Washington’s regional strategy in Southwest Asia involves negotiating interlocking “grand bargains” that aim at pacifying Iraq and Afghanistan and restoring stability to the Greater Middle East.
Last week, Washington apparently showed India a big favour, “de-hyphenating” its relationship with Pakistan and India. The Nelson Report, the matchless daily chronicler of men and matters in Washington DC, reported on Monday that top diplomat Richard Holbrooke would be the new administration’s special envoy for India and Pakistan. The New York Times corroborated this information.
In the event, however, it seems Mr. Holbrooke will be special envoy for Afghanistan and Pakistan only — apart from “related regional issues.” From all appearances, the Barack Obama administration will not “hyphenate” India and Pakistan.
But Indian diplomacy needs to tread softly.
FULL ARTICLE
14 January 2009
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