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Iran Courts Pakistan to Counter U.S.
Friday, January 11, 2002
By Syed Saleem Shahzad
Asia Times Online

According to Iranian diplomatic sources, the upcoming high-level meetings in either Tehran or Islamabad would convey a loud and clear message to both the US and India that Iran-Pakistan relations were back on a sound footing.

KARACHI
A major breakthrough in Pakistan-Iran relations is expected within the next few weeks with either Iranian President Sayed Mohammad Khatami visiting Islamabad or his Pakistani counterpart President General Pervez Musharraf going to Tehran.

The two countries, deeply concerned over the growing military build-up of the United States and its allies in South and Central Asia, are seeking stronger relations to counterbalance this influence.

Iran was a part of the anti-Taliban and anti-Pakistan movement, with India and Russia, that led to the Northern Alliance taking Kandahar and Kabul in Afghanistan, but subsequent events have caused the leaders in Tehran to reassess the situation and wave the peace flag at Islamabad.

Historically, Pakistan has had close geopolitical and cultural-religious linkages with Iran. However, strains in the relationship appeared in the past decade, and many Pakistanis suspect Iranian support for the sectarian violence that has plagued their country.
(More: Asia Times Online News Source)
2002 © Asia Times Online Co, Ltd.

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