RELATIONS EXTERIEURES

-- NEW BEGINNING IN SOUTH ASIA. by Stephen P. Cohen Brookings Institution, Policy Brief No. 55, January 2000, 7 p. http://www.brook.edu/comm/policybriefs/pb055/pb55.htm http://www.brook.edu/comm/PolicyBriefs/pb055/pb55.pdf 'Since the end of the Cold War American policy towards South Asia has been  overshadowed by more troublesome or more economically significant regions. The dominant American objective in South Asia has been to prevent India and Pakistan from acquiring nuclear weapons, although this policy wasdramatically defeated in May 1998, when each exploded a number of nuclear devices. A U.S. policy that responds only to the region's development of nuclear weapons and the risk of nuclear war will fail, and forfeit other important American interests in the process. A heightened engagement with India and Pakistan, dealing with the causes of regional conflict and not only its symptoms, might not only reduce the risk of war but also could promote important American economic, strategic, and humanitarian interests. Such a fresh start in South Asia would accord India a more important place in America's world-view, but would not ignore Pakistan. It could begin with a high profile visit by the U.S. president to the region, an institutionalization of the strategic dialogues between Washington and New Delhi, and the strengthening of economic and strategic ties between the two democracies. As for Pakistan, which faces the prospect of instability to the point  of chaos, the United States should take the lead in helping develop its civilian institutions by responding positively to the new Pakistani government's efforts to eradicate corruption, reform its economy, and over time restore democracy.' -- REGIONAL SECURITY IN SOUTH ASIA. Hearing, October 20, 1999. U.S. Congress. House. Committee on International Relations. Subcommittee on Asia and the Pacific. http://www.house.gov/international_relations/ap/aphear.htm Assistant Secretary of State Inderfurth: 'We have a number of immediate challenges facing United States policy in South Asia, and this afternoon I would like to address three in particular: the political crisis in Pakistan, where the Army has taken the reins of power; the recent elections in India and the formation of a new government; and the situation in Afghanistan and our steps to combat international terrorists who take shelter there... Mr. Chairman, before I conclude, I would like to note that our ability to pursue our agenda in South Asia - - and indeed throughout the world - -depends in large part on adequate funding for our foreign affairs budget, a point that Secretary Albright makes repeatedly. If the proposed cuts are enacted, the Administration will be forced to reduce our efforts to: counter terrorism, prevent and reduce conflict, stem the spread of deadly diseases like HIV/AIDS, and fight drugs- - all of which are clearly in the interests of the American people and key to our agenda in South Asia. In fact, our programs to support regional democracy, to eradicate illegal poppy cultivation, and to address trafficking in women and children - - will be sorely under-funded.'