Jirga diplomacy

Churchill once described Soviet Union as "a riddle wrapped in a mystery inside an enigma." The state of relations with Kabul are equally perplexing and defy analysis or explanation of the contention between Kabul and Islamabad. Leadership of both countries keep vowing fraternal solidarity, and yet both sides find enough reason to be critical of the policies, the favourite pastime being the blame game. The bilateral relations are heavily influenced by international factors and regional rivalries. Accusation of cross-border terrorism is just one of the dimensions of this strained relationship. The increasing wave of resistance in Afghanistan by Taliban is instinctively ascribed to Pakistan's support for militants, be it ISAF commander or president Karzai. Pakistan's denial are equally emphatic, with reiteration of Pakistan's policy that it will not allow its soil to be used against another country.
During Musharraf era the accusations became vitriolic and blame game escalated to a point where President Bush summoned the two leaders Musharraf and Karzai in December 2006 to Washington and urged than to mend fences. Following year Turkey was moved for rapprochement between two neighbouring countries, which it readily agreed. How Turkey got involved and with what mandate has not been explained.
Musharraf and Karzai visited Ankara and a Tripartite summit was held on April 29-30. What transpired in their talks and what role or mandate Turkey has was never explained. During the recent visit of Prime Minister Gilani, yet another summit was held on October 30 in Istanbul. The nature of Turkey's mediatory role is still not clear. The joint Declaration issued after the talks spoke of regional security and Turkey's support to Pakistan and Afghanistan to resolve their disputes for an overall development in the region.
Prospects for an early reconciliation have brightened with induction of a democratic government in Islamabad. Karzai was the only leader from abroad to attend the oath taking ceremony of President Zardari. Belligerent tone of Karzai has since been softened. Earlier he had met Prime Minister Gilani on the sidelines of the SAARC Summit in Colombo in August. It was agreed that the "two foreign ministers will meet to prepare grounds for a framework for close and constructive engagement to build confidence and develop a common strategy at the political, military and intelligence levels."