AS Iran-US talks hit another snag, we must ask if a state with its own problems can successfully facilitate talks by itself on a conflict that persists despite years of strong mediation by many richer states. The losses from Islamabad’s closure last week add to the worry, more so as the talks didn’t take place given American obduracy. Given the impasse and the rise in our own problems due to the war, we must focus on the latter too — especially as our rulers show unity and speed on global problems but inertia on internal ones. So, the same-page synergy shown in talks hasn’t yielded any major steps for durable, broad progress yet since its start in 2022. Investment, exports and growth remain weak but poverty has risen sharply. Industrial growth to ensure jobs for a growing, restless youth population isn’t the focus, but areas that may impede it are, for example, mining, cryptocurrency and corporate farming. But pace even on these controversial areas has been glacial.

Inflation had fallen — but through IMF policies that cut growth and increase poverty. The war in the Gulf is refuelling inflation and may further lower growth. Even if talks do succeed, it is........

© Dawn