Pakistan-Afghanistan Ties, Post-WikiLeaks
“Pakistan’s Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gillani dashed to Afghanistan late last week to meet Afghanistan’s President Hamid Karzai and discuss the post-WikiLeaks release scenario -- as the leaderships of both countries have been devastated by the disclosures,” says Asia Society Bernard Schwartz Fellow Hassan Abbas. “Interestingly, both leaders raised concerns about the credibility and authenticity of the cables -- an easy way to save face, perhaps. Official U.S. diplomatic cables indicate that the two states have entrenched feelings of distrust and suspicion of each other's motives – and with apparent good reason. One potential positive outcome of this bizarre development is that countries like Pakistan and Afghanistan are forced to face reality and now can turn the page and start working on building a new relationship, which as a consequence is expected to improve security in South Asia. The Gillani-Karzai meeting can prove to be a step in that direction.”
Hassan is in New York. To arrange an interview, contact the Asia Society communications department at 212-327-9271 or [email protected].