Pakistan calls for regional de‑escalation: US‑Iran tensions, proxy wars, and historic power imbalances demand inclusive, multilateral dialogue
Original framing: “Pakistan urges Iran, US to 'end violence' and resume talks” — Middle East Eye
Afghan refugees in Pakistan, Baloch women activists, and Kurdish minorities are excluded from the MoU’s technical talks, despite bearing disproportionate costs of the violence. Their inclusion would introduce gender‑sensitive humanitarian metrics and local knowledge about militia movements, enhancing the legitimacy and durability of any agreement.
The violence between US and Iran proxies in South Asia is not merely a bilateral standoff but a symptom of historic external meddling, resource scarcity, and exclusion of indigenous governance forms.
By foregrounding Pashtun jirga wisdom, Persian "sulh" traditions, and scientific water‑management, a hybrid diplomatic architecture can transform technical talks into a resilient, inclusive security framework. Incorporating marginalised voices and leveraging cultural‑spiritual channels ensures that peace agreements resonate beyond elite circles, while targeted economic reconstruction curtails militia financing. This systemic approach, informed by historical patterns and future scenario modelling, offers a viable pathway to durable de‑escalation.