Holbrooke's heroes

Obama's Afghanistan policy review and the following talks at the Hague are being praised for the inclusion of Iran. I've long advocated the inclusion of Iran in Afghan dealings; but a regional solution will only work if every country is involved in shaping strategy. Instead of opening the table to debate, Holbrooke and his team are essentially dictating policy. Apparently, they expect India to accept the notion that Pakistan is a victim of terrorism and a trustworthy partner. Guess what? They're not buying; nor should they be.

The fact that the Obama administration is still supporting Pakistan and now talking with Iran, without any significant conditions, is a huge slight in the eyes of India. Prime Minister Singh has essentially banked his career on the new strategic relationship with the US he helped usher in with the nuclear deal. India, after reorienting their entire foreign policy to align with the US, is being cornered into supporting their enemy, who have still not pursued the planners of 26/11 or even shared evidence.

Treating our strongest ally and partner in South Asia as an afterthought is a huge mistake. Indian elections are this month; the economy is obviously the central issue, but if Mr. Holbrooke continues to talk to India instead of with it, you better believe we will have a much less sympathetic ear in Delhi. Replacing a centrist, liberalized government with a nationalist, populist alliance hostile to most US activity isn't exactly a good change.

(Photo from Politics and Meetings)