Pakistan might be on the brink of deploying its smart tactical nuclear weapons, similar to the ones that the US deployed in Europe during the Cold War to deter an imminent invasion by the then rival Soviet Union. Interestingly, both the powers never got to use these weapons. Contrary, Pakistan's nuclear weapons are the product of three-time wars while in 1971 the country had to give up its major part as a result of the Indian onslaught and was compelled to develop nuclear weapons. More amusingly, what threat tactical nature nuclear weapons would pose to the mainland US has never been pointed out in the threat perception of the global power.
According to the NYT, these discussions are being led by Peter R. Lavoy, a long time intelligence expert on Pakistan's nuclear programme who is now on the staff of the National Security Council and is well connected with Indian lobbyists.
The US media at the same time has also made it possible to be widely heard by both Pakistan and Indian public that when Nawaz Sharif comes to Washington on October 22, the 'secret' US-Pakistan talks, dealing with the country's consideration of deploying tactical nuclear weapons by its army facing India, will be held and this is a life and death issue for India. Hype has been created that by using these smart weapons during a conventional war with India, Pakistan's army would escalate an ordinary battle up to the nuclear level, potentially leading to an exchange of strategic nuclear weapons. Hence, the lives of millions could be at risk and in the worst case scenario an all-out nuclear exchange between India and Pakistan would take place, causing incalculable loss of millions of lives. Modi may be very satisfied with what the American president is intending to do under his 'apprehensions' over the potential use of nuclear tactical weapons against India.
American outlook that the Sub-Continent is so heavily armed with nuclear weapons, yet far outside the non-proliferation regime, is in effect to bow down Pakistan not India to sign conventional and additional nuclear protocols. Limiting Pakistan and allowing India to hoodwink the IAEA and NSG protocols under the civil nuclear umbrella would not bring nuclear safety but may enhance the chances of a nuclear war with India.
Meanwhile, President Obama has ordered to halt the withdrawal of American military forces from Afghanistan, announcing that the US has decided to keep thousands of troops in the country through the end of his term in 2017 and indefinitely prolonging the American role in a war that has already lasted 15 years. America seems to fear Russian influence once again in Afghanistan after the later declared its support for President Asad of Syria. Since the US has lost hope to continue giving the stick of keeping terrorists alive in Fata and carrot of doling out money to Pakistan, therefore it is bringing the nuclear weapons rhetoric into play.
Changing global power politics presented by the burgeoning regional cooperation between Pakistan, China, Russia and Iran has indeed once again elicited the American game of using stick and carrot against Pakistan. One thing that is important to be realised is that Pakistan must refrain from taking money from Americans whether doled out through the INGOs or the American government in the name of Coalition Support Fund. This will indisputably become a force multiplier to checkmate frequent use of stick and carrot.