Iraq and Afghanistan

Today's paper (April 18) has a valuable Op-Ed making the argument that the United States should cease its opposition to a gas pipeline that is being worked out by Iran, Pakistan, and India. The argument is made on several levels. First, America needs the cooperation of India and Pakistan, and it needs for these countries to develop and preserve good relations with one another. Second, India, and to a lesser extent, Pakistan need more energy sources and Iran is the most easily available and affordable source. The three countries are working out the agreement and the financing — they do not need us. Finally, natural gas is the most easily available energy source for India from the viewpoint of global pollution.

Instead of welcoming this initiative, however, the United States is opposing it in an automatic, unthinking attempt to oppose whatever Iran does. At the same time as we are blocking them in this regard we are also requiring the Iranians to give up part of their efforts in the nuclear area — and this is at the same time as we are proposing to help the Indians develop their nuclear power capabilities. If we carry through on the latter, we will infuriate all our traditional allies, all of whom we have tried to block from efforts to support (and profit from) nuclear power in the developing world.

The authors advise the U.S. government to change its stance in regard to this issue as others as well. Their suggestion is supported by an unrelated report of the IISS (in their "Strategic Comments" series, 11,2). They report that in recent years Iran has pulled back from its support of terror, particularly outside the Middle East. Iran has been reluctant to take an active role in Iraq and is likely to remain reluctant. The IISS paper argues that Iran is offering the United States an opportunity to improve relations. If we really want to keep Tehran from acquiring nuclear weapons, this is an opportunity we should take advantage of.