U.S. Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates, left, talks with Pakistani Army Chief Gen. Ashfaq Parvez Kayani at the Army's General Headquarters in Rawalpindi, Pakistan, Jan. 21, 2010. DoD photo by U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Jerry MorrisonPentagon Chief Defends Arms Sales To India, Pakistan -- L.A. Times
Defense Secretary Robert Gates says the deals will help the U.S. earn trust in a region where it hopes to avert another war.
Reporting from Islamabad, Pakistan - Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates leaned on India and Pakistan during his trip to South Asia this week to set aside a simmering rivalry and confront militant extremists. At the same time, Gates and other U.S. officials pushed arms sales that could fuel the antagonism between the two countries.
Gates' trip was framed by that apparent contradiction in U.S. policy. On his arrival in Pakistan, a television news interviewer put the question bluntly: "Why re-arm both countries?" The Pentagon chief sidestepped the question.
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My Comment: As much as I would like to believe that the U.S. can influence Indian-Pakistan relations .... the sad fact of the matter is that both countries will never compromise on what they perceive is their national security interests. Since both of their national security interests perceive the other as a threat, to find common ground in which peace can be pursued is not an easy job.
At least US Secretary of Defense Gates is trying, but it is Sec. of State Clinton and President Obama who should be on the forefront in this diplomatic and political effort.
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