Obama visit: Why Pak must be worried
"Not concerned" is the official line of the Pakistan foreign office on US President Barack Obama's visit to India. Not concerned? Really?
Indeed, there is plenty for the Pakistani establishment to lose sleep over. In fact, the Pakistani media and the Internet is abuzz with the ignoring of Pakistan which has been interpreted as a "snub".
Envy has been writ large with many commentators calling for, and hoping, that the separatists in Kashmir will "shutdown the Valley" and deliver a "slap across Obama's face"!? But, the anxiety is clearly showing.
First and foremost that should worry our neighbours is the symbolisms inherent in the visit.
1. The Symbolism
a) This is the first trip to India by any US President in the first term of his presidency. Usually a privilege reserved for America's closest allies.
b) Obama stays and begins his official engagements form the Taj Mahal Hotel and meets the captains of Indian industry at the Oberoi Trident, both Mumbai hotels which were attacked by terrorists from Pakistan. An affirmation that he seconded the concerns on the violence being perpetrated form across the border. This, when he need not have made the gesture. In fact, there have been concerns raised in the US about the wisdom of the President "exposing" himself in a venue which was so easily penetrated on 26/11. The fact, Obama didn't duck, sends out a strong signal of not only America's backing for the Indian stand but also a signal to Pakistan to lay off.
c) Obama is the first President in decades not to make that inevitable foray into Pakistan in a trip to India. Both Bill Clinton and George Bush made the mandatory stopover. Though the Pakistanis have officially made light of it, taking solace in Obama's commitment on a state visit "next year", it is nothing short of a diplomatic slap in the face - a reality that many commentators in Pakistan have commented upon, and expressed their concerns. Though security fears must have the predominant reason for Obama not venturing into the 'Land of the pure' , he could easily have done a Clinton - who stopped over in Islamabad for all of "five-and-a-half hours", after almost five says in India, but which did count as a 'visit'. In the present case, even that tokenism has not been dispensed with.
A signal, among many other substantive ones, that US in on the road to finally nailing the de-hyphenation that India has been crying hoarse over for decades -- the American propensity to seek parity between India and Pakistan on every strategic issue concerning the subcontinent.
With regards
Salim Kalladi
www.keralites.net |
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