The Americans Do Not Agree with the Strengthening of Russia’s Position

The process of improving relations between Pakistan and Russia will continue, if we carry out an independent policy.

One must keep in mind the anti-American mood throughout the greater Asiatic region. The situation here remains tense for Americans. Pakistan showed a certain independence in blocking the southern supply route used by the American forces and their allies, but this took place, first and foremost, under China’s influence and in consideration of the sentiments of Pakistan’s populace and its legislators.

Our Northern Route Will Work, and the Americans Will Never Relinquish It

But the fact is, now the conflict has been resolved; actually, it was a pretty good bargain. Pakistan needs additional funds, and went to the table in hopes of receiving more than $1 billion to support its economy, social spheres, and everything else. But the question is, will the Pakistani leadership be able to ensure the reliable transit of cargo? Will they provide for the security of the deliveries? After all, the majority of the terrorist acts carried out against American trucks and personnel are the work of the Taliban, Pashtun fighters, and so on. So the agreement might work, but in a strained way. If secure cargo transit is provided, then relations will worsen with Pashtun tribes and domestic opposition. But our northern route [i.e., NATO’s northern supply route through Russia] will work, and the Americans will never relinquish it.

At the same time, the process of improving relations between Pakistan and Russia will continue, if we conduct an independent, rather than pro-American, policy. Pakistan has observer status with the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, where there has been discussion about the situation in the Near East, in Afghanistan, and so on. The Pakistani leadership evidently hopes that such powers as Russia, China, and India, through the means of this organization, will influence the situation in terms of stabilizing conditions in Afghanistan. It is no coincidence that Afghanistan has been granted observer status in the SCO.

An advantageous situation is forming in the relations between Russia and Pakistan, but we must not overplay it! Our main partner in this region is India, and we need to consult with them on any step concerning Pakistan. Moreover, India is our primary geopolitical ally in the world. We have no irreconcilable differences in our relations with them. The strengthening of India gives us a chance to strengthen our own position. In this region, we must establish a system based on a balance of power, and not on the superiority of one country over another.

An Underlying Struggle Is Ongoing among Three Major Geopolitical Centers

It is obvious that the Americans do not agree with the strengthening of Russia’s position. One can expect counteraction from their side. For example, in my prediction, they will invest a few billion dollars in India to promote internal controversy and aggravate the situation in Jammu and Kashmir. They don’t shrink from the “divide and conquer” strategy. All of this will happen, and we need to be ready for it. Americans always have to win! But no empty statements or saber-rattling is needed here. The great Sun Tzu taught that one must first defeat the enemy in his own mind. Therefore, our minds, sophisticated strategies, and honesty in relation to all peoples, are the means by which the Americans’ strategic games may be neutralized. China has invested much in Pakistan, and they are longtime allies. There is a project to construct a pipeline across the territory of Pakistan to China, so that tankers can deliver natural gas and Near East oil to a Pakistani port, rather than skirting around the Asian mainland. The construction is already under way, but military operations are ongoing in the area around the pipeline, because part of it crosses Afghanistan.

The Americans uphold the idea of a unipolar world and a multipolar Asia. China, on the other hand, is in favor of a multipolar world, but a unipolar Asia, in which they would dominate. They would like to see the Americans depart. An underlying struggle is ongoing among three major geopolitical centers. I speak of North America, Europe and China. For example, the destruction of the Gadhafi regime was a blow to China. Through Gadhafi, China was investing in the resources of Africa. If Iran manages to stir things up, then China will lose a significant part of the hydrocarbon supply.