Addressing Pakistan’s proxy conflicts and Lashkar-e-Taiba threats

LeT’s Operations

• LeT, a Pakistan-based terror group, has carried out several attacks in India over the years.

• The group was recognized as a foreign terrorist organization by the U.S. government in December 2001, but the U.S. initially saw it largely as India’s problem.

• The Mumbai attacks in 2008 changed this approach, leading to increased pressure on Pakistan, its Cold War ally, to take action against the group.

• LeT has been banned in Pakistan in January 2002, but the group continued its anti-India operations.

Ideological Convergence

• There is an ideological convergence between the LeT and the Pakistani establishment.

• The Pakistani Army doesn’t want the proxies to challenge its interests within the country.

• LeT focuses on battles beyond Pakistan’s borders, such as India and Afghanistan.

• The group never launched attacks within Pakistan, focusing instead on its social and philanthropic activities.

Playing a ‘Double Game’

• Pakistan has used this approach against both India and the U.S., including supporting militant groups.

• The U.S. was too cagey to take action due to its desire for Pakistan’s continued support in the war.

Three Options for Dealing with Pakistan’s Proxy Wars

• Maintain the status quo, decapitate the leadership, or escalate tensions.

• Pakistan’s nuclear capability offers some protection for its proxy activities.

• India’s launching strikes inside Pakistan against terror attacks allows for controlled escalation and challenges India’s resistance against the status quo.