With the stabilization of Afghanistan, the
time is right to strengthen ties with Pakistan, a country with which Iran has
had what some unflatteringly describe as a love-hate relationship. In addition
to traditional cooperation against drug trafficking and the inflow of Afghan
refugees, there now seems to be many new opportunities for cooperation at
hand.
The "gas strategy" is one such opportunity.
This project seeks to transport Iranian gas to India via pipelines passing
though Pakistan. The proposal’s potential peacemaking and war-preventing
nature must be considered alongside its obvious financial benefits. President
Khatami was quoted as saying "all three countries of Iran, India and Pakistan
will benefit from this project as it will relieve tensions and facilitate
regional security and stability."
