The Indo-Pak relations, like the Neem tree, have always yielded bitter nothings. Diplomacy often turned into drama-and, at occasions, even glamour attempted to play some tricks. But the Neem tree, true to its genomic character, through over six decades long confrontations, yielded nothing better than the bitter nothing.
But in the spring of 2012, thanks to president Zardari's Ajmer spiritual initiative, things looked different. Is it a mirage? Will this spring be different? Will it turn into a pleasant summer? Many observers of the Indo-Pak scenario, wondered whether the troublesome tree of the Indo-Pak relations war now going to yield sweet and succulent fruits. Even the birds (i.e. the community of security and defense analysis), who had made this tree as their home, to seemed confused. Will the unfolding scenario force them to change their song? Will they now render a pleasant melody?
The over half-a-century old unstabilized politics of the subcontinent and also the fast altering international dynamics arising out of the economic rise of China and India and the relative decline of USA and Europe, were expected to necessitate a review of the situation. The impression that the long-cursed Indo-Pak relations are now showing some positivity needs to be dealt with a great caution. The slightly altering 2012 environment of shadows and needs will determine future movements in the direction of peace. Despite all odds, the author is confident about seeing some positive peace and cooperation movements in the immediate future between the two long-term antagonists of South Asia.
By mid-2013, Pakistan had finished its much-touted general election that was conducted by a civilian government, on having completed a full five years term for the first time in its history. Election results threw up no surprises, except that Imran Khan's challenge provide a damp squib-and that during the pre-polling period, India was not a key focus. Nawaz Sharif took over the reins as Prime Minister for the third time, in a challenge intensive economic and security environment. |
