Vindicated Pakistan, Afghan gatekeep–asseritive with India This assertion is a natural component of the internal recognition given to it by the London Conference. There are no “do more” mantras, and no rhetoric from American and European diplomats and no diatribes against Pakistan. Talking to the bully next door

Bharat was stunned by the results of the London conference which pretty much ostracized it in front of the entire world. Delhi’s objections about the Taliban were ignored. Delhi’s assertions about the “evil Pakistanis” fell on deaf ears. The entire works, Afghanistan’s neighbors, and even Iran supported Pakistan’s position on the Taliban. Turkey saved the day by not inviting Delhi to the regional conference. Bharat was thrown out of its bases in Tajikistan, and faces a very uncertain future in Kabul. The international community with one voice has rallied around Islamabad and pleading for its help to extricate itself out of the Afghan quagmire. Bharat has been sidelined in a big way, and this weekends coverage in the Hindustan Times and the Times of India clearly show the malaise and siren songs of retreat.When the Guns Fizzed and the Gizmos Fizzled 

After the Soviets left, their henchman Najibullah was hung by the nearest lamppost as a warning to future Najibs. Today Mr. Karzai finds himself in the same situation–seeking Pakistan’s help to talk to the Taliban and invite them to the seats of power in Kabul.

AfPak countercurrents beyond the Oxus to AfPakAzUzbKazTurkKyr-istan

Tick Tock Tick Tock-2011: Obama’s shrinking Afghan timeline

Truth not Orwellian propaganda: Best article on Afghanistan anywhere

Pakistan seeks peace with India as an equal partner, not as a reward for good behaviour

India Pakistan meet fails as expected. Why talk?

Islamabad Delhi Peace talks on basis of equality.

The irate Delhi diplomats  were in a quandy. They quickly reassesed their options in Afghanistan and realized that it was think about packing and leaving  Afghanistan and that all roads to Kabul go via Islamabad.

Obama’s mini surge: Withdrawal in 2011! as predicted by Rupee News

Delhi’s worst nightmare: A “Taliban” (Pakhtun) government in Kabul

Obama’s new Grand bargain: More aid, intelligence cooperation & a few threats

The Bharati diplomats and media could not believe their eyes and ears–they had been fed the line of Bharati Superpower status–now they face eviction from Kabul. The world had turned on Delhi, and Condaleeza Rice’s promise to make Bharat a Superpower was blowing up in their face.

The entire Bharati establishment went into a group huddle. When they came out, the first call was to Islamabad. Under intense pressure from the Americans, Delhi has forced to resolve all outstanding issues with Islamabad

• Diplomats say Islamabad could seek ‘result-oriented dialogue’ linked to timeline for resolution of outstanding issues
• The sources said Pakistan was wary of an “open-ended” peace process that could linger on for years without any tangible progress on key issues
• Some diplomats believe that India is not sincere in the context of the resumption of the peace process
• New Delhi had only agreed to engage Pakistan under increased foreign pressure and the ”looming loss of its influence in Afghanistan” because of Pakistan’s new role in reintegrating “peace loving” Taliban in the Afghan society.
• Pakistan’s response to India’s Cold Start Strategy: Preemptive strikes
• Bharat Clueless in Afghanistan and confused about Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan might adopt a tough stance over India’s offer for talks and press for “result-oriented dialogue” linked to a timeline for the resolution of all outstanding issues between the two countries, including the Kashmir dispute, according to diplomatic sources.

The sources said Pakistan was wary of an “open-ended” peace process that could linger on for years without any tangible progress on key issues that had been a thorn in the side of relations for decades.

“We are not interested in just talks … [we are looking for] a fruitful engagement that will result in the solution of real problems and help bring peace,” said the sources.

Pakistan would also seek India’s assurance that New Delhi would not unilaterally suspend the peace process in case of a terrorist attack by “non-state actors”.

They said Pakistan was serious about addressing all issues with India, and would hold in-depth discussions on the offer for talks tomorrow (Wednesday) to decide the key issues related to dialogue with India.

“We are expecting a candid exchange of views on all aspects of relations with India, including the agenda of the talks … there are several issues, such as India’s refusal to resume the composite dialogue immediately,” they said.

Some diplomats believe that India is not sincere in the context of the resumption of the peace process and New Delhi had only agreed to engage Pakistan under increased foreign pressure and the ”looming loss of its influence in Afghanistan” because of Pakistan’s new role in reintegrating “peace loving” Taliban in the Afghan society.

The sources said Pakistan had already called back Indian High Commissioner Shahid Malik – who is arriving today (Tuesday) to attend the consultations at the Foreign Office and brief the high-ups on his meetings with Indian diplomats.

The peace process was suspended after the Mumbai terror attacks in November 2008. While Pakistan had perpetually sought the resumption of the peace talks, India had been refusing to come to the negotiations table until Pakistan brought the perpetrators of the attacks to justice. India has said that it has made the offer with “an open and positive” mind. While India has now agreed to talks, it is reluctant to fully restore the composite dialogue under domestic compulsions.

Analysts believe that both countries would have to come out of their “fixation” for any solution to bilateral problems. Daily Times. Pakistan may adopt tough stance over Indian talks offer By Sajjad Malik

There is no point is just talking to Bharat (aka India)–that has been going on for six decades. If Bharat is interested in any meaningful discussions it should resolve Sir Creek, and Siachin immediately, stop cross border support for the TTP and the BLA, banning the terror groups Shiv Sena, Bajrang Dal, and the RSS and those types of organization, handing over Colonel Prohit, Mr. Adhvani and Mr. Thackery who are wanted for crimes in Pakistan and Bharat should immediately cease pogroms against Muslims in Mumbai and Gujerat. These would be good Confidence building measures for starters.