. Pakistan has not demostrated the maturity to constructively help a country to it’s feet. If anything it should be competing with India in Afghanistan to build roads, govenrment buildings and developing mines etc. The world (mainly west) has every reason to think, pakistan will compromise Afghanistan’s interest by treating it as a play ground or sell it to China who may exploit its resources.
As to your point about Taliban not being the US target, you may be way off target there. Taliban is the reason for Al Queda’s growth and survival after Sudan threw OBL out and even in the initial days after 9/11 Taliban were given a chance to give up OBL, they refused and even today they may be working together. Although Al Queda may be a spent force in Af-Pak, Taliban is still a menance. Afghanisthan under Taliban would become a safe haven even more so now.
Unfortunately, it is difficult to believe anything Taliban ledership says. The situation is such, they are on the run. But for Pakistan’s protection, they could have been eliminated by now. So, it is time for them to show they can work with the world constructively; not mere verbal assurances.
Iran is a wrong choice. In fact, it will create more problems for Pakistan than it has now, if the recent bombing of shrines in Afghanisthan is of any indication. Russia is not interested in any of it’s neighbors, they politicians having too much fun.
Therefore only option is for Pakistan to work with rest of the world in making Afghanistan to a moderate state (democracy or not). The longer this conflict drags, the moderate state of Pakistan (I still think it is) will become a theocratic (or even a radical) state. Pakistan, Iran and Turkey are the countries blessed with people who have roots in ancient civilizations that is known for free thinking. They are the best bet to carry the torch of Islam to the future.