Beyond Borders and Battlefields

In international politics, influence can be calculated on the strength of military forces, economic position or strategic alliances. But some of history’s most significant diplomatic advances have been made, not by the world’s strongest states, but by those states that can bring rivals to the same table. Islamabad is increasingly seeing itself in just this role to play, which is why it is willing to host the next round of Tehran-Washington talks.

Beyond logistics, there is much more at stake in the significance of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s offer. Hosting negotiations is not just a matter of provide a place for negotiations, it is about providing trust. Finding a neutral forum for discussion is a diplomatic feat in itself at a time when relations between Iran and the United States are marred with decades of mistrust, sanctions, military clashes and competing regional interests.

Today the Middle East is coming to a turning point. The recent escalatory developments between Iran, Israel and the United States have shown the extremely rapid pace at which regional dynamics can come to threaten global stability. Uncertainty in the Gulf has an immediate effect on oil prices. Transportation corridors are opened up. Markets become nervous. Contingency planning by the Governments. In an interconnected world, a crisis in the Strait of Hormuz is not just a regional issue, it is an international issue.

This is why news of a potential framework between the United States and Iran should be taken seriously. Both sides seem aware of the downside of ongoing confrontation given the talks over a temporary ceasefire, sanctions relief, maritime security and curbing uranium enrichment. These plans are still in a preliminary stage, but they reflect an important point: even sworn enemies will eventually have to come back to diplomacy, as there is no other viable way of continuing on.

In this context, Pakistan has a unique role to play. In contrast to many regional actors whom many see as either part of one side or the other, Islamabad enjoys functional relations with both Tehran and Washington. Geographically, Pakistan is already connected with Iran by a long border and through decades of diplomatic engagement, with the United States. The combination of both access provides Pakistan something of more and more value in international affairs: Credibility on both sides.

Pakistan projects itself as a state that affects the regional developments, by diplomacy.Such a change is an expression of a broader transformation in the global system. The twenty-first century is not one in which the fate of great powers determines that of the rest of the world. Middle powers are becoming the indispensable intermediaries in increasing numbers.

Diplomacy is in many ways, the least valued strategic resource on earth today. While military victories can change the borders, only negotiations can bring lasting stability. Economic sanctions have their effect but only dialogue can foster consensus. The countries that enable communication are thus becoming more and more pertinent in a polarized world.

There are also pragmatic considerations for Pakistan to favour de-escalation. Gulf stability has a direct impact on the nation’s economic interests, energy security and the livelihoods of millions of overseas workers. The attempt to bring peace between Iran and the United States is not just a foreign policy goal but it is very much linked to welfare.

Agreements at the end are not the only gauge of diplomacy. At other times, its success will be in avoiding further damage. Each discussion that takes place is one less chance of making the wrong estimate. All negotiations maintain communication that can be completely lost.

The many meetings that averted wars are not often remembered in history. It keeps in mind the accords that ultimately came to fruition due to the fact that those discussions never ceased. Many times reconciliation is accompanied by a process of seemingly unproductive dialogue.

So, Pakistan’s proposed hosting of the next round of talks should not be interpreted as symbolic but as a gesture of confidence in the country’s diplomacy. It’s an indication of a readiness to help in the solution instead of just watching the problem develop further.

Countries with the ability to link enemies are strategically irreplaceable at a time when the world is becoming increasingly divided. By facilitating continuation of talks between Tehran and Washington, Islamabad will prove that influence in today’s diplomacy does not necessarily equate with power. In some cases, it’s based on being able to bridge gaps where other people see an impasse.

Especially in a world that is becoming more polarized, bridge builders can be more important than ever.