Islamabad Talks: A Diplomatic Opportunity and a Test for Peace

By Amir Muhammad Khan

Islamabad talks are both a diplomatic opportunity and a test. The recent peace talks in Islamabad have once again drawn the world’s attention to Pakistan’s diplomatic and peace-making efforts in the region. Pakistan has once again presented itself as a country that can become a mediator and bridge of communication in complex global conflicts. But the question is whether these efforts are really moving towards a lasting peace or will they be limited to temporary diplomatic activities?

The idea of getting its way under the shadow of America’s stubbornness and threats has made the talks frivolous. Be it any talks, on any issue, they are based on some twos and some fives. During the talks, threats and humiliation of the opponent lead the talks to frivolity. In terms of war, Iran has shown its iron fist, which has become a symbol of fear for America’s sidekick Israel, so strict conditions are being put forward, along with threats from America. Opinion leaders around the world are in a state of flux, my previous column further reinforces that this state of flux is causing the global speculators, especially the alleged nominees, to increase their wealth.

On the other hand, the rising and falling oil prices have severely damaged the world economy. The current effects on the economy will be detrimental to everyone, be they developing countries or wealthy countries, for years to come. The biggest problem in the current negotiations is that lack of trust remains the main obstacle. The parties are suspicious of each other’s positions, and political and security concerns at every step slow down the negotiations. The result is that talks are ongoing, but progress is limited.

In the negotiating environment, Israel’s role is that of a party that uses war as a policy weapon. Netanyahu’s politics have always revolved around internal pressure, security fears, and the narrative of military superiority. In the case of Iran, they also emphasize that pressure should not be reduced, because for them, softness means weakness. The very narrative of terrorism that Israel considers a success becomes a burden for the United States, and creates an opportunity for Iran to negotiate. This contradiction confuses this crisis.

Iran’s internal and regional position is also complicated at the moment. On the one hand, its leadership maintains a tough stance, on the other hand, it knows that a full-scale war could be dangerous for it. Therefore, Tehran is adopting a dual strategy: toughening up in negotiations and advancing in its resistance capabilities on the ground. This dual policy of itss gives it the opportunity to make the enemy realize that if its demands are not met, the price will increase. This price will not only be military, but may also fall on oil, trade, sea routes and political stability.

Pakistan’s diplomatic status comes into play in a new context amidst all this. The Islamabad talks have sent a message that Pakistan is not just a silent spectator but has the ability to play a mediating role in the region. Although this role is limited and delicate, its effects can be extraordinary. If a partial agreement is reached here, Pakistan’s diplomatic credibility will increase; and if the negotiations fail, Pakistan will still be considered one of the main diplomatic centers of this crisis. In this sense, Islamabad has become not just a city, but a global symbol of this integrity of the region.

Israel wants to keep the war as a weapon of pressure, Trump wants to get out of it, and Iran is increasing its price in this tug-of-war. The result is that neither side seems to be completely victorious. Iran is also reluctant to accept its terms. This is what makes this crisis all the more dangerous, because when all sides consider themselves partially strong, the scope for compromise decreases.

It would be more appropriate to say that the real test in this new tension in the Middle East will not be a test of weapons, but a test of nerve. If Islamabad makes some partial progress