Opinions | Editorials
Treat Biden's advice with care
He could be doing the groundwork for Obama's South Asia strategy.
- Gulf News
- Published: 23:35 January 10, 2009
US Vice president-elect Joe Biden is making his umpteenth trip to Afghanistan and Pakistan with little or no agenda on the cards. The essence of Biden's trip is believed to be a first-hand assessment of the US-led 'war on terror' and a bid to scale down the tensions between India and Pakistan. This isn't his first trip to the region and, like any other visit, the game plan continues to be vague except that he could be doing the groundwork for his boss's (Obama) strategy to shift the focus to South Asia.
The Pakistani authorities in this case would be well advised to treat Biden's suggestions with caution even as reports suggest escalating tension due to supposed lack of communication between President Asif Ali Zardari and the Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani over the sacking of national security adviser Mahmoud Durrani. Though both offices have denied a rift, it is important for them not to let this visiting delegation gain any influence. Coherence in governance should be emphasised and there should be no doubt as to which office is in charge of running the country. This understanding is necessary as Pakistan copes with rising stress across its borders with India and Afghanistan.
Share this article
More from Editorials
More from Opinions
Popular in Opinions
-
Opinions
Speak Your Mind: Tough love
What ways do you use to discipline your child?
Opinion Editor's choice
-
US relations with Israel unchanged
Emanuel's meeting with the leaders of the pro-Israel lobby shows that Tel Aviv continues to wield influence
-
Arabs should help to resolve crisis in Yemen
While Sana'a is right to reject Iranian interference, others could have a part to play
-
Blackwater may be brought to book
For all the scandal, the mercenary firm has escaped any severe legal sanction. That could now change
