India, April 7 -- Pakistan's conflict with Afghanistan has gone under the radar after the war in West Asia gained centre stage. The long-simmering conflict between the two neighbours had intensified on February 26 with the capture of Pakistani military outposts by Afghan forces. This followed artillery and missile exchanges and Pakistan resorted to aerial bombing of civilian targets in Kabul.

If the war in the Gulf region expands, the US might need Pakistan's help to reopen bases and help support ground incursion through Afghan territory. Russia's lurking presence will demand Pakistan piggy-back on American forces. Amid the conflict with Taliban and against the backdrop of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) assets in the region,...