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On Friday, US President Barack Obama unveiled a new strategy for the war in Afghanistan. This time, the US is planning on having a way out. The strategy relies on more US forces on the ground, an expansion of Kabul’s security forces, cooperation with ‘reconcilable‘ insurgents in both Afghanistan and Pakistan, and a significant boost in civilian aid on both sides of the Durand Line (Pakistan will receive US$ 1.5 billion annually over five years). There is also a push toward a regional approach to the conflict in Afghanistan. Senator John Kerry, for example, is advocating for the involvement of China, Iran, and India. For his part, President Obama also hopes to involve the Gulf States and Russia.
As the beneficiary of increased US aid, Pakistan is expected to facilitate the new US strategy on Afghanistan. But the country finds itself in a tricky position: even while Pakistani intelligence officials help the US identify terrorist targets for Predator attacks, US government officials are accusing the ISI of supporting the Taliban.
What should Pakistan do with regards to the new strategy in Afghanistan? How can the government balance cooperation with the US and other regional partners in the war against terror while protecting and prioritizing Pakistan’s interests? Are Afghanistan’s problems Pakistan’s problems too?
President Obama has spoken words of wisdom and announced a very good policy. The best interests and the prosperity of Pakistan require that the State’s democratic government, its Army, it’s ISI use the aid for fighting terrorists, economic develpoment and not fighting India. India is a friend of Pakistan and has no intention to cross international border between Pakistan and India or the line of control in Kashmir. All that India wants is that Pakistan keeps its repeated promises not to alllow its territories to be used for terrorists or their training camps. India wants a stable, democratic and prosperous Pakistan. Abolish terroists training camps and terroristss’ organisations and Pakistan will prosper and India Pakistan relationship will improve beyond any one’s imagination.
Be silent spectator
I don’t know what the first thing .pk to do but last and desperately needed is to get rid of this proxy war (war of others imposed on Islam) or it will be too late.
I wonders what one will do with a person who is responsible of helping your enemy to kill you and your family and burn your houses?
What historian will write about .pk? that its was the nation who was helping non-muslims to kill and destroy there fellow muslims? even worse responsible for callotral damage of there own people (swat, bajour, Nort/Sout waziristan) just because they fellows the teaching of Islam?
Before 1947 it wasn ‘t the case Muslims of sub cont. didn’t do this sort of things then why its become practice of all the elected .pk governments to bend to west?
It is not Government of United States or Government of Pakistan who is responsible for this Mess. It is people of Pakistan who are responsible. They are the one who chose these leaders and support them. It is people of Pakistan who really never did any protest against Drone Attacks on tribal areas of Pakistan. People of Pakistan are those who never questioned their government either military or civilian about the identity of the people who died in those Drone Attacks. It is me, you and people of Pakistan who are to be blamed for it, who never really understood their own identity and never stood fast against people who invaded them ideologically, culturally and territorially.
So if people of Pakistan want to stabilize and prosper Pakistan, it is them who have to come forward in words and Actions. Please don’t rely on policies of US government who are ultimately ruled by Pentagon and I am sure we all know history enough to know what US government and Pentagon do in long run.
President Obama announced that he will send 17,000 more American troops to Afghanistan this spring and summer, to surge the troop level to 53,000. It appears to be a Vietnam-like solution for ending the war. President Obama came in the name of change and yet he is still following President Bush’s policy in Afghanistan. Surge in troop levels won’t accomplish the objective of ending the war rather it would promote instability in Afghanistan and Pakistan.
In order to formulate a win-win exit policy, the policy makers need to understand the history and culture of Afghanistan; every bearded Afghan man is not a Taliban. Every Afghan woman who covers her face is not doing so under any duress: it is part of Pushtoon custom and religious belief.
What is our real objective in Afghanistan? The Russians and Chinese are looking at the U.S. to get out of Afghanistan. The Pakistanis have become suspicious of the U.S. They are fed up with the U.S. They are angry with the U.S… They are almost ready to quit this war. They have paid a very heavy economic and human cost for this war. The continuation of drone attacks inside Pakistan is damaging public support in Pakistan. President’s Obama’s Afghanistan policy should be based on wisdom and not just continuation Mr. Bush’s policies.
After the Soviets left Afghanistan, the U.S. left them in a state of misery. At this moment in time, the Afghan people remain the most suffering people of the world. Millions of Afghans are living in abject poverty. Then there are millions of Afghan refugees who came in 1980s, continue to live in Pakistan. World humanitarian agencies have abandoned them. Economic conditions in the country are despicable. Karzai et. al. has been involved in massive corruption.
Yes, President Obama can formulate a win-win exit strategy from Afghanistan by:
a. Understanding the Pushtoon tribal culture and Muslim religious sensitivities
b. assuring Afghan people that we will leave once elections are held and a democratic government is formed there
c. improving economic conditions in Afghanistan by developing the infrastructure and creating jobs
d. building schools and universities to educate children and adults
e. giving farmers better options to replace their opium crops
f. building energy project pipelines and giving Afghans their fair share
g. promoting regional trade to help Afghanistan stabilize its economy
h. assuring Pakistanis that we will respect their sovereignty and no attack will be carried out inside their territory, and the Indian will not be allowed to carry out covert operations inside Pakistan from the Afghan side.
i. developing an economic development plan for Afghanistan-Pakistan border similar to Marshall plan
President Obama should encourage all parties to declare a ceasefire and start negotiations to develop a blueprint for peace. Afghan people living in abject poverty, in conditions similar to the 18th and 19th century, in the harsh mountain terrain, can not be tamed with 21st century weaponry. In this day and age, no one likes to be occupied. The solution to the Afghanistan problem lies in the economic and humanitarian aid and support. Let’s hope President Obama formulates an exit policy based on wisdom and not war.
it is a great delimma that pakistani rulers whosoever,plitical or amry, become a puppet in the hands of Amercians.May be it is their complusion or not but they try their level best not to make Amercains angry.They even sell the integrity of thier nation on the cast of few pennies the same is going to be happened by recent offers of Ameraicans.As a sovergin state paksitan should not relay on any other nation for her soverginty.She should memorise her role in Afghan Russian war whose after effects are still eminent on our national peace and security.They must demonstrate such kind of couage by rejecting the offers of amercians and save thier national “khudi” they will see that whole nation will be standing after their decision
As Pakistan’s northern part is bleeding profusely with suicide attacks, drone attacks, missile attacks and attacks between Talibaan and Pak army. Obama administration, trying its best to control the situation is quite puzzled how to handle this insurgency or war on terror.
This is Pakistan’s war or civil war,brother killing brother.
I do not think that this war has any thing to do with USA or any threat for USA. While Pakistan’s government is trying its best to cash this war and show it as a greatest threat for USA.
Obama is an intelligent man, he fully understands and realizes the situation and during this economic crises, it would be in the greatest interest of USA to get out of this mess.That is what he is trying to do.
A-1 Does Pakistan have a choice in terms of American policy making except kowtowing?
A-2 Pakistan has strong links with China and Saudis, but did it matter when you went around asking for help? The richest countries cannot help Pak pull out of financial mess.
A-3 Afghanistan’s problems are your creation too. In the bargain you have a confused citizenry who is united only in the NEED for Kashmir and CONTROL of Afghanistan! to the exclusion of economic growth and probably even a civil society.
It is easy for Pakistan to deny things. But please understand that Pakistan has been the loser irrespective of who has won or lost in Afganistan. First it lost its government and Army to the radical elements then it lost its credibility as a peaceful nation in the international arena now it has lost 40% of its territory to the radicals. The money that US offers is nothing compared to these losses. Please wake up and start building your nation as a modern power.
Please stop casting aspersions on Pak Army and ISI…”Disbanding ISI”.I can imagine why ppl from other side of the border pass these remarks.But my humble request to all Pakistanis.. we have to trust our forces… they are “our” forces…. most of us dont even know the ground realities and we still comment…. We have to realize that we are not responsible for this whole mess… we are victim.. its US which created this mess and left us alone…put sanctions on us and did everything to punish us for nothing. It a test for us and we have no choice but to pass it…and believe me we will Insha Allah…
Everyone in the region should have a deep introspection. Ask yourself, how did the terrorism found its way in the region?
Whenever the brethren (Pasthuns and Kashimiris for Pak. and SriLankan Tamils for Indians) across the border undergoes a struggle to gain rights or freedom, we – the respective citizens in the South Asian countries naïvely join the struggle by offering emotional, material and military support. The militancy that is supposed to strike the enemy establishments in the struggling lands later morphs into a force that take on the sponsors. In the beginning the naïveté of flirting with terrorism to strike the evil “other” country is widely and tacitly shared by the citizens and the governments.
However, after enough meddling in the Sri Lankan affairs, when the terrorists hit the Indian leader Rajiv Gandhi, Indians – rank and file – took a U-turn and cleansed the country from any form support to terrorism. India learned the hard way but Pakistan – may be the army- has not learned enough and is still feeding the killers.
Secondly, Pak. has never been able to enforce the writ of the state on the autonomous regions. So, it is in a much more difficult situation to restrain its own citizens. The inability to contain its own citizens and the presence of an intransigent population are the perfect conditions for the foreign and domestic rouge elements to thrive in Pakistan.
So, what do you expect out of a confused elite, an ignorant impoverished mass, a dominant army and a corrupt political class? Internal strife. Pakistan has to fight itself out and emerge with clear goals. Remember after all the U.S too lost 6 lakhs citizens 150 years ago its own civil war.
Good luck. Emerge clean and strong!
US plan to provide financial aid to Pakistan for education and employment is the right approach. This approach is better than military actions. But the problem is corruption in Pakistan. I don’t believe that financial aid will be used properly for benefit of Pakistanis. I think all that aid is going to the pockets of Zardari and company.
God does not change the state of a nation till they change themselves.
Until Pakistani nation starts to practice taqwa/self-control, other countries will always be in control of them.
I am not asking people to practice Islam to the extreme, all I am saying is that we need to practice shared values of all religions, which are honesty, lack of greed, lack of corruption, justice, at individual level.
Pakistan’s destiny will change when its citizens’ behaviour and thinking changes. Until then Pakistan will never be truly free.
Dear Pres. Obama (I donated and voted for you); How is the fundamental basis of your Afghan policy any different from the thinking of the Bush administration’s “war on terror”? Bush had a broad “us vs. them” approach (“we” are all good and pretty angelic while “they” are all-bad and demonic) with pre-emptive war and lethal attacks as its cornerstone. You have the same. Bush had no due-process or respect for international law in his pre-emptive war. Neither do you. Mass death and destruction was the primary approach (either directly or through proxies) towards the “terrorists” and so is yours. Bush did this mostly in Iraq and you will do it in Afghanistan/Pakistan, but everything else looks very much the same. So where’s the change Pres. Obama? You may have finessed in some development aid, civilian advisors etc. but the basic thinking is the same. We see no compunction from you in killing people with no due process or public oversight and not much regard for “collateral damage”. No compunction for intervention and manipulation of political processes in other countries for our own ends, i.e. maintaining the highly unpopular and corrupt Zardari and Karzai regimes by behind-the-scenes machinations and overt bribes ($1.5B to Pakistan). Demands on the Pakistani military to produce “results” which actually results in mass killing of innocents and destruction of entire regions (their scorched earth approach in FATA) and displacement of millions of people. Creating fissures and enmity in communities and societies leading to great disruption and despair for millions of innocent civilians in those regions. That is the cost of your policy Sir and it is borne mostly by those brown skinned Muslim foreigners in distant poverty stricken lands (all the while demonized as “failed” and “corrupt” and “deadly dangerous”); a “danger” to the whole world. You are willing to tear up the lives of millions of others half way around the world as you and I live in relative peace in this part of the world. Is this your morality? Is this your commitment to justice and peace? Is this your struggle against “racism”? Did you even think for a moment about trying a non-violent and non-interventional and non-massive disruption approach to these other people and regions? Are they less deserving than us of peace and security and due process and a civilized approach to solving problems, including terrorism of which none really existed before we invaded their lands? Is gross and deadly violence, even in conjunction with other measures, the only way forward for you? Must we use reverse-terrorism to try and defeat the terrorists? If so then you have committed the same mistake that other Imperial powers and their leaders did in past history, only with some nice words and clever packaging to take the edge off. But like those other emperors, we are afraid, you too will regret this. There is still time President Barack Obama, still time to DO THE RIGHT THING. Still time before it is too late Sir. Let it come from your soul and spirit, from your faith and from your heart instead of from your head or from the same coterie of failed and blinded advisors who have led others to failure and caused so much misery across the globe.
Pakistan will do best by complying with US demands. And, it cannot look to the Europeans to save face with Washington DC anymore. Time is up and the day of reckoning is near. Truth and consequences?. I hope and pray , God willing, the Pak establishment gets the message and starts singing. Pakistan should become a successful nation and not keep repeating the same mistakes and fall into chaos of one kind or another time and again. It is the ordinary Pak citizen that is bearing the brunt of failed actions.
Do what is right.
there is no law for common people in country. people say pathans are very proud people very tough and so on but when they landup in gulf or saudia they are straight as line but if they come to Karachi or some other city they convene their jirga and pracitce a parallel judicial system, law of land.
there is no distinction between common criminal and those who are exceeding all limits in the name of religion, and our right wing religious parties are equally responlible for this mess including Mr Imran Khan who virtually have not clue as to how thing happen on world forum i think he should study the european history for last two centuries.
Media needs to be harnessed every tom dick and harry is now a days on tv commenting on one issue or the other without having any knowledge of awareness. strict action against people who write columns that virtually hve only negative effect on people rather than bringing any positive thoughts must be punished harshly.
On the canvas of south east & central asia game of vector algebra is being played.
The vectors are :
1) Governance system of pakistan that keeps shunting from (Dictatorship + Quasi Democracy) to (less quasi democracy + Army)
2) Aspirations of 160 million mostly innocent folks of Pakistan who have waited a bit too long and are still told to wait and sacrifice.
3) The religious hawks having political ambitions. They comprise of confused zealots + a select few who have clearity regarding why it is in their own benefit to remain in chaos
4) The elite ISI. There is an inner circle within ISI. The top 5 percent (including retired/voluntary retired ) of ISI have control levers that are in conflict with USA.
5) Terrorists : A brew of religion , hatred and greed.
6) India : A country mired with its own troubles living in a hostile milieu.
7) Kashmir : People who can have independence but no freedom in near future.
8) China : A hardworking emerging superpower which makes no differentiation between man and machine.
9) Money for nothing and chics for free : That is opium money ( Both Pakistani and Afgani people are invloved in this cartel.
10 ) Natural resources of western provinces of Pakistan.
11) Regionalism and Factionalism(it would be everywhere but more ampified in Pakistan).
Re-aligning the vectors :
a) More equity amongst regions in terms of jobs / subsidies / projects.
b)A responsible media(if that is possible for a generation fed on zia’s education system)
c)Professionalism rather than opportunism.
d)Ultra moderation on religion rather than ultra fanaticism. In fact even a departure from religion would be great ( like good friend Red Dragon but I dont observe leaders like they had in china in seventies )
e) Education : spent 70 % of your budget on it and see results.
f) Make friends with India. It is the easiest thing that Pakistan could do but looks to me is the last things they would do. Hatred is our favourite pass time. It is our way of living.
g)Handover a true olive branch to Afghanistan. They are best( though stone headed guys but are best people in world at heart). I have been brought up listening to story tales of kabiliwala.
h) Stay with democracy and do kai zen to it(constant improvement ). Was listening to an argument on Pakistani TV where an esteemed thinker said that if you maintain a running vehicle then u will get runover.
Now these are kind of dirty arguments that people use to create doubt. In my understanding it is the evolution that is built in nature rather than revolution.
easy preaching …so I offer my excuses.
Obama has articulated a strategy to isolate Al-Qaeda and to bring Taliban in mainstream. It makes sense. Taliban has local backing. The world must accept Taliban as a legitimate but an ideologically different entity. World must learn to co-exist with that ideology and with some give and take all would be pulled to the middle. Al_qaeda on the other hand is a global extremist organization. They must be isolated and then quashed.
Once Taliban are accepted as partners, then NATO forces must leave Afghanistan. Let Taliban and other factions work out a relationship for the better future of the Afghan People. India must keep its dirty hands off Afghanistan, otherwise they would pay a very heavy price once the NATO forces leave Afghanistan.
Pakistan Should do..
1. First of all FATA should be converted into a Province .In this way we can limit the war area , estimate insurgency and easy check and balance is possible. New provincial governing set up should be formed and activated on priority basis.The local authorities should be given task to separate the elements of Al-Qaeda from regional and local population . These elements should be brought in front of the newly formed governments courts and security agencies. Frontier province should be given full time to emerge. Because now you have diffuse the insurgency. Two regional authorities , Frontiers and FATA , are looking for solution of this deadly. It will synergies our efforts for the stability and peace.
2. Pakistan can’t participate actively in this war without neglecting its concerns. Our foreign office must took a firm stand on regional issues like Kashmir and water issues,disputed dams like Baglihar dam etc.
3. Pakistan is a main player of this game. So Pakistan should demand USA for the transparent role of their hostile neighbours.
4. Our foreign office should draft a protocol of USA-Pak relationship in the Afghan matters .This protocol have some guarantees, a red line about the sovereignty and minimum allowable tolerance on regional interference in their matter of interests.
From Obama’s new plan for Afghanistan reveal some points..
1. American grip on Afghan matters is becoming weaker day by day. They have the toughest time of the history.
2. American internal position and subsequent failure of their strategies has compelled them to bargain with other players of the region.
3.American “Activists” are looking the reasonable and satisfactory reason for their perceived failure in Afghanistan So it is better to blame the neighbor then to correct own home.To save your own from the media and people of USA they are blaming ISI.In this review strategy Obama’s establishment is finding the satisfactory answer for their people who are questioning about Afghanistan.
4.Obama wants to direct their resources towards the internal issues, currently deteriorating social and economic situation of the country. And He also has intention to handover this war to regional players.
5.The American intelligentsia want to develop a paradigm for the worst case. If they win it is their devotion and if lose then it is ISI , who is solely responsible.Like they had done previously during soviet war and also Paradigm of labeling Muslims a “terrorists”. So they can answer the World and their Alliess with “honor”
I am afraid one day Americans , especially the Armed and diplomats personnels will say
” It is ISI who take us to that region, betray us and defeat us against the “Al-Qaeda” to satisfy their own self respect.
Many pages are their to unveil over so lets watch the game….
Rome was not build in a day so Afghanistan. Now the time has come that Pakistan and Afghanistan should make a confederation type of arrangement for socio-economic and peace purposes. US has also unique approach to both.
Obama has better grasp of Afghanistan than Bush. However he still does not understand the region and local politics. Here is my free advice to Obama.
Karzai govt is completely corrupt and unable to govern or secure Afghanistan and NATO(=US) can not do it alone. US is wasting money building infrastructure(which will be destroyed by Taliban anyway) and US GIs have lost will & morale to fight.
Best thing to do invite Russia to secure Northern Afghanistan, Medvedev is eager to even the score with Taliban, also he wants close Uzbek & Chechen fighters’ route and support lines. US & NATO should just concentrate on western border and Pakistan.
In south Afghanistan they should give security responsibility to Iran & India. Iran hates Taliban( also Wahabis, Deobandis and Sunnis) more than they hate Americans. They will be able route Taliban and protect Hazaras. In India US can easily recruit 100,000 soldiers,(mostly retired nonmuslims, as soldiers retire around 45/50yrs). These are trained armymen can be hired cheaply for $500 to $1000/month. Shia Iran army is also wants to destroy Taliban, they can work with Indians.
Then US should take care of western front by invading Pakistani tribal areas and destroying El Qaeda and Taliban leadership and hideouts.
Bush was stupid to listen & believe Pakistani double crossing military did not fight this war properly. I hope Obama does make these mistakes.
First thing for pakistan is to depend only on itself as soon as possible for its security. Second thing is to have a complete grip within its border such that no body can blame it for its inability in controlling the situaiton within its border.
Sorry, Some 40 years ago the Pakistan Army was a strong Army. Now this is weak army. I so not suppose that this Army can fight and defend the borders of Pakistan. This army is a state in a state. Many soldiers in the Pakistan´s Army show a clear smpathy to the Taliban. Again: Pakistan has nuclear bombs and all facilities, but this army can not defend our country.