Staff writer.1/18/2024. At 3:46 PM
On Wednesday, people were halted by Pakistani security officials at a checkpoint on the road in Quetta, the main city of Balochistan province. Photo by: Fayyaz Ahmed/EPA
The conflict between Pakistan and Iran has intensified in the past few days, as both countries have launched airstrikes on each other's territory, targeting the Baloch militants who are fighting for independence from both states. The Baloch people are a minority group living in a region spanning Iran, Pakistan, and Afghanistan. They have been struggling for autonomy for decades and have faced repression and violence from both the Iranian and Pakistani governments. The border between the two countries is unstable and long, about 900 kilometers (560 miles), and it divides the Balochistan province of Pakistan from the Sistan and Baluchestan provinces of Iran. The Baloch insurgency has become more active and aggressive since 2019, and they have acquired more weapons and resources to challenge the authorities. The issue is also influenced by the involvement of India, which has a rivalry with Pakistan and has supported the Baloch cause in the past.
Some possible arguments for and against the airstrikes are:
For: The airstrikes are necessary to defend the sovereignty and security of the countries from the Baloch militants, who are a threat to the stability and peace of the region. The airstrikes are a justified response to the cross-border attacks and provocations from the other side. The airstrikes are a deterrent to prevent further escalation and violence from the Baloch separatists.
Against: The airstrikes are a violation of international law and human rights, as they cause casualties and damage to the infrastructure and environment of the countries. The airstrikes are a counterproductive and dangerous move that will only fuel more resentment and hostility from the Baloch people and the other countries. The airstrikes are a distraction from the real issues and challenges that the countries face, such as poverty, corruption, and extremism. India has a complex and historical relationship with the Balochistan region, which spans across Iran, Pakistan, and Afghanistan. India has supported the Baloch separatist cause in the past as a way of countering Pakistan's influence and involvement in Kashmir. India has also accused Pakistan of harboring terrorists who have attacked Indian targets, such as the 2019 Pulwama attack, which killed 40 Indian paramilitary personnel. India has also expressed concern over China's involvement in the region as part of its Belt and Road Initiative, which includes the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) that passes through Balochistan.
India's official stance on the recent airstrikes by Pakistan and Iran is that it understands the actions that countries take in their self-defense and that it has a zero-tolerance policy towards terrorism. However, some analysts have suggested that India may have a strategic interest in the escalation of the conflict, as it could divert Pakistan's attention and resources away from Kashmir and create more pressure on China to reconsider its investments and projects in the region. India may also seek to strengthen its ties with Iran, which is a crucial partner for India's energy and trade interests and a potential counterweight to Pakistan and China in the region
The conflict between Pakistan and Iran over Balochistan is a complex and long-standing issue that involves multiple actors and factors. There is no easy or quick solution to this conflict, but some possible steps that could help reduce the violence and promote peace are:
Engaging in dialogue and cooperation between the two countries, as well as with the Baloch people and other leaders, to address the root causes of the insurgency, such as political marginalization, economic deprivation, cultural discrimination, and human rights violations.
Implementing comprehensive and inclusive strategies that foster economic development, social justice, political reconciliation, and cultural diversity in the Baloch region and that respect the rights and aspirations of the Baloch people.
Enhancing the security and stability of the border area by strengthening the coordination and communication between the security forces of both countries and preventing the infiltration and support of extremist groups and foreign actors that exploit the situation.
The Building trust and confidence between the two countries by resolving their bilateral disputes and grievances and by enhancing their cooperation on regional and international issues of mutual interest and concern.
Some of the challenges to implementing these solutions are:
The dominance of local customs and religious beliefs may resist or reject external interventions and modernization efforts.
The security problems threaten the lives and property of the development workers and the local population, creating a climate of fear and instability.
The lack of skilled labor limits the capacity and quality of the development projects and services and prevents the transfer of knowledge and skills to the local communities.
The involvement of foreign actors may have ulterior motives and agendas and undermine the sovereignty and interests of the countries and the people.
The distrust and hostility between the two countries may hinder the cooperation and dialogue needed to resolve the conflict and address the grievances.
Learn more:
https://jcs.ndu.edu.pk/site/article/view/38Res; Where is Balochistan and why is it the target of Iran and Pakistan strikes? | Pakistan | The Guardian; Baluchistan | History, People, Religion, & Map | Britannica; https://www.firstpost.com/explainers/irans-airstrikes-in-pakistan-where-does-india-stand-and-why-13627142.html;https://www.cnn.com/2024/01/18/world/iran-pakistan-attacks-tensions-explainer-intl-hnk/index.html
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