Excerpt reposted from Huffingtonpost | January 28, 2012 | Full story

By Eddie Walsh

According to Western diplomats and policy experts, the State Department's recent remarks on human rights violations in the Baloch region of Pakistan are as far as the U.S. Government and Obama Administration are willing to go in support of Baloch separatism. Absent a complete rupture in U.S.-Pakistan relations, the Baloch's best option to secure American support now rests with Congress. If the Baloch can tie their cause to the larger Congressional efforts to undermine U.S. aid to Pakistan, they could force the Administration to re-evaluate its current policy approach. Organized outreach to think tanks, non-governmental organizations, universities, interest groups, and media outlets would support such efforts. The Baloch are quick to point out that they are making progress on these fronts, such as Congressman Gohmert's statement in support of Balochistan's independence following the State of the Union. But, experts point out that a successful lobbying campaign will require the Baloch diaspora to rally around stronger leadership and demonstrate a deeper financial commitment. Until they can take on such responsibility, experts do not believe they can fully capitalize on anti-Pakistani sentiment in Congress and secure stronger American support for their cause.

Read full story here: Baloch Could Divide Administration and Congress on Pakistan Policy

Eddie Walsh is a senior foreign correspondent who covers Africa and Asia-Pacific. He also serves as a non-resident fellow at CSIS and as vice chair of the International Correspondents Committee at the National Press Club. Follow him on Twitter: @ASEANReporting

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Comment by Andrew Eiva:
Federation for American Afghan Action

Baluchista­n, an ancient nation with a rich history of a thousand years of tolerance, is in danger of extinction­. Eddie Walsh's article, "Baloch Could Divide Administra­tion and Congress on Pakistan Policy" provides badly needed light on Baluchista­n's struggle for survival and independen­ce and its echo in Washington­. Grounded in its ancient culture and traditions­, Baluchista­n could be a badly needed island of tolerance in a strategic region unhinged by the systematic organizati­on of hatred.

The forces of freedom and tolerance in Iran, Afghanista­n, and Pakistan are struggling against difficult odds. A free, independen­t, and prosperous Baluchista­n could tip the regional scales to favor freedom. Their struggle deserves the support of all freedom loving people.

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Comment by Andrew Eiva:
Federation for American Afghan Action

Congressma­n Louis Gohmert suggested after the State of the Union address that aid to Pakistan should be cut off and a free Baluchista­n could help defeat the Taliban. Gohmert's comments have gone viral on the twitter feeds of Baluch youth.

Unfortunat­ely, America has provided Pakistan with American F-16 jets and Cobra gun ships which have bombed and strafed the Baluch. The Baluch share the unique distinctio­n as the world's only people facing genocide from American-m­ade bombs and missiles. Instead, their struggle deserves the support of all freedom loving people.

When we cut off American aid to Pakistan, we should redirect some of it to the courageous "sarmachar­s," the freedom fighters of Baluchista­n.