If the idea behind Nawaz Sharif’s Riyadh and Tehran visits was to scale down the confrontation between Saudi Arabia and Tehran, one has yet to see any signs indicating that this has happened. Nawaz Sharif has meanwhile proposed the nomination of point men by concerned countries to pursue reconciliation. The PML-N government is seen by Iran to be a partisan rather than an honest broker. With Pakistan joining the Saudi-led military alliance which excludes Muslim countries with Shiite orientation, Islamabad’s credentials as a mediator have been compromised. With Nawaz Sharif on way to Iran and his Defence Minister telling the NA that Pakistan is the closest Saudi ally with the largest number of defence pacts with the Kingdom, the perception of Pakistan being overly dependent on Riyadh is further strengthened. The PM had to repeatedly assure in Tehran the mediation mission was not undertaken at someone else’s prompting.
Iran maintains that its major difference with Saudi Arabia is the Kingdom’s sponsorship of a number of violent sectarian groups. This is no wild allegation. Some of the sectarian terrorists who played havoc in Pakistan also have enjoyed financial support from powerful quarters in the Gulf.
The attack on Saudi embassy in Tehran by an Iranian mob was highly deplorable. After the Iranian government unequivocally condemned the assault, promised to bring the perpetrators to justice and ensure the safety of Saudi diplomatic staff, the matter should have been put to rest there. The Kingdom however went ahead with breaking diplomatic ties, ending trade relations and stopping air traffic between the two countries. It is the Saudi regime which needs to be told not to escalate the tensions. Irrespective of the outcome of the visit, it is in Pakistan’s interest to take measures to strengthen relations with Iran.
It was odd to take the COAS on a diplomatic mission aimed at mediation between KSA and Iran. Gen Raheel Sharif has no doubt won laurels for cleansing the tribal areas and establishing Pakistan’s writ there. Diplomacy, however, is not supposed to be a soldier’s cup of tea.http://www.pakistantoday.com.pk/2016/01/19/comment/nawaz-sharifs-peace-initiative/
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