My heart sank when I read “ISLAMABAD: A wave of suicide bombings, coordinated grenade, bomb and gun assaults, and drive-by shootings blamed on militants has left more than 190 people dead in Pakistan so far this month.“ on Dawn. Is this the same Pakistan that some Western countries accuse of ‘not doing enough’ in the fight against terror? Yes, it is nauseating, but Pakistan has been accused of ’secretly’ working with the Taliban for reasons still unknown.
Unfortunately, so far, no one has come forward to accept his/her mistake about being wrong about Pakistan’s sincerity in the fight against the Taliban. Worse, the support that is being offered is still measured and cautious with room for later criticism, if necessary.
This is not right and this is not fair.
It is worth repeating, yet again, that Pakistan has paid the ultimate price for a war that Pakistanis neither wanted, nor was it started by Pakistan. Therefore, decency dictates that every nation and every country that is a target for the Taliban come forward to support Pakistan without ifs and but instead of repeating the same old tired line that ‘we are with Pakistan in this fight. In the words of an ordinary Pakistan’ “no, no, we don’t want you with us if you don’t give us the equipment and provide Islamabad with all the resources that are needed in this fight.” Rhetoric , not backed by concrete support is, well, useless to put it mildly.
Given the mood on the street in Pakistan, it is not difficult to understand that this might be the last time that Pakistan’s public would allow the country to become a battlefield for global conflicts. Also, this is pretty much the last chance for not only for Pakistan to survive as a country, but also for the Western democracies to respond properly to a situation that has the potential to get out of hand.
No question this fight in Pakistan is Pakistan’s fight, but it was not always like this. Pakistan sided with Western countries and in the process, it became Pakistan’s war. Now, Pakistan can’t go forward alone and it can’t go back to the time when Moscow decided to invade Afghanistan. Just like Pakistan took a stand at the time of Afghan invasion by the Russians, it is time for the West to take a stand, united stand against the Taliban and in support of Pakistan instead of critiquing Pakistan from the safety and comfort of their distant countries. Everyone has to participate and only than Pakistan will defeat the thugs, once and for all.
But, Pakistan can’t do it alone, and this crucial, but simple factor must not be forgotten.
Equally important is the need to not get dragged in Pakistan’s domestic politics, especially for Washington. For example, Richard Hoolbrooke regularly meets with Nawaz Sharif and after every meeting, Nawaz Sharif and his team claim that Richard Hoolbrooke was reminded that Pakistan is not ready to give up its independence and Washington must respect Islamabad. Similarly, couple of days after Kerry met Nawaz Sharif, Nawaz Sharif declared that Kerry was unable to satisfy him. What? If you were not satisfied by Kerry’s explaining of Kerry Lugar or any other matters, why didn’t you tell us this at the time instead of hugs and kisses? Americans have to understand this difficult component of Pakistan’s impossible domestic politics when it comes to fighting the Taliban.
The current government has gambled everything by taking on the Taliban and now, there is no turning back. If Pakistan did not fully succeed in decisively crushing the Taliban, the threat to Pakistan would continue to resurface and it is not easy to launch massive operations like Wazirstan and Swat. World leaders should come forward to do their part in this fight against the Taliban. Remember, God forbid if Pakistan failed to defeat the Taliban, Washington, London, Paris, Tokyo and countless other countries would become the next target for the Taliban. Therefore, it is important to strengthen Pakistan, assist the current government, and not encourage pro Taliban leaders like Nawaz Sharif and Imran Khan type characters by meeting with them.
Please, come forward and help
Every Crisis is an Opportunity
Speaking to my grandmother whose in Karachi yesterday morning, she explained my cousins stayed home from elementary school as most schools had shut down this week. Karachi is the the largest, most bustling city in Pakistan, and despite being situated in the south, far removed from the hotbed of militants in northern Waziristan, terrorism has gradually spilled over from Afghanistan, crept into Pakistan and paralyzed the country. My grandmother described a city laden with tension where people live in a constant climate of uncertainty and increasing fear.
It was pressing to hear her tired voice describe the situation with a kind of detachment. Her tone was passive: an indication of hopelessness. And that hopelessness is not in reference to obliterating terrorists, because there’s little speculation on a military capacity to wipe out at most, 10 thousand terrorists. Rather, her passive tone is a worn out sound echoing 62 years of statehood rooted in insecurity. She’s seen Pakistan through three wars fought with India, including a civil war in the 70’s resulting in a cession of East Pakistan, one of the worlds largest refugee problems in the 1980’s and now the War on Terror fought on home soil. Her passivity is an exhausted acceptance of perpetual political insecurity.
VIDEO: Terrorists Bomb an Islamic University in Pakistan
The aforementioned video shows a younger generation, not yet exhausted. They’re shocked, frustrated by what’s happening in their country as they passionately raise their voices in protest against extremist Islamic groups who oppress the country.
Most ironic is that extremist groups bombed the Islamic University in Islamabad where these young men study. Testimony to how grossly extremists propagate an inaccurate view of Islam that terrorizes Muslims everyday.
Reminding us how imperative it is that Pakistani and US forces focus on uprooting and not just obliterating terrorists. Pakistan is home to the worlds 6th largest population, and the second largest Muslim country. That’s a strategic demographic in the War on Terror and for future international security. Ensuring terrorism is uprooted in the long term will require a sustained, multifaceted, military and non military approach. Few will argue against the necessity of economic development, the question really is how to pay for it. I’ve mentioned before that the Kerry Lugar bill is a fair, but insufficient attempt at doing this, and ultimately, Pakistan itself must uproot terrorism.
This critical time is an opportunity for Pakistani politicians to take responsibility and bring forth a detailed agenda that rallies current masses. A specific, well publicized plan of action, accepting but not relying on outside assistance is Pakistan’s best hope at engaging its citizens to wipe out terrorism for the long haul. Hopelessness, frustration and desire for Pakistani’s to develop economically and free themselves from terror poses a widespread opportunity to supplement the military offensive with civil support. That support is the capital with which to begin an agenda to uproot terrorism.
Grassroots organizations, women’s and educational groups whose ideologies run counter to extremist groups should be actively highlighted by the media and politicians.
A more proactive approach that is clearly visible works on two levels. One, it aggregates support in the country against extremism setting a future stage for more moderate masses. Secondly, it alleviates international fears of Pakistan becoming a failed state. Because not only do citizens like my grandma need hope, but the international community also watches in concern for Pakistan to define itself in unity and diametrically against extremism.
Wazirstan Operation
Finally, the operation in Wazristan is under way, thank God. Pakistan is doing a good job of clearing every place that was a safe heaven for the nuts in and around Pakistan. Now, policy makers in Pakistan should not focus on achieving short term military objective. This war is not going to be easy and a lot of people believe that this is a generational issue as for as defeating the Taliban threat.
Obviously the military is going to easily defeat those who are going to take up arms against the army in Wazirstan, or at the very least, it is hoped that the army is going to defeat them. However, after the military moves out, how will the civilian population going to react to the future Talibans interested in making Wazirstan their home again? This is a very important question and I hope that the army and the civilian leadership in Pakistan have given it serious consideration. Remember, majority of the population not only in Wazristan or in Swat, but all across Pakistan is interested in living peacefully. And when thugs like the Taliban come, people try to not get into fights and quarrels with a group that is heavily armed and willing to brutally murder anyone who questions their legitimacy.
Second, this battle cannot be militarily if the population in Pakistan does not understand the overall danger that religious militancy poses to the country. Therefore, it is important that the Pakistanis are clear about the actual reasons that the army is battling the Taliban and every other force (internal or external) that tries to destroy Pakistan as a country.
Regretfully, there are voices, and these voices are loud, that is propagating that Pakistan is in turmoil because of some bizarre international conspiracy in the region. Pakistan has to aggressively counter this and other erroneous myths being pumped in Pakistan by those who are interested in turning back the clock and want to bring Taliban style government just like the Afghan model in Pakistan.
Given the recent attacks by the Taliban in Pakistan, it won’t be an exaggeration to suggest that the Taliban have become either desperate or terribly committed to bringing down Pakistan’s current set up. In fact, Taliban are convinced (based on their own claims) that they can take over the country if they keep up the pressure by non-stop attacks on Pakistan’s soil. But, it seems that the Pakistani society is not ready to accept the Taliban or their code of life as the norm in the country. As a result, the current battle will become extremely bloody and it has the potential to go on for a while, but, there is no doubt that in the end, Pakistan will overcome the thugs and nuts currently threatening Pakistan’s survival.
The current fight in Wazirstan should also remind Pakistanis about the dangers of not taking religious militias seriously, especially when these groups are in the process of formation. For example, if a group of people is saying, repeatedly, that they are interested in taking over the country, than it is the duty of everyone to pay attention. And if Pakistanis had been vigilant from the start, the country wouldn’t have to suffer as much as Pakistan is suffering today. But, it is never too late to do the right thing. Pakistan can, and Pakistan will win the current fight against the pathetic Taliban. But, never again should anything like this become an issue for Pakistan. The country must take steps, and by steps I mean everything that it takes to become safe and secure, period.
Shaukat Aziz on Security
I’m in Arlington Virginia this weekend attending the Organization of Pakistani Entrepreneurs, D.C. chapter’s annual conference. This year’s theme is “Thriving in A Challenging Economy” and of particular interest was this mornings keynote address by former Pakistani Prime Minster Shaukat Aziz. Although retired from both politics and an illustrious career in international finance, now focusing on non profit work, he shared insights on global affairs ranging from the financial meltdown, terrorism, economic development and challenges facing the Muslim world, ultimately tying it together to make a simple point: international economic development can yield international security.
Aziz attributes economic downturn to sheer “greed” and “arrogance” which resulted in gross regulatory failures and voids in leadership on Wall Street. Stressing consumer confidence and unemployment indexes as opposed to stock market increases as indicators of recovery, he further warned against decoupling emerging markets from states more hard hit by the crisis and marked terrorism of equal importance to the financial crisis. In doing so, he referred to “fault lines” in the international system fractured by terrorism, and called on Muslim IGO’s such as the Organization of Islamic Conference to do more in bridging interfaith dialogue.
It was timely advice since his address was preceded by America’s Ambassador to the Organization of Islamic Conference, Sada Cumber. Addressing a mostly Pakistani audience, he underscored the importance for diasporas to seek opportunities for interfaith dialogue so as to reclaim what has become an internationally inaccurate view of Islam. Proactively promoting interfaith harmony in addition to transcending party lines for non resident Pakistani’s was another prescription. He offered an example of Former President George Bush who when asked about his Clinton as his Democratic successor in the 1990’s explained he supported the American President, suggesting such bipartisan, unified support is what Pakistan requires politically.
But his most provocative insight came during Q&A session when someone asked about the IMF’s role on Kerry-Lugar legislationto Pakistan. Without delving specifically into IMF policies which disperse funds in a traunch system only as stringent conditions are met in entirety, Aziz succinctly explained that anytime a state accepts IMF funds, they compromise economic sovereignty. It was a powerful, provocative statement from a man whose experience in international finance runs deep. He went on to supplement the idea by describing achievements in maintaining Pakistan’s economic sovereignty during his political tenure when he rejected IMF funding.
Overall, Aziz was insightful, relevant, and quite entertaining. He always manages to capture audiences with sharp commentary that transcends generations and professions. After all, every time i’ve heard him speak has been at entrepreneurial conferences, and I’m far too nerdy to be an entrepreneur.
When Martial Law = Democracy
What happens when a majority of one country’s citizens opt for martial law but the democratically elected government in power including judicial, executive and legislative branches are against a military takeover? It’s quite the political conundrum because either side offers legitimate democratic authority, but they’re diametrically opposed. A rational answer is to let the democratically elected government fulfill it’s term and allow citizens to elect politicians to office who will support martial law in the next term. That might work in a fully functional democracy backed by institutions that can uphold legitimacy and granted the state is sufficiently secure. However, in light of decreasing security, severe economic downturns and age old skepticism of U.S. actions in Pakistan, ever so gradually the country shifts it’s gaze toward the military.
Decreasing Security :: To offer partial explanation in a nutshell: Since 2001, terrorists fleeing Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan, spilled over into Pakistan at the nebulous northern border areas which are historically autonomous from federal regulation. The fact that Pakistan already housed one of the worlds largest refugee populations allowed terrorist spillover access to a destitute population from which to exploit support. As a result, we now see unprecedented terrorism inPakistan where Al Qaeda and the Taliban had no significant presence prior to 9/11.
Skepticism of U.S.’s Role in Pakistan :: Since the inception of Pakistan in 1947, bilateral realations with the United States have been defined by cooperation wherein Pakistan served as a proxy for U.S. Containment throughout the Cold War (security pacts like SEATO, CENTCOM, then aiding our Afghan led defense against Soviet’s in the 1980’s). In exchange, Pakistan’s military with U.S. support, bolstered itself as the strongest, most efficient and stable institution in Pakistan. Some argue civilian governments and democratic institutions were thus never given an opportunity to compete with such a well funded, strongly backed military. And therein we find multifaceted dimensions that help explain controversy over current U.S. support of Pakistan. Former Pakistan to U.S. ambassador Maleeha Lodhi describes the Kerry Lugar bill:
“the offending part of the legislation sets up the country as hired help and puts the military in the dock, presumed guilty on many counts and having to prove its innocence to Washington”
Pakistan is “hired help”, that’s the crux of skepticism on the Kerry-Lugar bill. Concern is rooted in a long history of cooperation with the United States that some argue created a behemoth military institution costing them a fair chance at democracy. In attempt to address that very concern, the Kerry Lugar bill mentions no military aid in exchange for cooperation on the War on Terror, unlike previous assistance packages from the Cold War. Ironically, bleak affairs in Pakistan today which are partially a result of pervious cooperation, particularly during the Soviet Afhgan war, prompt arguments that the military is exactly what needs support right now. Thus, the Lugar Bill receives not only skepticism from Pakistan’s strongest institution, but increasingly the public.
Although Secretary Clinton and Senators Kerry and Lugar have made no indication of altering the bill, to avoid future skepticism and potential resentment of U.S. involvement in Pakistan it could be wise to make changes so as to not sideline the military at this critical period in our War on Terror. Unlike previous Republican presidencies, the Obama administration is committed to dealing with civilian governments in Pakistan. It’s a noble idea and even though i don’t suspect that as the military gains legitimacy the civilian government will collapse soon, we should think twice before riling such concern over a bill that has just a 5 year life span. Central and South Asia are critical regions for our interests and we may need to engage strategically positioned Pakistan in more years to come. So a backlash by the most powerful institution in that country is something we should anticipate, and work actively against.
Pakistan, Fight Back
Why is there so much commotion about the attack on the GHQ in Pakistan? Come on, please; did we not know that the Taliban are a threat to everything Pakistan?
Regretfully, there is still support for the Taliban in the country. I was watching Ijaz-Ul-Haq, son of Zia, one of the worst dictators in Pakistan’s history argue on TV that the government should not launch any offensive against the Taliban. Instead, he argued, shamelessly, that Pakistan should not fight America’s war. Before I get to Ijaz’s despicable argument, I must say a word about the role of media in Pakistan.
I don’t understand why is (electronic) media in Pakistan determined to support the Taliban? I mean, if the producers, or the anchors working for TV Channels in Pakistan don’t like the United States, fine, they are entitled to their opinion. But to deliberately destroy, or support those who are attacking Pakistan from within, just because America is engaged in battle with the Taliban or the followers of Osama is something that the country must not accept.
Make no mistake about it – this is not America’s war.
Specifically, the army must take notice of the hate that is being spewed on TV Channels in Pakistan instead of supporting Pak Army’s effort to defeat the Taliban and to save the country from falling into the hands of the Taliban.
It is Pakistan that is under attack and the country must not allow the Taliban or their supporters and apologists, especially in the media (electronic and Urdu press) to misguide Pakistanis by confusing the barbaric attacks on Pakistan as America’s war, please.
Imagine if India had attacked the GHQ. Would the country still argue that this is America’s war? What if India had launched a war against Pakistan Army in Swat and Waziristan? Would the country still demand that America leave Afghanistan instead of taking on the Indians? No of course not, the country would come together to fight and save itself from annihilation and that is exactly what is needed today. Pakistanis need to fight against the Taliban, just like they would fight against any other aggression against Pakistan.
Now, let me say a word about Ijaz, son of Zia, a brutal dictator and Asia’s first Taliban. Ijaz and other right wingers do have the right to present argue whatever they want. Even though, during Zia’s time, people were locked up for years just because they were reading (not saying anything, just reading, believe me, not making it up) a poster, or a book that advocated freedom of expression, democracy or religious tolerance.
Therefore, I understand Ijaz’s pain when he and the supporters of the Taliban see people unite against the Taliban or other hate mongers. I don’t take Ijaz, Imran Khan, and countless other nuts in Pakistan seriously and neither does the country. That is precisely why these people are not elected and they don’t represent anyone in Pakistan, or I should anyone significant. They do, however, have an audience that supports the Taliban and these people idealize the Taliban rule in Afghanistan as a role model. And the country must remain vigilant and not allow these misguided Pakistanis into believing that Pakistan would be just fine if only stops working with the United States.
Pakistan has been under attack for years now and like majority of the country, I too was not surprised by the attack on GHQ. What shocked me was the support for the Taliban that got free air time and a 24/7 available platform in the shape of electronic media in Pakistan. But, the time has really come for forces of tolerance to defeat the forces of evil. And I would argue that before crushing the Taliban, Pakistan Army and rest of the country must determine if it is acceptable for them to tolerate the hate and poisonous propaganda that is aired in Pakistan.
I am not suggesting any censorship, no. But, I am asking for a way to neutralize the hate mongers and the Taliban supporters before the country launches a decisive battle against the nihilists currently targeting civilians and armed forced in Pakistan.
Otherwise, the world would continue to see the United Nations, the Marriott, the GHQ and anything and everything bombed and attacked day after day. It is time for a decision – is Pakistan ready to give in and accept the Taliban, or the Pakistanis want to live freely. It is their choice. If Pakistan gave up the fight and tried to appease the Taliban by negotiating or signing a peace treaty, the country will still have a war. It just a matter of time
It think it is wise to remember that when Chamberlain came back to the United Kingdom after signing Munich pact with Hitler, Churchill predicated, accurately, that “You were given the choice between war and dishonor. You chose dishonor and you will have war.”
Peshawar Blast
There we go again. Another bomb blast in Peshawar destroyed everything – peace, confidence and hope, yet again.
We all know that the campaign against the Taliban is going to be bloody, and these nihilists are going to do everything in their power to scare, destabilize and intimidate Pakistan, but I am confident that Pakistanis will not, and they cannot be pressured into accepting a barbaric and primitive life style that these thugs are trying to impose on Pakistan.
I just feel extremely sad and depressed about the ordinary citizens being targeted in this battle by the Taliban and the slavish followers of Bin Laden. These civilians have done nothing to deserve to die like this. In fact, the country has done nothing to be bombed by a group convinced to be on God’s mission.
No religion, including Islam preaches hatred, killings and destruction that we have seen in the name of Islam lately. This is exactly the opposite of everything that a Muslim must do, but somehow, a group of thugs have taken up the cause of spreading mayhem and these butchers cite religious reasons for this devastation.
Even more despicable is the support that these people receive in Pakistan and in and around the world. Those who believe that supporting destructive and barbaric Taliban is somehow a fight against the Americans are delusional and bone headed. Americans are not suffering – it is Pakistan and the Pakistanis who are suffering and it has to stop and stop now.
There will be plenty of time to disagree with Washington, but for God’s sake, let’s join hands to root out these hate mongers. These people are a threat to not only to Pakistan, but to the entire world and we have to acknowledge and accept it. These Taliban are killing Muslims and Pakistanis in their quest to harm America. This is wrong, this is awful and this has to come to an end.
Obviously, there is nothing we can do to bring back those who have died tragically, but this is an opportunity, yet again for all of us to protect Pakistan and leave a country that is free of hate, destruction and religious, ethnic or every other type of intimidation for our next generation.
Can we unite to protect our future?
Bilal Qureshi
Washington, DC
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