The presidents of Afghanistan and Pakistan claimed yesterday to have forged a "new relationship" after years of distrust and animosity between the neighbours. Hamid Karzai of Afghanistan and Asif Ali Zardari of Pakistan promised a joint effort to tackle Taliban militants who pose a threat to both countries.Big toothy grins and hearty back slaps all around...
The two sides, which met at the presidential palace in Kabul, also signed a declaration promising to "closely co-operate . . . to eliminate the menaces of militancy, extremism and terrorism in the region".
Peace in our lunchtime...
Kabul pulled out all the stops for the first official visit by Mr Zardari since he was elected in September, marking a significant shift in its attitude to its neighbour. Afghan officials routinely blame Pakistan's intelligence service for outrages in their country, including the attempt to assassinate Mr Karzai at a military parade in April and the bombing of the Indian embassy in July.
All water under the bridge, right, boys?
Mr Karzai had made no secret of his dislike of Mr Zardari's predecessor, Pervez Musharraf. Kabul believed the former Pakistani army chief gave tacit support to Taliban attacks in Afghanistan from the lawless tribal areas on Pakistan's western border. A more profound change in relations will require the Pakistani military to abandon its policy of trying to contain Afghanistan and deny India any influence in the country.