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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?
pakistan needs to engage with all the ethnic groups in Afghanistan. it needs to broadens its support base and get out of the pushtun narrow base. the more friends will help you in time.
I think it would be better if Pakistan does not have any strategy for Afghanistan. Best thing is to concentrate and improve internal situation.
America is systematically perusing its laid down policy of having more say in the gulf and south East Asian region. Pakistan has to firmly contest its sovereign position or it will have to pay a huge price in the shape of a civil war which will subsequently help realize the American and Western goal of terming Pakistan as a failed state with dangerous WMD. America and the West must realize that Pakistan will never be a piece of cake for anyone. On its part the government & the people of Pakistan will have to decide and initiate firm action to get rid of Pakistani Taliban & Al Qaida phenomena. The world community must be assured that Pakistani soil will never be allowed to be used against any country.
AH
Pakistan should take initiative and tell USA that we don’t need your help. As a matter of fact USA is committing crime against our people and India is helping wholeheartedly. India should be warned not to interfere in our internal affairs.
I am not a Pakistani or Indian or Afghani or Kashmiri.
I think the Pakistani public perception needs to change. The public must understand the risk the country is going to face in the near future and that Pakistan’s policy must be guided by evaluating the following:
What are the risks of refusing to cooperate with the US?
What are the risks of fighting the Talibans?
Refusing to cooperate with the US would cause the US as well as the Taliban to point their dagger at Pakistan and the risks are:
Cut off of economic assistance, which is now very vital.
Cut off of military assistance.
The military assets to become obsolete for lack of spares.
Declaration of Pakistan as a terrorist state and therefore cut off from the international community.
No earnings from export and no foreign investment in the country. Though foreign investment have already stopped coming for many years.
Prices of commodities and services will rise.
The country will economically collapse.
This will trigger chaos in the country.
Pakistan will come under pressure to rid itself of nuclear weapons.
Failing to do so might invite retaliation in the way of precision missile strikes to knock out the weapons and nuclear plants and facilities.
The perception of Kashmiris on Pakistan will change when they see Pakistan is collapsing and turning into a failed state.
They will realise that their future with India is more secure than with Pakistan.
This will cause Pakistan’s stand on Kashmir in the international community to collapse.
India will take full advantage of this situation and try to settle the Kashmir dispute by a plebiscite, which till now they are scared to face, when they realise they have a chance to win.
This situation persisting for a few years will turn the country into another Somalia.
This will cause the Taliban and their allies to gain and assert their control and we can only look into the pages of history to know what Taliban rule can bring.
The risks of fighting the Talibans would be tough.
Suicide bombings will take a very heavy toll of life everyday. If a few thousands suicide bombers are on the loose they will create havoc in the country.
Normal life will be disrupted.
Internal security will be needed for every thing from airport, air bases, seaports, power plants, bridges important infrastructures and even buildings and markets in the cities. Personnel security will be needed for politicians, players, and important personalities, as Taliban will first seek to destroy the intellectuals of the country.
Investment will stop coming into Pakistan.
There will be economic difficulties but not so much as compared to international isolation.
In spite of all these problems, international sympathy and support will not stop for Pakistan. The country will assert a moral right and demand for support for the country from the international community when they are fighting against Taliban. The best interest will be served by fighting the Taliban. There is no foreign policy interest at stake. There is nothing else at stake except the hardships of fear and bombings. The choice is tough but there is always a light at the end of the tunnel.
This is a difficult time for Pakistan. But the following, though painful, will bring lasting peace:
1. Opt out of the US led war on terror; since the problem lies within Pakistan, take responsibility and resolve it.
2. Say no to Saudi and US “aid”. The former is mainly ideological and does not help in the long term and the latter comes at too high a cost.
3. Use internal resources to give battle to the fanatics and the crazies – it will take longer and will seem more painful, but will be a home grown remedy with no IOUs to any other power.
4. Reform the education system with immediate effect. Remove the hatred for other ideas, religions and people.
5. Define what it means to be Pakistan as: “A non aligned, peace loving nation with no ill will or enmity to any other nation”.
6. Freeze The Kashmir issue, The Durand Line issue for 50 years, when Pakistan has more strength and prestige.
7. Halve the standing army, by directing it to engage in development projects across the country.
8. Sign the NPT and disarm. Pakistan has never won a war against India and it is much weaker today than in 1971. The battle is for the well being of its citizens and there it can win, if freed of its heavy burden of defence expenditure.
9. Immediately announce a peace initiative – jointly by the Prez, PM and Army Chief.
10. GIve all businesses and citizen an Income tax holiday for 5 years to boost the economy (fix a flat entry tax/sales tax, something like UAE does).
11. Hold an honest referendum in the country on the subject of Sharia law, and implement the results honestly.
12. Believe in yourself.
I think Pakistani Intelligence Agencies and our Army is the main culprit. Through their martial laws, kargils and other misadventures. also destruction of our Constitution, that took place under their watch is the main reson we are suffering at the hands of Taliban.
Just to get American aid in billions of Dollars, these rogue elements will always encourage and support Al-Qaida and taliban, and will make sure there is no peace in that region.
These talibans are a creature of, and protected by the Pakistan army. If an Army can carry out a misadventure like Kargil, and then make the same General President of the country, you can well imagine what else these and out of control Generals are capable of.
The fact of the matter is that the infedels wants to give a final blow to Islam and are using every possible option to do so.
Western lifestyle is a mess in itself which and is destinied to perish. The infedels percieve Islam as the only threat challenging them and their evil mentalities.
I personally think, that its not only Talabans, Pak army, ISI or Atom bomb etc but they (the infedels) are commited to nothing less then complete destruction of Pakistan.
God give us the strenght of ‘Iman’ to counter the enemies of humanity (US and its allies) in these difficult times.
It’s a very good strategy to invest more money directly into the FATA. Pakistani Government needs to understand that Taliban and AlQaida are not America’s problem alone but threaten the Pakistani way of life. Thousands of innocent people are killed by bombings every year in Pakistan. Knowing ISI’s reputation, it’s quite possible that many in Pakistani establishment are still supporting the militants. They should stop supporting them. Pakistani establishment and people in general do everything for money so these ISI types and military people need to be paid directly by the Government so they stop aiding the militants. Pakistani Government needs to articulate clearly to their people what’s at stake if we don’t detroy Taliban and the likes. Taliban are not normal human beings who can be reasoned with.
The new strategy announced by Obama seems very ambitious. The Taleban movement with in Pakistan poses a serious threat to our security, which is evidenced by almost non stop attacks. It is vital for us to work with the Americans to some how control this, because one thing is for sure that the US is not going to leave Afghanistan until the percieved threat to it is not significantly diminished or eliminated. Pakistan must be proactive in its approach at every front i.e. economic, political and military to normalize the situation in the tribal areas. We must think from our “Brains” and not get carried away with emotions. Focus on Pakistan first!!
The US was attacked on 9/11 by al qaeda operatives who were harbored by Afghanistan. The US had no choice but to retaliate. If this action is not pursued, sooner or later we here in the US could be hit again. No matter who becomes the president of thus ,or gets elected to the Congress, removing the al qaeda threat will remain central to our policy.
President Obama is offering a hand in friendship to the Muslim World including The Islamic Republic of Iran.
Does it make sense for the Taliban and al qaeda to target innocent civilians? It is time for the people of Pakistan,the government and others to declare war on violence and show by their deeds that violence and bigotry will be resisted. Pakistan can resume its place amongst other successful nations and prosper as the populace deserve along with other people on this earth.
Imagine for a moment, if you were looking at the world Through the Looking Glass, and saw Alice discussing with the Queen how best to curb the insurgency of the Dormouse?
In a short space as this, it is not possible to convey to Prisoners of the Cave that Machiavellian controllers are manipulating their reality.
War on terror is fiction, a fabrication, for “imperial mobilization”, which in turn is a fiction, to seed the “revolutionary times” along the ‘arc of crisis’ throughout the ‘global zone of percolating violence’ in order to create conditions which may only be ameliorated under one-world government.
To understand all this – one ha to begin ab inito and start reading the political philosphy and documents of the hectoring hegemons themselves.
To begin with, see: The Day After – American Agenda for Pakistan
http://print-humanbeingsfirst.blogspot.com/2009/03/day-after-dawn-mar212009.html
The only rational and moral solution for Pakistan is to DISENGAGE from the American Agenda.
Thank you.
Zahir Ebrahim
Project Humanbeingsfirst.org
United States of America.
Militancy and terrorism are a joint legacy for Pakistan and Afghanistan now. That Al-Qaeda and Taliban operate from Afghanistan and bordering areas of Pakistan causing an immediate fall out on latter, is an established fact. Time has come to pay back for Pakistan’s past policy of tagging Taliban as its “strategic asset”. Only our deeds can brush aside this impression of an ‘proxy ally” to Taliban. Pakistan will have to be completely on board with new US Policy viz-a-viz fighting Al-Qaeda and Taliban. We are no more fighting for US alone. We are in for a war that is hampering our present and could plague our future, if not fortified with a renewed determination.
I am extremely disappointed to read all the comments on the subject. Majority of the comments is from people who are not Pakistani nationals and have their own interests and agendas. Their comments are based on anti Pakistan sentiments.
I would suggest that anyone interested should read the Asia report No 164 of 13 March, by the International Crisis Group titled Pakistan: The Militant Jihadi Challange. It is jointly prepared by Brussels and Islamabad. The road map to eradicate the extremism is there if Pakistan has the courage and ability to grasp it.
To say that these barbarians are our Muslim brothers is travesty (to-day they demolished a mosque at Friday prayer time killing more than seventy Muslims). Our beloved Prohet’s (PBUH) last sermon reminded us that a Muslim shall not kill another Muslim. Unless all patriotic pakistanis are made to realise that these barbarians should be appropriately condemned (they should be called terrorists because that is what they are. Calling them insurgents and militants only makes them feel better) and treated, they will continue their agenda: spread fear, demoralise law enforcement agencies, destabilise infrastructure and force citizens to ‘sign for peace’ at any cost and take over from the Government as in Swat.
May Allah save Pakistan
every reader has got their own views and many differ with each other. one thing we must remember, every successive govt in pakistan has been a puppet govt of the americans, period. now it very easy to put the blame on the military or the politicians is not fair. this problem did not occur overnight, once friends are now enemy.
the mountain people can never be defeated, their success lies in their ablity to adapt to the harsh mountain life. al-qaida is nothing more than a myth, talibans are a reality.
no force can control afghanistan no matter how large or sopgiscated. only the talibans can.
poppy production goes to all level high during western presence, is not hard to understand. drug money was used to fight the soviets under the watchful eyes of western govts, same is being done now.
to make progress adapt to reality. only way forward.
Here is where OBAMA’s policies appear to me to be correct. He wants to fund billions into Pakistan ( a good move) for civilian developments – not selling of military hardware etc. This will pump up its economy – directly benefiting the common man. He has articulated loudly and clearly that the army in Pakistan will have to show results. (Translated, it needs to purge itself first, strengthen its professional part, get rid of the terror-loving part, participate with USA and others to help rid Pakistan of the terrorists that bomb and kill Pakistanis.
If the present rulers are sincere, they will stop playing the power game in legislature and move together to build a new, peaceful, economically vibrant Pakistan.
The people of Pakistan are extremely smart. They do not shun hard work. Two out of the four legs are weak in Pakistan’s chair.
This is great chance for rebuilding Pakistan.
Kashmir is an issue that can ONLY be solved by a dialogue among the three parties. Force will FAIL to solve this issue ever!
This problem will take a generation to solve. And it will not be solved either by bullets or US$s. It will be solved in the hearts and minds of children going to madarsas. They should be taught peace, non-violence and secularism as Khan Abdul Gaffar Khan practised 69 years back in NWFP and his grandchildren still practise there. Then, and then alone Pakistan will be able to rise and be a worthy competitor to India.
I guess the money will work as it had worked in the past decades.
The sum of that money is a matter of bargainig between the parties, who are participated in this game.
The amount of propaganda that appeals to so many individuals is astounding to me. Everytime I read out forums here on Dawn, I’m taken aback by comments mainly by individuals of Indian origin (guessing by name). These individuals are quick to say a few things:
1) ISI involvement.
2) Pakistani’s being brainwashed.
3) Admit Pak’s loss to India in war.
4) Pak’s infiltration and involvement in all Kashmir related problems.
5) More along the same lines…
I am sick and tired of hearing about the ‘alleged’ involvement of ISI entities in illegal activities. Firstly, there is absolutely no proof of a current officer in the ISI aiding or abetting in illegal activities. There have been reports of EX-isi officers, but how can you hold Pakistan accountable for that?
Its like saying, Islam is bad because of suicide bombers. Thats nonsense, Muslims might kill people (that too a fraction), but Islam isn’t killing anyone.
Nobody is being brainwashed in Pakistan. People have the right to choose their path. It is unfortunate that the agendas of Mullahs and violent extremists have their opinions broadcasted over times of india and other news-agencies of the sort. Whereas common public opinion of Pakistan is never projected to the world.
And about the Indian-Pakistan wars… omg. Why does every Indian act as if Pakistan denies losing the 71 war? Why provoke discussion about an issue that only sparks emotional responses. There is 1 Pakistani to 8 Indians in the armed forces. There is no comparison. No Pakistani is claiming that Pakistan can ‘defeat’ or has defeated India. There is no race. Pakistan is tiny compared to India. India is ‘Yokozuna’ compared to Pakistan.
So, respectfully, I would request my Indian neighbours to tone down the notions of Pakistan trying to beef up in front of India in the name of ‘pride’. Pakistan is aware of its capabilties and so is India. Leave it at that for the love of humanity and decency.
Pakistan needs to put her own house in order first. The government MUST prepare the masses to rise up against the terrorism which has single handedly put our existence in jeapordy. So far I haven’t seen any single so called mainstream religious parties condemning the act of terror nor the ‘Taliban Supporting’ media is taking an agressive approach even close to what it take for so called ‘free’ judiciary.
Unless this menace is not cleaned within our borders, we’ll never be in a position to play an effective role to deal with situation in Afghanistan which by the way we initially architected in 80’s with the help of our mentors in US.
Pakistan has no choice but to accept Obama’s plan as the govt is lives on bits and pieces thrown by the USA. It is just so sad to see that Pakistan has no control over its land and its sovereignty is compromised. Today US drones violate the Paki airspace tomorrow it will be the Israeli F-16’s. Failed state.
I suppose the first thing to learn in life is – no one else can or will solve your problems for you.Least of all the US.
I feel the reason why democracy and civil society in India have survived and resulted in the new India are liberal and heterogenous society.
Please look at people as people instead of their personal labels.
Pakistan is paying the price of theocracy, which it imbibed by making the Hindus leave the country in 1947. Hindu Gods are punishing the Pakistani people
The Southern Baptist Evangelicals are already planning to convert Pakistanis to Christians.
To all Pakistanis.
Tell Obama to take a flying leap. America can never help you. Their attention span is very little to do you any good. Trust me.
Do not let Americans or Western Europeans anywhere near you. Treat them with extreme prejudice. They hate you and your religion. Trust me.
Pakistan is an Islam nation. It needs to remain Islamic. Support your own Muslim brothers in your own country.