Sunday September 4, 2005

I've Been Thinking:

The foreign minister of Pakistan met with the Israeli foreign minister this past week in Istanbul.
With that meeting the FM took the first step in establishing warm, friendly, diplomatic relations between the countries.

It was an enormous gesture.
Pakistan is the second largest populated Muslim state in the world and sets the tone for Muslim character. This meeting paves the way for other Muslim states to also establish significant relationships with Israel.

Pakistan also has a history of aiding al Qaeda. Bin Laden is probably hiding on or near the Pakistani border. Yet, Pakistan is working hard in the fight against terror and has been instrumental in aiding the United States in the fight.

Israel has a very close military relationship with India, Pakistan's neighbor and traditional archenemy. Over the past year, as a result of mutual interests and especially the fight against terror, tensions have rescinded between the two countries.

Israel has much to offer a country like Pakistan.
Pakistan can be a model for other Muslim states.
A first step in the right direction.