A Pakistani View

No Security in the Subcontinent Without a Solution in Kashmir

By Iftithar Ali

Why should the United States government take any interest in Kashmir where, seemingly, there are no vital U.S. interests? Below are some of the many reasons for the U.S. to play an active and meaningful role in the disputed state.

a) The United States, following the disintegration of the Soviet Union, is the only major power left on the world scene. As such, it has both a stake in and a responsibility for the maintenance of peace and stability throughout the world, including South Asia. The world community now acknowledges that, without a resolution of the Kashmir dispute, there can be no lasting or durable peace in that part of the world.

b) It is shortsighted and dangerous to leave the solution in the hands of India as a "regional power" which has the ability to contain or settle the "irritant" that is Kashmir. It is India that bears major responsibility for the tragic situation that has prevailed in Kashmir since the British departure in 1947.

India's present militaristic policy against the beleaguered people of the valley cannot lead to a resolution of the conflict. Kashmir is an international issue and is recognized as such by the United Nations. The United States needs to recognize this and act accordingly. Not only will an initiative along these lines establish its credibility in the Third World, but it will also strengthen the United Nations.

c) A subcontinent at peace is in the interest of the United States because its vast population can form a dynamic market for U.S. goods and services. However, lasting peace can only be achieved if the basic Kashmir question is solved equitably and in accordance with the wishes of the Kashmiri people. This could be done under U.N. auspices on the basis of the 1948 and 1949 Security Council resolutions that call for the exercise of self-determination by the people of Kashmir.

d) Both India and Pakistan are now believed to have nuclear capability. In a future conflict, the use of those awesome weapons of death and destruction cannot be ruled out. It is necessary, therefore, to ensure that there are no more military conflicts between the two great South Asian neighbors.

Kashmir is the heart of the matter, and if the Kashmir dispute is solved in a mutually acceptable manner, the inherent threat of the present nuclear standoff will recede. There are no other outstanding disputes between the two countries. This is just another reason the U.S., which seeks to make the world safe from the threat of nuclear conflict, should have an urgent interest in helping settle the Kashmir dispute.

e) Adding to the disappointment of Muslims around the world at American reluctance to take decisive action in Bosnia after having promised to do so, a negligent U.S. attitude toward atrocities being committed against Kashmiri Muslims leads Muslims everywhere to assume that Washington cares little about human rights violations when the victims are Muslims. Is it in the American national interest that such impressions take root? There are 1.2 billion Muslims in the world, and a large and growing U.S. Muslim population. How wise is it to ignore its feelings and sensibilities?

f) The United States is a country founded on idealism, and Americans hold freedom to be their most precious possession. Is it not consistent with America's history, tradition and good name in the world to take a principled position by helping the Kashmiris exercise the right of self-determination?

g) The U.S. understandably is concerned with the rise of terrorism and of what it calls "Islamic fundamentalism. " In fact, the fundamentals of Islam include peace, social justice, freedom and democracy.

It is oppression of the Muslim masses, and denial of the democratic process by dictatorial regimes or the foreign occupation of Muslim lands, that is motivating some Muslims to respond in a violent manner. Kashmiri Muslims find themselves in such a predicament.

By helping to end the conflict in Kashmir, the U.S. will have taken a major step toward the elimination of violence in that important part of the world. The message will go to other groups and communities that conflicts can be solved through goodwill and negotiation. Will that not further U.S. policy objectives?

In his book Seize the Moment, former President Richard Nixon wrote: "In order to avoid a potential nuclear conflict between Pakistan and India over Kashmir, we should urge New Delhi to end the massive violations of human rights by its security forces in the province and to negotiate an autonomy agreement with the Kashmiri leaders. "

As Kashmiris seek to rid themselves of New Delhi's rule, the situation in Kashmir is almost out of India's control. It is the United States that should seize the moment and resolve the dispute between two of the world's most populous countries that threatens international peace and security.