Robert Jervis quotes Herman Kahn, "ultimatums are vastly too dangerous to give because they are most likely to touch-off a preemptive strike." He maintains that Herman's point is incorrect because the capability to strike first in the war is not always beneficial.
Unfortunately, India is not listening to the words of Robert Jervis. The continuous stream of strikes on the Sialkot sector provides ample evidence that India is in an offensive mood and wants to preempt war. This attitude of India is not surprising. The state is pursuing heavy defense budgets and has malicious goals to undermine the security of Pakistan. Although, Pakistan is on defensive stride on Eastern borders, however India's attitude may propel the former's army to undertake yet another war in the near future. God forbid, the claim one hopes must not come true, but Indian response to Pakistan's cooperation policy is often not welcomed.
Hence, the pragmatic nature of contemporary International Arena demands India to retain the security of its own borders and must not interfere into the territorial sovereignty of Pakistan. As this would only enhance the already bitter relations between the two nations and would God forbid take the shape of armed conflict. It is in the best interest of the region as Robert also points out that both nations promote the incentives for each other to cooperate in various walks of life. In addition, enable an atmosphere of trust and peace in which both the nations get assurance that none of them would "defect" each other in case there arises a point of difference or a matter of conflict.
Unfortunately, India is not listening to the words of Robert Jervis. The continuous stream of strikes on the Sialkot sector provides ample evidence that India is in an offensive mood and wants to preempt war. This attitude of India is not surprising. The state is pursuing heavy defense budgets and has malicious goals to undermine the security of Pakistan. Although, Pakistan is on defensive stride on Eastern borders, however India's attitude may propel the former's army to undertake yet another war in the near future. God forbid, the claim one hopes must not come true, but Indian response to Pakistan's cooperation policy is often not welcomed.
Hence, the pragmatic nature of contemporary International Arena demands India to retain the security of its own borders and must not interfere into the territorial sovereignty of Pakistan. As this would only enhance the already bitter relations between the two nations and would God forbid take the shape of armed conflict. It is in the best interest of the region as Robert also points out that both nations promote the incentives for each other to cooperate in various walks of life. In addition, enable an atmosphere of trust and peace in which both the nations get assurance that none of them would "defect" each other in case there arises a point of difference or a matter of conflict.
Pakistan-India relations have been on poor terms ever since partition.
ReplyDeleteSuccess of nuclear testing in India was followed by Pakistan; showing offensive and defensive nature on both sides of the border. Even Pakistan's insistence to sign the nuclear non-proliferation treaty only after India does further highlights the situation at hand.
If India wants to "preempt war", doesn't that mean that India expects Pakistan to strike first? However you say that the Pakistan is on the defensive stride on Eastern borders. In that case, What is the reason for India to expect that Pakistan will strike first?
ReplyDeleteThis kind of cross firing is a routine work on eastern borders and has been happening since many years. It;s not a new phenomenon and will not gonna cause a "war". These kind of issues are highlighted and exaggerated by the media on both sides. Media and certain elements in the neighboring country is on the same mission as media in our country,i.e., to represent their neighbors as their ultimate enemy.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Zaid's point and I think that you overestimate the desire by India to create a "hot" war conflict. Remember, India and Pakistan are two very different countries with different strengths/weaknesses. When examining the relationship that exists between the two, we should keep in mind that both sides want different things and that conflict is not inevitable between the two.
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