Author: Shobhana Saxena
Publication: The Indian Express
Date: October 14, 2001
US Ambassador to India from 1994
to 1997, Frank Wisner played an important role in attracting American investments
to India and in the peace initiatives in South Asia. Before New Delhi,
his assignment was as Under Secretary of Defense Policy. Prior to that,
he served as Under Secretary of State for International Security Affairs.
Wisner is now Vice Chairman, External Affairs, the American International
Group (AIG) in New York. Well-versed in the subcontinent's affairs and
the oil politics of Central Asia, Wisner talks about the war on Afghanistan
and how it could influence US policy towards the subcontinent. Excerpts:
Now that the United States has declared
war on Al-Qaeda and Taliban, could you please tell us what compelled the
American government to take this action?
The United States military action
is the most timely and appropriate. The American government gave ample
warning to Taliban to close down terrorist camps and turn over Osama bin
Laden. But they did not respond. This action was required to check international
terrorism network being run from Afghanistan. It's the right action against
those running international terrorism network and also those who are harbouring
and supporting them.
There is a speculation that the
US might widen its attack and some more countries may come under attack.
Do you foresee that happening in the next few days or weeks?
I have seen a great deal of speculation
in the Indian-American press that the strikes against terrorist might spread
to other countries. I think it's premature to say that. There are other
methods to check terrorism. The military option is not the only option
available to the United States. And at this juncture I am not prepared
to speculate that the military action may spread to other countries.
Why did the US government decide
to include a country like Pakistan whose record on terrorism is not clean
in this coalition against terrorism?
It is very important to put together
a broad-based coalition. When the former Soviet Union invaded Afghanistan
in 1979, there was only one nation that could help us in checking that.
That was Pakistan. And this time too, Pakistan being a frontline state
could help us. It's good that Pakistan decided to join the international
community in this war against terrorism.
But this decision has caused some
major concern in India that the US may overlook what Pakistan is doing
in Jammu and Kashmir?
See, we have had a very whacky relationship
with Pakistan. And I do believe that the US cannot have normal relations
with Pakistan till cross-border terrorism in Kashmir goes on. The US wants
to see that the violence there ends. Only then we can have normal ties
with Pakistan. And I also deeply believe that political dialogue between
nations of the middle east and India and Pakistan is necessary for solving
the disputes. There is no need for India to worry about this.
But since the US needs Pakistan
more than India at the moment, some in India believe that Pakistan can
exploit the situation to its advantage in Kashmir. Do you agree with this
position?
No, let there be no doubt that we
want to build strong relationship with India. And that relationship is
not tied to US relations with Pakistan. India is a major power - an international
power. The bilateral relationship between the two countries is important
to us. I do not think it's right to see our bilateral relationship in the
light of US ties with Pakistan. That belittles India. And we do understand
India's concern about its security and acknowledge that cross-border terrorism
is a very serious issue.
What role do you see for India in
this war against terrorism?
India is a respected country. It's
a big power. At this moment we need a sustained international campaign
against Al Qaeda and in this regard India's advice is very important. We
know that India has a very important role to play in South Asia.
But lifting of sanctions against
Pakistan has paved way for US arms sales to to Pakistan. That is again
a cause of concern for India.
I think it's unlikely that first
American step after lifting sanctions against Pakistan would be supplying
arms to Islamabad. As far as Pakistan is concerned, I think, our priority
is different. What Pakistan needs at the moment is economic and political
stability and we would like to see that that happens in Pakistan. Selling
arms to Pakistan is not our priority.
What impact do you think these terrorists
attacks and this war against terrorism will have on oil companies and oil
prices?
Yes, the terrorist incident definitely
had an impact on oil companies and prices. There has been a demand and
supply imbalance since the terrorist hit the United States. The incident
aggravated the recession already there. As people are not travelling much,
there is more supply and less demand, and the oil prices have gone down.
But the situation may improve soon.
Some people are saying that the
US is waging a war against Afghanistan as it wants a foothold in the region
to have better access to and control over oil and gas resources in Central
Asia. Is there any merit in this charge?
Garbage. This is absolutely garbage.
The war on terrorism is being done only from the security point of view.
The US has not gone to the region with any business interest in mind but
for peace. It's to get over the scourge of terrorism and to make Afghanistan
free from terrorists.
