Although there has been a marked change in the West's ostrich-like attitude regarding India's concerns, officials say that there is, even in the most recent conversations, a steadfast refusal by Western interlocutors to acknowledge that Musharraf has to be pushed to root out the terror network that still flourishes in Pakistan, without making any distinction between the Lashkar-e-Jahangvi, the LeT or Al Qaeda. New Delhi comes away from these meetings with the distinct and disturbing impression that neither the US nor the UK want to prod Musharraf to the point where he can make a real difference in India's fight against terror.
For the moment, it seems the existing policy of the West towards Musharraf will continue. It stems, senior officials say, from a feeling in Washington and London that
- Musharraf is, in the circumstances prevailing in Pakistan, their only hope there;
- In the war against terror Musharraf does deliver, even if it is partial and only under compulsion;
- The West sees Pakistan's future as being more secure with Musharraf as both president and chief of the armed forces;
- Both Washington and London have a large troop presence in Afghanistan. British troops have moved into Afghanistan's tribal badlands that border Pakistan. The Pakistan army's cooperation has, therefore, become a critical factor.
- Considering the unrest in the region—from Lebanon to Iraq to Palestine to Afghanistan to the looming crisis in Iran—the West feels there's no sense in complicating their relationship with Pakistan any more than it already is.
