Create a Contact Group with India, Iran, Pakistan, and Afghan Governments

February 22, 2008

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The United States should support the creation of a contact group among India, Iran, Pakistan, and Afghanistan to build trust and address areas of shared concerns, including nuclear weapons, trade, and terrorism. The U.S. effort might involve offering behind the scenes, rather than visible support.

In particular, Pakistan’s fears about India appear to be a factor in driving the security services’ support for the Taliban in Afghanistan. In order to increase Pakistan’s support for the endeavor in Afghanistan, the United States and the international community should assist in building trust between Pakistan and India. This will include supporting agreements between Pakistan and India to stop supporting violent opposition movements against the other country, especially in Kashmir.

For more information on the Center for American Progress' comprehensive strategy for Afghanistan, which includes a chapter on recommendations for Pakistan, see:

• The Forgotten Front, by Caroine Wadhams and Lawrence J. Korb