by PAUL STANILAND
Third, the United States should devote more attention to gaining clear strategic benefits from its involvement in India—Pakistan relations. In particular, movement on the Kashmir issue would make it easier to achieve U.S. goals in the region. Both states derive benefits from U.S. largesse, but are very careful to limit what they give in return. With U.S. resources stretched thin, one-way streets are not in Washington’s best interests. Setting expectations for the rough outlines of a Kashmir settlement, even if it is not likely in the short run, should replace the silent paralysis of current policy.
The United States needs to step back from goals of reforming Pakistani society and forging regional harmony to instead seek strategic room to maneuver on a few key issues. U.S. interests in South Asia are importanta stable Pakistan, an Afghanistan largely free of al Qaeda, a friendly Indiabut Washington’s involvement ultimately must be limited. The United States can achieve core goals with a mix of containment, diplomacy, and aid, while avoiding expansive, enervating commitments of dubious value.
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(Thanks to Robin Khundkar)