Workshop Abstract-Dr.Maqsood

ABSTRACT

CBMs IN SOUTH ASIA: HOW TO BRIDGE GAPS IN THEORY AND PRACTICE

MAQSOODUL HASAN NURI*

Today, South Asia is often mentioned as a potential nuclear flash point. Hence, in the post-nuclear setting both India and Pakistan face a dire need to re-invigorate the Confidence building Measures (CBMs). Although both countries embarked on CBMs – mostly of a military nature -- in the late 1980s and early 1990s, the nuclear tests of May 1998 brought the process to a halt. The Kargil crisis (July 1999) embittered relations between the two countries, resulting in a rupture in dialogue between the two parties.

Some observers feel that with the advent and testing of nuclear weapons, CBMs have become almost redundant as mutual deterrence was assured. However, this premise is based on flawed reasoning. On the contrary, here is an urgent need to implement the already existing CBMs and enter fresh and new ones. This paper lists out some suggested CBMs to be immediately put into effect. The central thrust is that unless political will, imagination and vision by leadership on both sides are exercised, the search for peace will remain a chimera. The South Asians have to do the "heavy lifting" for peace and security in the region. In this way, they will be doing a good to their own peoples and no favor to outsiders.

The recent peace moves in the region (cease-fire in Kashmir, partial withdrawal of troops and the forthcoming APHC visit) are positive straws in the wind and could be beneficial CBMs. The momentum has to be built up and all efforts must be made to avoid any relapse in future. It is time that gaps between theory and practice should be narrowed down. Future generations in South Asia will hold the leaderships of both India and Pakistan accountable at the bar of history for any misadventure -- conventional or nuclear.

* Senior Research Officer, The Institute of Regional Studies, Islamabad.

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