Afghan Crisis

Outline: Historical Background Incident Of 9/11 And End Of Taliban Rule: Operation Against Al-Qaeda Network. Surging Of Forces In Afghanistan Pakistans Commitment In War On Terror And American Response Preparing For Post US-Afghanistan Aftermath, Once India Would Seize The Opportunity In Afghanistan Americans Mistakes In Afghanistan And Repetition Of History-Critical Analysis The Road To Peace-Conclusion Historical Background: Afghanistan is an under-developed landlocked mountainous Muslim country of South West Asia. Since ages tribal system had been the basis of its society. The Afghan people are brave, peaceloving and devoted Muslims. They had been living peacefully under princes and kings. This state of affairs continued till 1973 when King Zahir Shah was deposed by Mohammad Daud and the country plunged into civil war and disharmony is continued to this day. After the fall of monarchy in 1973, Afghanistan fell victim of chaos and confusion. The Soviet Union exploited this situation and establishes its control over Kabul in 1979 which lasted till 1988. After the withdrawal of USSR, Afghanistan was ravaged by civil war which ended in 1996 when Taliban became the master of this land. Taliban rule was marked by Islamic fundamentalism which led to the establishment of Al-Qaeda network of Osama bin Laden. The Taliban attracted the attention of the world by their fundamentalism and strict policies towards women folk and the non-Muslims. In the meantime, US and Britain charges Afghanistan with the acts of supporting Terrorism and freedom fighters in Chechnya. In this connection, US launched a Cruise missile attack against the bases in Afghanistan in August 1998. Incident Of 9/11 And End Of Taliban Rule: Afghanistan became the focus of the world after the terrorists attack on WTC and Pentagon in New York and Washington on September 11, 2001. US blamed Taliban-sponsored al-Qaeda for these attacks. As a result, US-led UN forces attacked Afghanistan, and on 13th November, 2001 dislodged the Taliban rule. Later on, all the factions of Afghan people participated in the Bonn meeting and on 5th December 2001 signed an agreement to establish a 30-member Interim

Government under Hamid Karzai which installed a democratic government through a Loya Jirga. Operation Against Al-Qaeda Network. After establishing an Interim Authority in Afghanistan, US-led multi-nation forces began operation against Al-Qaeda network and their supports. This operation has been continued since January 2002 in all parts of Afghanistan. Ruthless force is being used to kill or capture militants of Al-Qaeda and their supporters. As Taliban forces are also engaged in this operation, but so far the American forces have to failed to clear the land from Extremists. The Afghan people are the main sufferers because continuous state of war has not only ruined their country but also deprived them of food, shelter and peace. Surging Of Forces In Afghanistan US forces in Afghanistan have surpassed those in Iraq since 2003. US numbers in Afghanistan are scheduled to peak at about 98, 000 after the first detachment of 30,000 reinforcement. Obama has given his senior commander, Gen. Patraeus until July 2011 to turn the tide of insurgency and bolster forces. Pakistans Commitment In War On Terror And American Response Pakistan has lost more soldiers than the combined loss suffered by foreign forces in Iraq and Afghanistan and more civilians than lost in 9/11 strikes which eminently reflect Pakistans commitment in the war on terror. Despite Pakistans such commitment and immense loss in the WOT; the US is continuously threatening Pakistan with following serious consequences: i) Chocking the country economically ii) Invasion on FATA iii) Drone strikes across the country iv) Seizure of nuclear storage sites by special operations v) Air blitz against these sites Instead of living in mortal fear the Americans should shed the paranoia that has gripped them and the arrogance that characters their conduct with the weaker states and show some grace, serenity of mind, understanding and respect to Pakistans concerns and constraints. Their uncalled for outburst against a partner would only serve to alienate the Pakistani people even more. Preparing For Post US-Afghanistan As a consequence of the rapid deterioration of the situation in Afghanistan, Pakistan has also

preparing option in case the US departs. Pakistani officials who speak of the US-led coalition as occupation forces in Afghanistan, are convince that history will repeat itself and that the US will sooner or later leave the region. Once the Americans are gone, NATO determination will fade and Afghanistan will be left to itself. The Taliban tactics so far has been to attack where NATO presence is weak, but they are now able to mass more and more fighters and launch large-scale raids. They will most likely take on NATO troops directly, thus increasing the number of causalities. Should Western troops leave the country or reduce their number to a symbolic presence, the position of Afghan government could well weaken. Pakistan would be faced with political vacuum that it believe would have to fill to prevent any other power from acquiring a predominate influence. Aftermath, Once India Would Seize The Opportunity In Afghanistan i) India will try to sandwich Pakistan between the threats from both Eastern and Western borders. ii) It will exploit every possible opportunity to spark the flames of sectarianism and ethnicity in Baluchistan and Khyber Pukhtunkhwa. iii) Pakistans economy will be strangulated by the Indian blockade. iv) The regional balance of power will be destabilised massively. v) Indians extended presence in Afghanistan will create problems for China as well. vi) The US will cash in the opportunity by selling military hardware to India in the name of upgrading overhauling the Indian Army to enable it to take on Chinese forces. Americans Mistakes In Afghanistan And Repetition Of History-Critical Analysis History is repeating itself in Afghanistan because America is repeating the mistake made by the Soviets. They are being made to pay for their folly of overestimating themselves, and understanding the skill and fortitude of the Afghan guerrillas. As a consequence, they have put in place a new strategy of withdrawal of International Security Assistance Forces (ISAF) from Afghanistan from July 2011 onwards. The first mistake made by America was to defy history. But having chosen to do so they should have assigned the resources needed to accomplish the mission. Thus, their main effort should have been in Afghanistan not in Iraq. Their second mistake was to initiate the air-bombing campaign without securing the crossing sites on their sides of the Durand Line to prevent the Taliban and Al-Qaeda from escaping to tribal areas of Pakistan.

Their third mistake was not to end the Taliban domination in the mountains where they have their safe havens. Yet instead of taking corrective action they persisted with the mismatch between the mission assigned and resources given. Consequently, they have suffered operational setback and blamed Pakistan for them. The additional US forces sanctioned are still not enough to accomplish the mission. However, the least that can be done is to employ the available forces judiciously. One, for blocking at last those crossing sits which are used by the Haqqani group to make forays into Afghanistan from North Waziristan and two for ending the domination of the mountains by the Taliban. The Road To Peace-Conclusion Pakistan must learn from past and stay away from a future role in Afghanistan or the impeding civilian war in the next round will enter our land and there will be no stopping the national nosedive to extinction. Ultimately, the situation to the problem lies in sorting out the peoples difficulties connected with governance and security in the first place. The road to peace in Afghanistan lies in making a major governance overhaul that needs to be administrated by someone who is acceptable to all the people. In the existing situation that someone could be from the former King Zahir Shahs family-that person can craft an exit strategy through which Afghanistan could re-emerge as a peaceful country under democratic constitutional monarchy working under parliament. This formulation is likely to be acceptable to many ethnic nationalities in the country including the Taliban. Pakistan could do well to encourage such move.

Pak-Afghan Relations
Outline: Historical Background Current Situation Geo-Strategic Significance Of Afghanistan i) Direct Importance ii) Indirect Importance

 Interests Of Foreign Powers In The Affairs Of Afghanistan i) US Interests ii) Russian Interests: iii) Chinese Interests iv) Indian Interests v) Iranian Interests vi) Pakistanis Interests a) Political Interests b) Economic Interests c) Security Interests Significance Of Afghanistan In Pakistans Foreign Policy Pakistans Dilemmas Conclusion

Historical Background Pakistan and Afghanistan are two Muslim neighbouring countries having common border and common history. Since 1947, relations between the two countries have seen many ups and downs. In the beginning from 1947 to 1979, Afghanistan remained under the influence of Soviet Union and India. As such, Kabul adopted anti-Pakistan policy. The Pakhtoonistan stunt and frequent border skirmishes resulted because of this attitude. However, Pakistan showed restraint to give peace a chance. In 1954 and 1955, the relations between the two countries reached the lowest ebb, when Pakistani consulate in Kabul and Jalalabad were attacked by the Afghans. The relations between the two countries were strained, as result of these events. In 1963, relations were restored through the efforts of Shah Raza Shah Pehlvi of Iran. During 1965 Indo-Pak War, Afghanistan did not create any problem for Pakistan. In 1979, the scenario of this region underwent a drastic change when the Soviet sent 40 thousand troops to support pro-Russian Kabul government. Actually, it was a move to capture Afghanistan like the East European satellite states. The entire free world led by USA denounced Russian military intervention in Afghanistan.US supplied weapons to Afghan fighters so that they might wage guerrilla war against Russians. Millions of Afghan refugees took shelter in Pakistan. During the nine year war (1979-1988), the Afghan fighters inflicted heavy losses on the Soviet Union troops. As a result, Soviet forced withdrew from Afghanistan. After their withdrawal from Afghanistan in 1988, Afghanistan plunged into a bloody war form

1988 to 1996. During this eight year period, Najib government fell on 1992 and a provincial set up under Sibghat Ullah Mujaddid took control of Kabul. In May 1993, President Rabbani and premier Gulbaddin Hikmatyar came into power. In 1996, the situation changed again when Taliban under Mullah Umar took control of Kabul and extended their authority over 90 per cent area of the country. Taliban rule was marked by fundamentalism through which they enforced strict rules and regulations. After the event of Nine Eleven, the USA asked Taliban to handover Osama Bin Laden, but they refused to do so. As a result, US led multi-national forces attacked Afghanistan in October 2001 and toppled the Taliban rule. Hamid Karzai succeeded as provincial head of the state and was later on elected by a Loya Jirga comprising of 1500 members. In June 2002, Pakistan lent all sorts of support to the Afghani government. In December 2002, six states including Pakistan signed the Kabul Declaration pledging that these States would not interfere in Afghani affairs. Current Situation Currently, US-led multi-national forces are operating in Afghanistan against Al-Qaeda and Taliban. Pakistan is non-NATO ally of US against terrorism. Thus, it is assisting Karzai regime as non-NATO ally of USA. Presently Pak-Afghan relations have become very delicate due to Karzais frequent allegations that Talibans are operating from inside Pakistan territory. However, Pakistan government has refused these charges that the 30 thousand troops have sealed the porous Durand Line and no foreigner is allowed to use Pakistani territory. Geo-Strategic Significance Of Afghanistan Direct Importance: i) Afghanistan is located at the juncture of three strategic regions of Central Asia, South Asia and West Asia. ii) Sparse population, rugged terrain and warrior tribes make Afghanistan a dumping ground of superpowers of the times. Indirect Importance i) Afghanistan is also called a region at the cross-roads of history. That is, in the 21st century, Afghanistan is still keen to practice the medieval age customs and traditions. ii) The potential land-bridge of oil and gas pipelines and trade route to and from Central and West Asia.

iii) The landlocked nature of Central Asia offers Afghanistan significance of a transit route-to have access to sea ports of Indian and Arabian sea. Interests Of Foreign Powers In The Affairs Of Afghanistan i) US Interests: a) Energy resources of Central Asia b) Containing China and Iran c) Countering Russian influence in the region d) Checking the outflow of narcotics e) Checking the export of religious extremism f) Closely monitoring the cooperative framework between China, Russia, Iran, CARs, India and Pakistan. g) Supporting broad-based, moderate and US-friendly government in Afghanistan. ii) Russian Interests: a) Reasserting itself in its backyard and avenge its defeat (i.e. the collapse of former USSR). b) Securing control over oil and gas resources of Central Asia. c) Countering US influence and regional designs d) Preventing spread of extremism to Chechnya iii) Chinese Interests a) Future energy requirement and possible supplies demand from Central and West Asia including Iran. b) Halting unrest in adjoining Chinese territories (owing to spill over effect) c) Neutralizing the influence of US/NATO forces in the region. iv) Indian Interests a) Creating friction between Pakistan and Afghanistan to keep the former under pressure. b) Instigating the covert low intensity conflict (LIC) against Pakistan to keep Pakistan busy with conflict coming from Western border. c) Exploring the trade opportunities with the countries of Central and West Asia. d) Watching its geo-strategic interests through empowerment of the Tajiks, Uzbeks and Hazaras against the Pashtuns. v) Iranian Interests

a) Neutralizing the influence of US/NATO forces in the region. b) Securing its share in reconstruction of Afghanistan c) Safeguarding the minority Shia population residing in Afghanistan d) Reversing the tide of afghan refugees. vi) Pakistanis Interests a) Political Interests Ensuring peace and stability in Afghanistan Supporting Pak-friendly government in Afghanistan Neutralising Indian influence by setting the border issue Reversing the tide of afghan refugees. b) Economic Interests Securing its share in reconstruction of Afghanistan Securing a transit trade access to Central Asia Securing an uninterrupted supply of oil and gas from the CARs and Iran c) Security Interests Precluding the Talbanisation in Afghanistan (and thereby Talbanisation in Pakistan) Preventing cross-border terrorism Prompting departure of US/NATO forces from Afghanistan. Significance Of Afghanistan In Pakistans Foreign Policy As a neighbour of Pakistan, Afghanistan occupies a cultural place in the issues affecting Pakistans foreign policy. Afghanistans significance increases with the ongoing turmoil on its land. The New Great Game being played in the region. Pakistan finds itself intricately linked with the entire issue, the effects of which may have far-reaching bearings on Pakistan. Secondly, owing to geographical contiguity and ethnic sharing with Afghanistan, Pakistan considers itself a natural player in the whole scheme of affairs related to or going on in Afghanistan. Thirdly, owing to hosting a major chunk of afghan refugees, Pakistan is a major stakeholder in whatever situation emerges in Afghanistan.

Fourthly, ongoing WoT is affecting Pakistan both politically and economically thereby making Pakistan a major regional player in settling a terror situation both in Pakistan and across the Western border. Fifthly, Pakistan is keen to shun the ideology of Islamic Fundamentalism being exported from Afghanistan to Pakistan, thereby making Pakistan conscious of preservation of its democratic value. Sixthly, Pakistan is keen to make it socially free from drugs and arms which is not possible unless there is peace and order in Afghanistan. Pakistans Dilemmas Geographically, Pakistan is sandwiched between India and Afghanistan. One is the worlds biggest democracy and the expanding economy and other is worlds crisis ridden (both politically and socially) country and a shattered economy. The second aspect of dilemma is that India is bent on having strong relations with Afghanistan and that to the detriment of Pakistan.

Conclusion The war waged by the US in 2001, in the name of War on Terror (WoT) is still ravaging in devastated Afghanistan and yet no conclusive end is discernible. Since November 2008, there have taken place developments. First, the US President Barack Obama, after getting elected, is intending a withdrawal from Afghanistan in a manner that could be offering the US maximum face-saving and could yield monopoly to the US in the region. Secondly, with the tacit approval of the US, the Afghan President Hamid Karzai is holding talks with Taliban to join the government and offer the US a safe exit-strategy. Thirdly, the US has formally acknowledged that Pakistan play a significant role in mitigating a near-disaster situation in Afghanistan. That is how, Pakistans political significance vis--vis, other regional players including India is automatically enhanced.

Pak-US Relations
Outline: Introduction

 Defence Alliance SEATO And CENTO Indo-Pak Wars Of 1965 And 1971 Pak-US Relations During Afghanistan Crisis Relations After 9/11 US Reaction To Pakistans Nuclear Tests War On Terrorism And Pakistans Role Critical Analysis Conclusion Introduction: Ever since, Pakistan emerged on the map of the world, it has always been in search of alliance for its security, survival and sustainability. The history of Pak-US relations had a history of roller coaster rider. During the ties between the two nations, there have been more ebbs than flaws. Due to trust deficit on the both sides, relations between the two nations have been tumultuous. Being a Muslim State and anti-Communist which had its roots from Khilafat Movement and capitalist bloc. The United States policy is based on self-interest towards the world in general and Pakistan in particular. There is no permanent friend for the US as saying goes There is no permanent friend and permanent enemy in international politics, only interests are permanent. The US is major player of this game among the nations of the world. Defence Alliance SEATO And CENTO: In 1950s, Pakistans inability to match India in military and economic spheres and for search of security led it to enter into pacts like Baghdad Pact or Central Treaty Organization (CENTO) and South East Asian Treaty Organization (SEATO). Although these pacts actually were to contain Soviet Union baked communism but this fact cannot be altogether denied that these pacts really strengthened the relationship between the two nations. At that time relationships with the US were so close and friendly that it was called the United States allied ally in Asia. Indo-Pak Wars Of 1965 And 1971: The suspension of US military aid during 1965 Indo-Pak war generated the feeling in Pakistan that the US was not a reliable ally. We can take an example of Kashmir form the early periods of Pak-US relation n analyse the sincerity of the US towards Pakistan. Then, the wars of 1965 and 1971 give clear indication of the US dualism towards Pakistan. Although, the US suspended, military aid to both countries involved in conflict, the suspension affected Pakistan much more,

and India still received military aid from Soviet. Gradually, relations improved and arms sales were renewed in 1975. But again in April 1979, the US cut off economic aid, except that of food assistance, as required under the Symington Amendment to the US Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, due to concerns about Pakistans nuclear programme. Pak-US Relations During Afghanistan Crisis: The US policy took a U-turn after Soviets intervention in Afghanistan and Pakistan fought a proxy war as a part of US policy to contain Soviet backed communism. When Soviet invaded Afghanistan in 1979, the convergence of interests between the two nations again brought them close to each other. With the US assistance largest covert operation of history, Pakistan trained, armed and supplied anti-Soviet mujahedeen to Afghanistan, eventually defeating Soviets, who withdrew in 1988. After the disintegration of former Soviet Union and victory of Western bloc, Pakistan did not remain that much dear to the US and bright colours of their close relations got dim after Soviet withdrawal from Afghanistan. It was the period when Pakistan remained under immense pressure due to its ongoing nuclear programme to match with India, to which Pakistan was determined and committed to its completion because it considered it as a weapon for its survival. Relations After 9/11: To maintain its hegemony, the US needed allies since the phenomenon of regionalism has emerged. After tragic incident of 9/11, the US started the so-called war on terrorism and Pakistan became its frontline and major non-NATO ally. When the US geo-strategic interests are so dictated, relations with Pakistan warmed up, followed by military aid and economic assistance. One factor of mistrust has remained pinching though Pakistan armed forces through its operations in the Tribal areas which are the sanctuaries of Taliban and al-Qaida, still Pakistan and its premier intelligence agency ISI is accused of covertly supporting Taliban and providing them assistance to launch their operations against the US-led allied forces. Because of the US dualism policy, anti-American sentiments are found in both the common people and even at government level. Before 9/11, Pakistan was under four US sanctions: First, President Bush (senior), under Section 620.E of Foreign Assistance Act or the Pressler Amendment, it is normally known as the suspended economic assistance and military sales to Pakistan in October, 1990.

Second, after the nuclear explosion by Pakistan, another set of military and economic sanctions was imposed on Pakistan under Arms Export Control Act. Third, under the democracy law, sanctions were applied on Pakistan, when General Musharraf assume power in Pakistan on 12 October, 1999. Fourth, in November 2000, the US applied two years sanctions on Pakistans Ministry of Defence and Pakistans Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Organization, for receiving nuclear technology and equipment from China. Pakistan is perhaps the most important US ally in the war on terror. Not only has Pakistan lost more personals than any other ally, critical fuels for vehicles and aircraft used in the war effort in Afghanistan moves through Pakistan without difficulty. Without this logistical support, bot operation Enduring Freedom and NATO operations in Afghanistan would prove very difficult to sustain without interruption. Pakistan is strategically very important for the US to sustain in Afghanistan. There-quarters of supplies for US troops in Afghanistan either move through or over Pakistan. US Reaction To Pakistans Nuclear Tests: Pakistans nuclear programme reached to its logical conclusion on 28th and 30th May 1998 when it conducted six nuclear tests to become the Seventh nuclear power of the world. The nuclear capability gave Pakistan nuclear deterrent against India which it needed badly after 1974 when India had exploded its first nuclear device. The people of Pakistan in particular and the Muslim nations in general expressed their jubilation over Pakistans nuclear achievement. But the US, Japan, Canada, Netherlands and Australia expressed their indignation and at once announced the imposition of sanctions on military and economic assistance. War On Terrorism And Pakistans Role: In the wake of war on terror, Pakistan has emerged to the US. Since, then it has played a critical role in helping g reduce the operational capabilities of Al-Qaeda and Taliban elements in and around its borders with Afghanistan. Pakistan has handed over more terrorists and suspects to US than any other coalition partner, though many questions have been raised regarding its interests. Thus it feels that its concerns regarding India have been undermined by the USA. Thus combination of several factors has created a situation in which many Pakistani are sceptical about the need of combating militants and supporting the American cause. Although the ruling political elite seem to be comfortable to

what the US has to offer, media and parliamentary debate reflect an opinion more reflective of the general population i.e. the US is making unreasonable demands of the Pakistans governing and military structures. Critical Analysis: Trust is the main factor for sustainable relations between the States. This factor is unfortunately missing in case of the Pak-US relations and both are suffering from the disease of trust deficit. From the very beginning till the present time, Washington has been using Pakistan as a tactical level instrument and never trusted Pakistan as its strategic ally. Throughout the history of their relations, the US has never tried to build up long term and equal bilateral relations with Pakistan. It always saw Pakistan as a tissue paper to use and deposed at the time of need. Due to this policy of the US, irreparable anti-American sentiments exist among Pakistanis. There are three main reasons behind negative feelings about America. One involves American policies towards Pakistan such as its failure to Pakistans aid during 1971 War, using Pakistan for its own interest, and opposing Pakistans peaceful nuclear programme. Second reason deals with American global policy, including support of Israel, opposition to Irans present government and the use of force against small third World nations. Third reason deals with American involvement in Pakistan, for example support to military regimes and now violence of Pakistans integrity and accusing Pakistan for playing dual game with US despite the sacrifices given by its soldiers and civilians during the War on Terror. Conclusion: First of all, they should remove trust deficit and ensure full cooperation to exterminate this common enemy from the region which can hurt both US and Pakistans interests in this region of South Asia. Then the US should also review its policies towards the weaker Muslim States and should play a serious role in solving the issue of Kashmir. There is need by the US to remove the mutual trust-deficit with Pakistan and build a relationship rooted in the ground realities and driven by the mutual benefit. The US should not extend its war on terrorism to the territory of Pakistan and let the Pakistani armed forces to do their job, as they are well trained to perform their duties. According to recent reports, India by using its secret agency RAW, is exploiting these circumstances to destabilize Pakistan, its crystal clear that a destabilized Pakistan is not in the interest of US as it will

hamper efforts to wipe out terrorism. On the other hand, the US is extending its hands towards India by signing the nuclear deal with Delhi. This discriminatory attitude of US should be changed if it really wants to ensure Pakistans unrestricted and full cooperation in this ongoing war on terror. If the US really wants to minimize anti-US sentiments in Pakistan, it must help Islamabad in energy sector as a priority. The US really has to revise its policy towards South Asia region abandoning its discriminatory attitude towards Pakistan as compared to India. It must consider Islamabad request for a civil nuclear deal similar to the one gifted to Delhi US must respect Pakistans sensitivities.
Why we need America

1. Pakistan Us six decade relation is a mirage based on reason rather than convenience. 2. it is based on sound fundamentals. 3. the first of these is from inception Pakistan faces economical and territorial insecurity. 4. the India reluctance to open its doors to western capitalism and its inclination to experiment with socialist methods internally and non-alignment internationally only helped Americans to set aside their reservations and opt for friendship with Pakistan. 5. the relation hit the road bumps because of America do as they say methods. 6. Pakistan friendship with china,its use of American defence equipment against India, American obsession against nuclear project. This was result in first parting of ways during the carter presidency. 7. carter the Us president flew over to Pakistan in merely ten months the Us was bending over backwards to win over Pakistan to meet the challenge posted by Russian tanks railing down Afghanistan in decmber 1979. 8. American s disdain for Pakistan returned after the nuclear tests of 1998 and aggravated with second half of 2001. 9. Pakistan was on the verge of default on its foreign debt repayement. 10. after 9/11 america was once again compelled to seek pakistan s cooperation. And the reaction for that cooperation came quickly as pakistan s economy was bailed out. 11. major difficulty with post 9/11 american doctrine is an excessive recourse to military means rather that statecraft or diplomacy. 12. consequently the Americans prefer to deal with Pakistani comrades and sleuths rather than the country s civilian leadership or bureaucracy.

Irans Nuclear Program

Outline: Historical Background: Turning Point: Current Situation And US Sanctions On Iran:

 Energy Demand: Iran And US Double Standard OR Critical Analysis: Conclusion:

Historical Background: Irans nuclear program can be traced to the 1950s when, with strong US support, Iran began its efforts to develop nuclear technology. By 1975 the UD had entered into a nuclear cooperation agreement with Iran for the sale of equipments and then in 1976, the US offered Iran reprocessing facility for extracting plutonium from nuclear reactor fuel. A nuclearized Iran, at that time, was in the US favour to contain Soviet backed communism and Arab nationalism. Turning Point: After the 1979 revolution, during which Shah was overthrown, the relations between Iran and the US changed dramatically, marking a turning point in the once robust international cooperation and the US involvement in Irans development of nuclear technology. The issue became highly politicised precisely because the Islamic Republic openly declared its intentions to continue with a reinvigorated nuclear program using indigenously manufactured fuel and sustain an ambitious agenda for developing nuclear power rector and fuel cycle technologies. Current Situation And US Sanctions On Iran: In November 2006, the UN Security Council voted unanimously to impose sanctions on Iran for refusing to put an end to uranium enrichment, increasing pressure on the Iranian government to prove that it was not trying to make its nuclear weapons. Currently Iran has again become the focus of US attention because it is trying to build its nuclear and missile capability IAEA has repeatedly expressed its fear that Iran is enriching Uranium in order to make nuclear weapons. The Obama administrations is perturbed by Irans growing nuclear power as well as its longrange development. In April, 2010, US increased pressure to impose sanctions on Iran for its nuclear program. Consequently, the UN Security Council imposed a fourth round of sanction on Iran on 9th June, 2010 for nuclear program that West Suspect is aimed at the development of atomic weapons. Energy Demand:

Iran sees nuclear power as a means of modernizing and diversifying its energy supply, since its large oil reserves will be depleted over the next seven to none decades. Its oil reserves are estimated at 137 billion barrel or the 11.6 % of the worlds total reserves; and it has 29,000 billion cubic meters of natural gas or the 15.4% of the Worlds total reserves. However, given a doubling of Irans population to 70 million since 1979, energy demand at home has risen exponentially. Iran And US Double Standard OR Critical Analysis: Since Iran is signatory to NPT, it legally allows Iran to build any nuclear facility. It also allow member-states to withdraw from agreement, subject to 90 days notice to IAEA, if they believe that abiding by the terms of NPT threaten their national security. The crisis between Iran and the US on Irans nuclear program exposed a flaw in the Bush administrations understanding of why Tehran to be a nuclear power. The Bush administration was willing to negotiate the North Korea that had to quit the NPT and went on for a civilian nuclear deal with India but was not ready to show flexibly in case of Iran. Conclusion: President Obama should take political risk of engaging in direct talks with Iran. At the first stage, the process should start with persuasion of political factions inside the United States and encouraging them to change their perception regarding aims and ambitions of Irans nuclear program. A key step would be differentiating between the themes of nuclear energy and the issue of weaponization. Moreover, connecting Irans nuclear program to issues of deterrence must be stopped. These are the important steps towards confidence-building and to alleviate the perceptions of an Iranian nuclear threat mong the American public and in Congress.