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India-Pakistan
Pak “Ready To Recognise” State Of Israel, Says Jane’s Report
2003-08-11
I find it hard to believe, but here’s the report
General Pervez Musharraf-led Pakistan is getting ready to accord recognition to the Jewish state of Israel in near future, reports quoting JaneÂŽs Intelligence Digest (JID) here have said. Western spy-masters have compiled a number of intelligence reports on the prospects of Islamabad giving recognition to Israel as they claim, "the decision of recognizing Israel is set to have a significant impact on the General MusharafÂŽs attempts to stabilize Pakistan, as well as his own political future."

The intelligence reportsÂŽ compilers, sources claim, undertook several visits to Israel and Pakistan before they expressed their "optimism" on PakistanÂŽs recognition of Israel. "Pakistani authorities, particularly the military leadership close to the president, have already taken the decision to establish direct links with Israel", JID claims in its latest issue, despite Pakistani governmentÂŽs repeated clarifications that decision to recognize the Jewish state has not been taken yet. JID claims, despite opposition by most political parties to any move to recognise Israel, "Musharraf seems determined to push forward with his agenda in the near future."

The JID enumerates five elements, which have changed the views in Pakistan on the issue of according recognition to Israeli. "Because of these elements there is an increasing view within PakistanÂŽs ruling circles that the establishment of diplomatic ties with Israel will be vital to the countryÂŽs future interests," the report said.
  • Firstly; concerned with the growing military relationship between Israel and India, the Pakistani leadership believes that normalizing ties might help to limit the scope of the emerging alliance with Delhi.
  • Secondly; PakistanÂŽs military chiefs are also hoping that such a move will facilitate arms sales by Israel.
  • Thirdly; the Pakistani government feels that the prospect of recognizing Israel might help thwart an impending alliance between the pro-Israel and pro-India lobbies in the USA.
  • Fourthly; it is expected that such a move would soften US Congressional opinion over the Bush administrationÂŽs promise of $3 billion in aid to Pakistan spread over the next five years.
  • Fifthly, in recent months Musharraf has come under pressure from Washington on a number of issues other than the continuing campaign against terrorism. PakistanÂŽs recognition of Israel is just one of a list of "favours" that the USA is requesting from its Pakistani ally.
The JID report further said that establishing normal relations with Pakistan, the only Muslim country that has a nuclear capability, is an important strategic goal for Israel. It hopes that gaining diplomatic recognition by a populous Muslim country such as Pakistan will help undermine hard-line opposition towards Israel in other non-Middle Eastern Muslim countries. The report added that "before announcing IslamabadÂŽs recognition, Musharraf is keen on testing the likely reaction, both at home and abroad. It is essential for his political survival that the level of risk involved be rewarded by Washington and Israel and PakistanÂŽs standing in the Muslim world is not damaged.
Posted by:tipper

#5  Hard to believe he'd do it with the hope of limiting Israeli arms sales to India - as said above, far too late for that. And probably doesnt help him with his $3billion - if he is seen in washington as effective against AQ he doesnt need the help - and if he's not AIPAC wouldnt dare go to bat for him. He's not in the position of, say, Jordan.

maybe this "the decision of recognizing Israel is set to have a significant impact on the General Musharaf´s attempts to stabilize Pakistan, as well as his own political future" is serious IE its part of an attempt to fully commit Pakistan to a Kemalist path, and smokeout Islamist opposition. Instead of muddling through, and letting the Islamists threaten civil war, call their bluff and face then down, with the US behind him. It doesnt seem like the kind of thing Perv would do, but theres a certain logic to it.
Posted by: liberalhawk   2003-8-11 4:31:54 PM  

#4  "the decision of recognizing Israel is set to have a significant impact on the General Musharaf´s attempts to stabilize Pakistan, as well as his own political future."

Funny, I believe every word of that!
Posted by: Steve White   2003-8-11 2:53:22 PM  

#3  Part of the big stakes in this war. Iraq liberated along with sizable portions of Pakistani population standing in contrast to Iran, Syria and other Gulf states. It just shows how important the Iraqi war is.
Posted by: Lucky   2003-8-11 1:19:52 PM  

#2  Grr

I'm not sure it will do much good, that should read.
Posted by: Laurence of the Rats   2003-8-11 1:13:22 PM  

#1  the Pakistani leadership believes that normalizing ties might help to limit the scope of the emerging alliance with Delhi.

I think that might be the main reason, though I'm sure it will do much good (from Pakistan's POV).
Posted by: Laurence of the Rats   2003-8-11 1:08:28 PM  

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