2) Regional Consequences of the Afghan-US Deal: The strategic cooperation agreement between the United States and Afghanistan and the ensuing concession of military bases inside the Afghan territory to American forces would severely undermine the position of Pakistan and render it highly vulnerable. And needless to say, in the regional equation of power, the weakening of Pakistan would benefit its old rival and neighbour, India. But, this is not the only problem: According to the plan proposed by the US General David Petraeus, the international border between Pakistan and Afghanistan or the Durand Line for the Pashtun people will be removed and thus only recognized by the Afghan and Pakistani governments only. In more simple words, the plan means that the Pakistani regions that are populated by Pashtun tribes will be in a situation similar to the Pashtun-residing areas in Afghanistan and conceded to the Pakistani Taliban. Such developments will make Pakistan vulnerable and confront its future with uncertainty and ambiguity. Moreover, the Islamic Republic of Iran would become concerned about the strategic treaty between its eastern neighbour and the United States, its declared nemesis. Among the military bases estimated to be conceded to the US forces are the Shindand air base in Herat and Kandahar military site near the Afghan-Iranian border, which are both aimed most probably at controlling Iran and keeping a close watch on its activities.
