No body can fault the prime minister for undertaking a mediatory role for bridging the gap of hatred and old enmity between Riyadh and Tehran as both these countries are Muslims and in case of a conflict between them it is the Muslims alone who suffer on both the sides of the religious and political divide. Their arch rivals Tel Aviv would never like the end of hostilities between them. Israel and its likes laugh up their sleeve whenever the Muslims are in trouble. This mediation is, however, going to be extremely tough. There is no gainsaying the fact that the warring parties in any dispute attach great importance to the the credentials of the mediator. Is he above suspicion? Is he neutral by temperament and has no political, business or religious leaning to any combatant involved in the dispute? If he passes this essential litmus test and inspires the confidence of the combatants in the dispute, chances of his success are bright, but even there is a slight doubt on his bipartisanship, the warring party which suspects his impartiality does not give its ear to him. We should not forget that the animosity between Iran and Arabs is deep-rooted. It was there even before the advent of Islam. There is no doubt, whatever, to believe that there are many countries in the world who would not like this mediation to succeed. It suits their global political interests that Iran and Saudi Arabia should always remain on a war path.
Our top leadership is reportedly engaged in mediation talks between these two traditional enemies. Isn’t it proper time that the issue of open and hidden monetary assistance by them to the religious seminaries inside Pakistan be raised also in these mediation talks? It goes without saying that half of the money which they provide to their cronies in this country goes to the purchase of weaponry which is used by them for cutting each other’s throats on the occasion of religious occasions like Moharram and the other half in printing of hate material. They are fighting their proxy war in Pakistan which has upset the apple cart of our law and order.