New Delhi, February 28 – When the American media posed a direct question to US President Donald Trump about his likely intervention in the Afghanistan-Pakistan conflict, he seemed more focused on the upcoming strikes in Iran than on broader implications.
However, he did say that he might intervene, adding, "I have good relations with Pakistan, as you know very well," before departing in Marine One.
Once Washington achieves its goal of changing the regime, and has a presence on Iranian soil – literally, or with an ally as ruler in Tehran – the US would be at Afghanistan's western border.
Trump's "favorite Field Marshal," Pakistan's Asim Munir, can meanwhile take care of Afghanistan's southern and eastern front.
President Trump has been eager to re-establish a US base in Bagram – a strategically located military airfield about 60 km north of Kabul.
It was previously the operational center of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF), led by American troops, during its occupation of Afghanistan.
The Taliban had reacted by ruling it out, emphasizing Afghanistan's independence and sovereignty.
The location serves as an ideal base for operations and reconnaissance across a large part of Asia, including keeping an eye on China.
With pressure on the Taliban from all sides, the path to Bagram may become clear.
With Iran, the US would have direct access to sea routes from the Persian Gulf to the Arabian Sea with ports at Bandar Abbas and Chabahar in Iran, and Gwadar, Pasni, and Karachi in Pakistan.
It also gives Washington access to the reported reserves of rare earth in Balochistan without worrying about many insurgent offensives, since the Baloch separatists would be cut off on all sides.
The region lies in the tri-junction of Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Iran.
General Munir, during his visit to the White House last year with Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, reportedly showcased these critical minerals to the US President and is said to have also met American investors, seeking around $500 million investment agreement to develop the critical minerals sector in Balochistan.
They had also offered the US President to develop Pasni, a deep-sea fishing port in Balochistan's Gwadar district, as a full-fledged harbour.
Asim Munir considers the rare earth reserves as a potential economic asset for Pakistan, that can help Islamabad reduce its huge debt and fill the treasury coffers.
On his part, Trump is also said to be interested in the rare earth elements, vital in a variety of applications for the American industry.
Since that visit, Trump has been full of praise for Pakistan's Chief of Army Staff Asim Munir and Prime Minister Sharif.
"You have a great Prime Minister. You have a great General there. You have a great leader that... I think two of the people that I really respect a lot. And I think that Pakistan is doing terrifically well," the US President reiterated when asked of renewed clashes between Afghanistan and Pakistan that has raised fresh concerns over the region's stability.
While a US State Department spokesperson told IANS earlier that Washington was closely watching the situation, it was also made clear that the US position supports Islamabad's security response.
"The United States supports Pakistan's right to defend itself against attacks from the Taliban, a Specially Designated Global Terrorist group," the Spokesperson added, also criticizing the regime's approach to counterterrorism commitments.
Even as new developments unfold in the vicinity, India would be closely watching the developments since any untoward resultant could seriously affect peace and stability in the region.
