How can NATO / US by bringing in Russia can limit Pakistan's influence ?? Russia has influence on whom in Afghanistan ?? Northern Allies guys, which they are already supporting. Yeah, if they wanna use Russia as a supply base, that's good, but any physical involvement by Russia may back fire due to the obvious good old memories of Russian occupation.
Sir, since Afghan government is virtually made up of NA, increased Russian support makes sense. There are some benefits of this deal:
1. A major NATO route from Russia.
2. As member Qasibr pointed out, safe-exit of NATO forces would become a lot easier.
3. Combating opium trading.
4. Increased flow of Russian arms to ANA.
5. Greater Intel on resistance movements in Afghanistan.
ANA and Afghan government (supported by NATO and Russia) can be used to counter Pakistani influence in Afghanistan or contain it. Do you disagree?
One more point is that since NATO supported Northern Alliance guys in Afghanistan, they are sympathetic towards their sentiments. Hence, the rumors of limiting Pakistani influence in Afghanistan.
Plus, how a stable Afghanistan, filled with anti-Pakistan elements, good for Pakistan ?? Care to elaborate ?? Even they are unstable now, they are supporting the anti-Pakistan elements by giving them refuge in Afghanistan, right in Kabul, so what to expect from them when they become fully stable ??
Yes! This is a problem for us. However, by covertly supporting some elements of resistance in Afghanistan, aren't we already fueling anti-pakistani sentiments within Afghan government and ANA?
Why do you think that Karzai often makes anti-Pakistani statements?
The last thing he wants is the repeat of fate of Najeebullah (version 2).
A stable Afghanistan, with no evil plans against Pakistan is good for Pakistan, not a stable Afghanistan, with all the devilish plans, supported by our other enemies, is good for Pakistan.
This is why Pakistan wants to be part of Afghan solution.
I hope that NATO realizes this but we probably have to fulfill all of their demands first. Currently, a major demand is army operation in North Waziristan against Hakimullah group. Do you agree?