“That this has been a long-term strategy which has created a cancer in societies and particularly in Pakistani society which is now threatening of the actual existence of the state and of its democratic institutions,” he said.
“So it's in the interest not just of Pakistan, but of Pakistan and all of its neighbors to move away from that approach to diplomacy and to geopolitical strategy, and to avoid employing these kinds of instruments and, as I've said, move toward the elimination of violent extremism in Pakistan and around Pakistan and all of the neighboring societies,” Dobbins said.
Referring to the on-going Lok Sabha elections, Dobbins said India will have a new government soon.
“It will be a new opportunity. Pakistan now has a government that still has a long life in it with a clear political mandate,” he said.
“I think two governments with clear political mandates and a long future in each case offer an opportunity for both governments to take some of the risks and the political costs that are always inherent in any real opportunity to overcome differences. The US will certainly use its influence to encourage both sides to take those risks,” he said.
