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With US Help, India-Pakistan Tension Eases

By Harry Kimball,  Newser Staff

Posted Jun 16, 2009 4:12 PM CDT
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(Newser) – Revamped leadership in India and Pakistan and some behind-the-scenes encouragement from the US could lead to negotiations over the disputed Kashmir region, the New York Times reports. But while there are shimmers of hope, the relationship is still strained. “I am happy to meet you,” India’s PM told Pakistan’s president today, “but my mandate is to tell you that the territory of Pakistan must not be used for terrorism.”

Insiders say that though Pakistan is not doing enough to stymie terrorists, the lack of an attack on India since Mumbai is promising. A Pakistani diplomat allowed that “this is only happening because of Washington’s pressure,” but said the engagement “breaks some ice.” An Indian official painted the arrangement as a quid pro quo. “India is showing restraint to facilitate America’s war and in turn America can help ensure India doesn’t have a war to fight.”

US special envoy to Pakistan and Afghanistan Richard Holbrooke.
US special envoy to Pakistan and Afghanistan Richard Holbrooke.   (AP Photo)
Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari, left, and Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.
Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari, left, and Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.   (AP Photo)
Hindu right-wing activists of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad, or the World Hindu Council, and the Bajrang Dal shout slogans and burn an effigy representing the Taliban.
Hindu right-wing activists of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad, or the World Hindu Council, and the Bajrang Dal shout slogans and burn an effigy representing the Taliban.   (AP Photo)
A Sikh activist shout slogans against the Taliban and Pakistan in Jammu, India.
A Sikh activist shout slogans against the Taliban and Pakistan in Jammu, India.   (AP Photo)
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COMMENTS
Showing 1 of 1 comment
justme
Jun 16, 2009 10:36 AM CDT
Two "countries" define by British mandate years ago are finally acting like the real thing, at least as long as the US keeps up the pressure.... and the payments.

More on the summit that brought the leaders together
Reuters

 
Taliban • Pakistan • India • Kashmir • international relations • Asif Ali Zardari • Manmohan Singh • Richard Holbrooke

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