Terrorism and SAARC

SAARC appears to suffer from many handicaps. First, India has satellites like Bhutan, Sikkim as members while even Bangladesh and Sri Lanka have serious problem-areas with her. Second, in such a setting India tends to be calling the shots all the time. The only member which can question such mode is Pakistan. Third, Indo-Pak relations are marred by the Kashmir dispute which casts a spell on most interaction. Fourth, the problem in Afghanistan draws different reactions in India and Pakistan. While the Karzai regime catches at any straw including Indian-support to keep US Administration in good humour, Pashtuns resent the same. India is trying to create a foothold in this country for fulfilling strategic designs of her own and the US. She also hopes to benefit from the   Central Asian trade ultimately. By such posturing it also tries to impress the US, now its principal ally in this area.

Pakistan shares a border, unlike India, with Afghanistan. Historically it has remained a porous border like the one between US and Mexico. On both sides of the border, Pashtun tribes live. Though physically divided yet they share relationships, culture and religion. Such a disposition was exploited by the CIA in the 80' to bolster the war against the Soviet 'occupation' of Afghanistan. The local as well as foreign volunteers were smuggled conveniently in to the battle-zones with great consistency by US/Pakistani agencies.