Give The Man Credit

In a politically volatile geography, Pakistan and Afghanistan are continually at odds with one another. Nor are relations between Pakistan and India much better. Although growing fears of terrorism in these countries are forcing them to the realization that co-operation in an effort to combat the stark realization of violence inherent in fundamentalist jihadism is making for greater efforts at controlling the situation.

That Pakistan's President, General Pervez Musharraf, with all his country's internal problems, could finally be persuaded to meet with his Afghanistan counterpart to discuss the continual problems both face with religious fundamentalists intent on bringing shariah-type fundamentalist Islam to the fore in their countries gives cause for hope.

"The joint peace jirga strongly recognizes the fact that terrorism is a common threat to both countries and the war on terror should continue to be an integral part of the national policies and security strategies of both countries" read a declaration jointly agreed to by 700 jirga delegates, meeting in Kabul.

Both Pakistan and Afghanistan have traditionally been at loggerheads with one another, each suspicious of the other, each blaming the other for instability in their countries. Pakistan was singled out as hosting religious schools that excelled at preparing students to accept extreme religious concepts, ideals and precepts, and that prepared them also to sacrifice themselves to the ideal of holy jihad.

The tribal areas of Pakistan, on the Afghanistan border, has given shelter to extremists of the ilk of al-Qaeda, and their zealous counterparts, the Taliban. Both of which situations have exacerbated and encouraged greater levels of extremism and ultimately challenges to the administrations of both countries to deal with the Islamist terrorists on their soil, intent on overturning moderate governments.

"There is no other option for both countries other than peace and unity, trust and co-operation, General Musharraf told the closing session of the jirga. "There is no justification for resorting to terrorism." Which must surely have delighted Hamid Karzai and rewarded the President of Afghanistan for his personal calls to General Musharraf, pleading with him to attend the jirga.

And finally, when General Musharraf made the statement that belied all of his previous denials, there could be no question that the two might now become fast allies in the war against terror. "There is no doubt Afghan militants are supported from Pakistan soil. The problem that you have in your region is because support is provided from our side", he finally admitted.

"It is a very happy event that the jirga between two countries was convened," Afghan President Hamid Karzai, announced, convening the jirga. "It is ending with good results, achievements and a message for both countries."

Amen. And hallelujah!