Ayesha Ijaz Khan: The biggest problem the Trump…
The biggest problem the Trump admin has is those who call themselves American but shill for Israel - those who got the US into this war. A war that’s cost America $25 Billion.
Ayesha Ijaz Khan: The mentality that doesn’t want more destruction…
The mentality that doesn’t want more destruction. More elementary schools hit. More power plants hit. More bridges hit. The mentality that wants to glean a peaceful outcome for the people beyond looking at egos. Sure, Iran can hit GCC but it can’t hit the US. Right there you have an asymmetrical situation. Even if Iran humiliates US (as Merz says, which I don’t disagree with), it comes at a huge cost to Iranian people - not much of a cost to Americans. Who are only paying more for gas, while Iranians lift coffins of little girls. When Pakistanis caution that Iran can be more flexible, that doesn’t mean they are siding with US or Israel—it’s established that those two are unreliable and often have bad intentions. Question is - why didn’t Iran just make a nuclear weapon and test it by now? If it hasn’t done that, then what’s the point in not compromising on its nuclear program if it’s leading to all this economic misery?Ayesha Ijaz Khan: Really well said! I’ve often pondered…
Really well said! I’ve often pondered this precise point - that one reason Pakistan is an effective mediator is because of its sectarian mix. Pakistan is a Sunni majority country, but with a sizeable and very significant Shia population. That uniquely places Pakistan in a position to mediate between Iran and Saudi Arabia also, which is a part of the wider geopolitical reality.Ayesha Ijaz Khan: Let’s see. Trump is unpredictable…
Let’s see. Trump is unpredictable. As is Netanyahu. Difficult to say anything with certainty. The cost to the American taxpayer of all this military build up in the region is substantial. I doubt it’s for GCC. Trump made no effort to protect GCC in the last round - doubt he cares about that.Ayesha Ijaz Khan: I think Iran made a mistake by not showing up…
I think Iran made a mistake by not showing up to the second round of talks in Islamabad. But I don’t think Iran owed it to Pakistan to show up. And don’t consider it an affront if it didn’t. Also don’t think the answer to this is to actively jump into an anti-Iran alliance. Pakistan’s interest is served by remaining neutral and remaining a peacemaker. The negative propaganda notwithstanding.
22, April
Ayesha Ijaz Khan: Here are some thoughts about what’s happened…
Here are some thoughts about what’s happened so far — and why some seemingly contradictory things are true. 1. This war was started by Israel and Iran, and they remain untrustworthy. 2. This is a very unpopular war in the US and Trump would like to see it end, but doesn’t want to look weak. 3. Iran has a completely different worldview from many other countries, and has managed to survive despite sanctions for 40 years. A real feat! 4. Many Iranians want to end their economic and diplomatic isolation but remain skeptical of US and Israeli intentions. 5. The IRGC is an obstacle to peace talks, and is more motivated to fight. 6. The US military build up in the region has not given the Iranian civilians confidence to make the case for peace at home. 7. Pakistan is the only country that is able to talk to both parties and has tried tirelessly for a deal. 8. Pakistan is desperate for a deal because it wants peace on its western border and suffers from disrupted energy supplies. 9. The window for diplomacy is narrowing and going back to war is bad for all — Iran, US and Pakistan - but worse for GCC countries — whose place in the global order has significantly been impaired in the last two months.
21, April
Ayesha Ijaz Khan: I’m sure @CMShehbaz and @MIshaqDar50…
I’m sure @CMShehbaz and @MIshaqDar50 already know this, but I don’t think JD Vance should come to Pakistan unless the Iranians are ready to come too. Last thing we would want is Vance arrives once ceasefire has expired, and US commences bombing while Vance is in Pakistan.
19, April