Finding a Kashmir Settlement: The Burden of Leadership. Strategic Forum. Number 199
Abstract
Although prospects for resolving the dispute between India and Pakistan over Kashmir may not seem encouraging, political developments in Pakistan and Kashmir, as well as India's blossoming relationship with the United States, hold some promise. Peace processes in other parts of the world offer lessons on possible approaches toward peace in Kashmir. Three basic propositions should guide thinking about a Kashmir peace process: Kashmir is only a part, albeit the most central and stubborn one, of the larger problem of India-Pakistan relations. No party can enter the process having defined in advance what a settlement will look like. At this stage, crafting the process is more important than agreeing in advance on what kind of end state is acceptable. These propositions imply that a peace process should address several baskets of problems rather than focusing exclusively on core issues. To prevent premature and unrealistic expectations, the process should begin in discreet backchannels and become formal only after careful preparation. The Kashmiri people must be brought into the process in a serious way, which will require changes in the behavior of New Delhi and Islamabad. Finally, both sides should consider the proven value of the involvement of third parties in helping structure and manage a bilateral peace process. The United States needs to plan seriously its role. Pakistan has always favored international engagement, and the Indian government now seems more open to such U.S. involvement.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 2003
- Accession Number
- ADA421847
Entities
People
- M.t. Schaffer
Organizations
- National Defense University