Washington stepped up its intervention in the Indo-Pakistani conflict over Kashmir on Thursday with the announcement that Donald Rumsfeld, US defence secretary, is to be sent to the region.
He will be the highest ranking US official to travel to the region to press for a reduction in tensions over the disputed province and avert full conflict between the nuclear-armed powers.
His presence underscores how the crisis in Kashmir threatens to affect US military priorities in Asia, particularly the continuing hunt for al-Qaeda terrorists in Afghanistan and the bordering tribal territories in Pakistan.
Islamabad has said it is considering shifting troops from the Afghan border to bolster forces opposing Indian troops across the Line of Control in Kashmir.
After a cabinet meeting at the White House, President George W. Bush said the US was particularly keen to press President Pervez Musharraf of Pakistan to end terrorist infiltration into Kashmir.
"We are making it very clear to both Pakistan and India that war will not serve their interests," he told reporters. "We're part of an international coalition applying pressure to both parties, particularly to President Musharraf.
"He must stop the incursions across the Line of Control. He must do so. He said he would do so. We and others are making it clear to him that he must live up to his word."
Mr Rumsfeld is expected to travel to the region next week. Aside from the impact on the fight against terrorism, Pentagon officials have warned that the US military may become involved in any clean-up operation after a nuclear strike.
Colin Powell, secretary of state, is sending his deputy, Richard Armitage, to the region this week to lead traditional US diplomatic efforts. |
