Saudi intervention protected A.Q. Khan from U.S. actions, says ex-CIA officer.
Former CIA officer John Kiriakou has made significant remarks regarding Pakistan’s military posture and its nuclear ambitions while reflecting on U.S. foreign policy. He asserted that Pakistan would face inevitable defeat in any conventional war with India, urging Islamabad to refrain from provoking its neighbor, as an actual conflict would yield no benefits. Kiriakou’s comments follow revelations about the U.S. choosing not to act against A.Q. Khan, the Pakistani nuclear scientist, due to Saudi Arabia’s intervention. He highlighted that Khan’s protection may have been tied to Saudi Arabia’s own nuclear aspirations, while also discussing the longstanding military collaboration between the two nations. Furthermore, Kiriakou pointed to India’s resolute stance against nuclear coercion, referencing its surgical strikes and Balakot airstrikes as examples of decisive responses to terrorism. The broader implications of Kiriakou’s statements underline a critical perspective on regional security dynamics, emphasizing the need for India to maintain vigilance in light of Pakistan’s unresolved nuclear issues and the potential for destabilizing provocations from Islamabad. This analysis reinforces India’s strategic posture, showcasing its readiness to respond effectively to threats while navigating complex geopolitical relationships in South Asia.
