SAARC holds Optimistic Future
There are reasons for being optimistic about the future prospect of SAARC
-The bilateral relations between India and Pakistan are now set for improvement
-The SAARC leaders for the first time ,have succeeded in adopting a framework agreement for SAFTA containing specific schedule for the lowering of tariffs
-The genuine concerns of the least development countries of SAARC, Bangladesh, Nepal and Bhutan have been adequately met
-It is for the first time that SAARC members have strongly realized the importance of regional economic integration in a world where bilateral and regional trade pacts have become economic necessity
-Once all the major disputes between the two rivals are resolved ,we can expect a successful future for the SAARC in the impending economic battle of globalization
Afghanistan in SAARC
Afghanistan was incorporated as the eighth member during the 13th Summit of SAARC, which was held in Dhaka on November, 2005.
In the 14th SAARC Summit, Afghanistan was formally introduced in all the SAARC agreements, declaration, and legal documents by a Joint Declaration.
Inclusion of Afghanistan has been an area of debate especially with the entry of NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) troops into Afghanistan.
Intra-Regional Governmentality, Neo-Regionalism and the Extension Of SAARC:
There is another view point that inclusion of Afghanistan in SAARC clearly demonstrated that South Asian region has stepped towards the framework of new regionalism. It emphasizes not only economic but also social and cultural networks that develop more quickly than the formal political cooperation at regional level (Hettne, 1994). Thus, the combination of the forces of neo-regionalism inspired SAARC to take the strategic initiative to enlarge it
Politics at Systemic & Sub-systemic level:
The inclusion of Afghanistan as a member of SAARC is the result of the direct blessing of US and indirect blessing of India”. This opinion is very much true because during the Taliban regime India was not confident enough to support the incorporation of a radical Muslim government into SAARC. But soon after the newly elected government, both India and Pakistan agreed to include Afghanistan as a member of SAARC under the influence of United States.
The present government of Afghanistan is pro-US and it can help US to involve in SAARC obliquely if it becomes a member.
Though Pakistan does not have good relationship with the present Afghan government it could not oppose the decision of its inclusion because Pakistan is in the grip of US, and as US is in overall charge of the region in conducting the 'War on Terror'.
From historical analysis it can be said that both India and Pakistan want friendly relationship with Afghanistan because it is linked to Central Asia which is rich in natural resources.
The change of government (Taliban to Karzai) in Afghanistan made India more eager for its inclusion into SAARC.
In South Asia opium and drugs are sent through Pakistan. Pakistan thought if Afghanistan becomes a member of SAARC then it will be easier to give pressure on the Karzai government so that the government can take appropriate stance to curb the narco-business.
Afghanistan will also enjoy a part of the development fund of SAARC as a member state.
The incorporation of Afghanistan in SAARC is the eagerness of US to incorporate the war ravaged country under an institutional framework so that it can obtain legitimacy.
The Expectations:
Pakistan and India think that Afghanistan will help both the countries in supplying energy and transit facilities to Central Asia.
Given the devastation caused there by war for over two decades and the role the country has acquired in any policy in the region to check terrorism, no move to pacify and conciliate South Asia is feasible without Afghanistan's active participation in it.