Operation Geronimo, which took out the world’s most wanted man – Osama bin Laden opened another unfortunate chapter in the US’s flawed policy towards the Indian sub-continent. And contrary to many people’s expectations, this event will only open more doors than it closes. Pakistan is a sitting on the cusp of a being called a failed state and America’s puppet – neither augurs well for the world. India and China will be nervously waiting for the exit of American troops, which might not happen. Even if the American troops leave, Afghanistan will slip further into chaos. And of course, there is the obvious retaliation by whatever is remaining of the Taliban.
The blame for this mess has to be shared by both the US and Taliban. America nurtured bin Laden and in its desperation to win the Cold War made a hero of bin Laden. When bin Laden realized the obvious difference in ideology between his and the US’s, he began his fight against his former mentors. What followed was 9/11, a 10 year man hunt and Operation Geronimo. If there is one thing that is clear from this story, then it is that both sides are to blame. Unless both sides realize this, there will be no end to this zero sum game.
Being the more mature partner in this fight, the onus is on the US to start a new chapter and initiate a new policy in this region. A policy that does not have it roots in the Cold War or world domination. A policy that helps clean up Pakistan’s troubles and one that respects India’s regional dominance. The way the American’s cleaned up Operation Geronimo and Osama’s body, displayed some sensitivity towards this end. But a lot more needs to be done. India needs to speak up for what is best for this region while dealing its cards very close to its chest.
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