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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 is at a crossroads. They’ve unfortunately been here before several times during their 60 year history, but the stakes have never been this high. The path they take in the next 2-5 years will determine if Pakistan exists as a nation or gets broken up. For too long the people of Pakistan have been ill served by their leaders and the army. These so called leaders have lined their pockets with loot and failed to invest in the country and its people. For too long a disproportionate amount of money has been spent on defense and not nearly enough on building infrastructure, industry, and most importantly on education and eradicating poverty. The army has justified these large budgets by demonizing India. With army men running the country, they decided to wage proxy wars with India and Afghanistan in the 80s and started engaging and training “jihadi” outfits to carry these out. They failed to contain these jihadi outfits and now they’re starting to spin out of control and threatening the powers that enabled them. And they are growing by recruiting young Pakistani kids that should have been in school but instead get sent to madrassa because that is the only option available to their poor parents. And these kids at Madrassa’s are being brainwashed in hate under the guise of religious teachings and they think its perfectly normal to kill people for the cause (whatever that might be).
So, it is about time the people of Pakistan make a choice:
1) Fight for the country’s survival
2) Do nothing, and wait for the Taliban to take over and then face the wrath of the world (the world i.e. US, Europe, India, Russia, and perhaps Iran and China) will not tolerate a Talib Pakistan.
3) Get out
My guess is that most people would opt for
choice number one. If that case, here’s the radical changes Pakistan needs to make in order to survive and come out of this as a stable country:
1) Align with the US strategy and declare war on Taliban and other Jehadi outfits.
2) Outlaw all Madrassas, and require every kid to get a high school education
3) Severely curb the role of the ISI.
4) Build a strong police force and allow the military to focus on fighting the war against Taliban.
5) Declare India a friend and take substantial steps to show sincerity of the friendship, like prosecuting Mumbai blast perpetrators, handing over Dawood, intelligece coordination, etc. In return, establish and develop trade relations between the two countries.
6) Declare Afghanistan a friend and coordinate intelligence and border patrols, etc.
7) Table the Kashmir issue for now and keep pushing for demilitarization on both sides with road links, etc. Don’t give up on the issue but remember you are in survival mode. Come back to it later.
8) Use the US and IMF aid money to setup schools, build roads, etc. in the tribal areas.
9) Demand more trade relations with the world in return.
10) Declare Pakistan a moderate islamic nation, revamp the constitution to give women and minorities equal rights.
11) Ban investments in religious charities, especially from Saudi Arabia. if they want to give money, give it to the govt that plows it into education & infrastructure.
So Pakistan, please embrace the Obama plan but please develop and start acting on a plan to save Pakistan as well.
Sincerely
An Indian born American with many Pakistani friends
Why to make strategy that is against the convention. The convention is ‘Do not reinforce the failure’. The problem is occupation and not ISI or Army. The army of any country is the most robust institution caring about national interest.
If this is the criteria to malign institutions like ISI and the army than one will have to blame ISIs and armies of all the other nations. Yes they do the same like things, those look shady on the face but, for all those things, bottom line is national interest. Few of these commit real horrible things that is least expected of our great agency and army.
The USA’s strategy is destined to fail. Likes of Ahmed Rashid and Shuja Nawaz who can articulate what one of them had been seeing for the last 25 or so years and the other has the credit of long but essence less compilations of events but no good conclusion about Afghanistan and FATA, have become adviser on the merit that they can speak no different language than the lot, from where they get their bounties.
They are amongst the people whose mater in advising such a strategy. Both from a totally different culture and historical background.
One aspect of this policy is appealing and merits its application in full, less increase of drones and arms.
It is development and increase in monitory support. I would add one more thing, leave Afghanistan and make such like gestures back from Washington and it would help alienate any terrorist group.
USA can make best friends in this part of the world but it will depend on friendly and thoughtful strategy based on respect for other nations and by trade interest with interest.It is against the nature to find own interest and ignoring others. This way one looses all but hate and conflict.
Problem is not FATA or Afghanistan it is USA occupation. USA sponsored Jihad on the same theme line. For Afghanistan and Pakistan characters have changed nothing else.
Pakistan must realize its leverage and should be bold enough showing its concern without duplicity on diplomatic and public level.But that needs leaders. Where are they? So relax and enjoy.
what is Al.Qaida and Taliban? its not the Problem,
Can any “Pakistani American Muslim” tell me that if American Army/Govt. attack on your home what will you Do and kill your Family
> protest
> will go and said to CJ for Justice
> ?
its actually the Plan of USA to occupy every single Muslim Land so that they always beg from Money from USA. and unfortunately our Fasiq Leaders are helping to USA.
Pakistan is Atomic Power but how powerless its Govt, Army and Agencies, no one can imagine.
“Development”…”Health Facilities” are the powerful words only for people in hypocrite politician.
Problems are so many, but we are taking it As Nation.
don’t know DAWN will publish my opinion or not.
It looks an impossible challenge for Mr. Obama to overcome.
First Step for Pakistan –keep the house in order
Second Step -Stop all kind of Terrorists activity thr its official channel
Third Step – Develop Pakistan by people not just going to USA and asking money each time..
How many years Pakistan can live with US US
Thnx
Deepak
Mr. Obama Hussain…its pakistan army and its shadowy isi that is responsible for all the owes of this country.. taliban both in afghanistan and pakistan are a bunch of thugs and theives who are surviving on saudi dollars and isi’s guidance.. once your leadership has got hold of these insitutions situation both of these countries would normalise, inshallah.
Changing with the ever changing world order should be the call of Pakistan or for the matter of any country today. The region what is being called today as Pakistan has been there from time immemorial. It contributed greatly to the world civilization. And it will do so in future too. Pakistan has to realize that it cannot save itself not with a military might but with a responsible role in the comity of nations. That means, neither it will interfere in the affairs of other nations nor will it allow others to interfere in its internal matters. Today, Pakistan is being perceived as a country which is not in this ideal situation. The main problem with Pakistan is India. Pakistan being a Muslim country cannot ignore the large Muslim population in India. So also Pakistan as a vanquished country cannot ignore the fact that it lost a major war with India. Pakistan should reconcile with these facts. Today, the large Muslim population in India to stay within India Union as rightful citizens, India needs to treat and defend Kashmir, a Muslim majority state, in equal footing with its other states with Hindu majority. Pakistan has to support this idea. Any opposition is to dream of dismantling India into smaller states which is not going to happen. Then, never in history when a country looses a war, it starts again a proxy war the very next day. Pakistan to settle the scores once for ever, participated in the war with India in 1971. Pakistan should accept its defeat with magnanimity. Pakistan should look towards India as a major market for its products as they are the closest by culture to India than any other part in the world. Pakistan, for the next 50 years should close it doors for all ideas of expansions & invasions, internal and external terrorism and create a secular Pakistan of Jinnah dreams. This will automatically improve its standard of living. Pakistan today is at cross roads like a small and poor family with very sharp & intelligent but uneducated family members in a village. What the family has to do and which way the family will go?
As a whole USA and NATO mission is a total failure. Reason as follows
1: Poppy production went up from 185 tons (before invasion) to 6100 tons (2006)and still growing.
2: They could not build an Afghan Army
3: They could not capture Osama even though they captured whole country.
4: Could not convince afghan goverment to fence the border even though Pakistan wants to do this but Afghan goverment is creating hurdles.
How much propaganda you make, Pakistan has nothing to do with these facts. It is ony NATO and USA who are responsible for these. For all these failure they need a scapegoat. the best one is Pakistan, ISI and PAK army.
The last allegation is the free crossing of border by militants under the guidance of pak army. So solution is Fence, Military Posts and air servellence. But ther is no sign if Afghan goverment or allies are willing to do this. How they can blame pak for all this. It is responsibility of both sides to stop this crossings not only of Pakistan.
I think that pakistan’s army and its intelligence are all doing the right thing in fighting the Indians. Infact, its india that is using our differences with the tribal belt for her own advantage. For me India is enemy no 1. of pakistan and its people.
Americans and Europeans are thousands of miles away from Afghanistan. They feel not only insecure but also that the Taliban’s hate their value that is itself nonsense thought because they don’t hate their value instead they want to live within their values which is not acceptable to the Westerns. This is one of the reasons that they have occupied Afghanistan. The point is how the people of Pakistan and Afghanistan feel when the enemy forces are within Afghanistan and knocking at border of Pakistan.
Unfortunately the leadership in Pakistan are behaving as toddles because of lack of proper democratic system. Pakistan must raise a strong voice to the World community for a solution where people of Afghanistan not the foreign troops decide the fate of their country.
It’s worthless and disastrous to spend billions of dollars as long as the occupiers are Afghanistan.
I hate to write this but “as you so sow so shall you reap ” sounds very appropriate when applied to Pakistan”. Your mullahs have brain washed your people and your army has provided the guns and training , saudi arabia has provided money and now you have become the target. You are very quick to blame India for all your ills but that is not going to work anymore. Unless you preach tolerance and respect for other faiths and other minorities these tragedies will keeep on befalling your country.
Please read this article. Should give you some idea of what US should be doing.
http://www.commondreams.org/view/2009/03/05-2
US help is all right. But it is important that Pakistan should handle its problems on its own. For far too long Pakistan has been using terrorism and terrorist outfits for the furtherance of its policy objectives. (This is not the occasion to debate those objectives or the desirability or practicality of those objectives.) While promoting terrorism and terrorist outfits, Pakistan forgot that this is Frankenstein’s monster which in due time comes back to devour its creator. It is more than obvious from Pakistan press and from US press (not to mention any other country’s press) that the children have come home to roost and now terrorist outfits are beginning to nibble at Pakistan’s own limbs. Clearly, the moster that Pakistan has created is no longer in its (Pakistan’s) control. It is in Pakistan’s own interest to destroy the terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and POK. If this is not done, then it will only mean that Pakistan CANNOT do even that, assuming that it is willing to do that.
I am an Indian national.
Here I go enumerating what in my humble opinion should be the course of Pakistani “democratic” government in response to altered US strategy in Afghanistan:
1. Negotiate your terms, we do the job as we get paid, its time to increase your rate and gain more control at least of the operations inside Pakistan.
2. Forget about “sovereignty” , its time to be audacious before nation. Tell them the truth trust me it won’t capsize your boat just few ripples in the water.
3. Do not forget Kashmir, that will capsize your boat. Take control of the Kashmiri campaign from army, it has made them “couch potatoes”. They want more funds and spirit they need to earn it.
4. Keep your eyes open as in who are the new guests at your neighbors, anxiety is bad but we can take Xanax later. India, Iran, Saudi Arabia and Russia has huge stakes in Afghanistan.
5. Don’t let Americans fool you with their intelligence, op-ed studies and polls. They were fooled in Iraq and they want everyone to lower down to their level.
6. Stop playing religion card, nab those so-called religious elements in the government. Make sure either the ulemas/mullas speak one language in the country or no language!
7. Do not compromise on economics, “do not use merchandise containers to block highways”, Pakistani investors are not easily intimidated don’t test their limits.
8. Give the dog what it wants…a bone. Worry about the rest later. Compromise with political opponents.
9. Protect what is left in your pocket. Punjab and Sindh, its your last resort boundary, beyond that its India. trust me you don’t want to go there!
10. Tame media into getting their acts together, don’t torture tame! Curbs will only get ephemeral results.
11. Don’t be afraid of educated crowds. They are not a treat to your authority anymore. Capitalism has changed how one discerns government policies.
12. Will all of it in place, win people’s support. One don’t need Basant for that just reduce street crime. Again just reduce it people like some adventure. They will be happy.
13. Shariah could have been an answers to people’s wishes in some parts of the country but esoteric shariah will be root of all evil so stay away from it. Give them impoverished Pathans and Balochis safety, food and some sense of accomplishment they will worship you.
14. Take some time to contemplate about what will happen once American pull out their troops as they plan or will plan!
There could be an anti-Pakistan ardor accompanied with demand for Shariah so keep that in mind.
That’s all folks!
Well! the Prosperous Afganistan is in the great interest of region,but the Pakistan in order to respond the Obama’s plan towards Afganistan, it should have to solve internal problems.America have never been in the favor of Pakistan, whenever they funded because of their own interest and they never want true democracy in Pakistan.I foresee soon Pakistan will be turned to be scapegoat of whole mess in the region.
Obama has to do what he has t do, but Pakistan should make it clear that foreign incursions will not help rather agravate the situation. Pakistan does need however, to eradicate the radicalism and that will only be possible by having lot of economic support and transparent/good governance by the government of Pakistan. Pakistan must make it very clear to Americans that India’s interference in Afghanistan is more dangerous than Al Qaeda’s role. India’s involvement in Afghanistan will only increase terrorism and violence therefore the American administration needs to look at this factor. There will be no peace if India has free hand in Afghanistan. India’s involvement in Pakistan is causing instability in Pakistan and an unstable Pakistan cannot won’t be able to deal with extremists. The American administration must understand this corelation and do something to neutralise india if they need any success. If they don not realise this then they may be digging the grave yard for burrying their unfortunate soldier who will die in Afghanistan unnecessarily. The formula is, neutralise India, give economic aid to Pakistan, give military technology to Pakistani army and do not violate Pakistani sovergnity. By doing this Taliban and extremists have only grown in size and power and the proof is the Fazlullization of Swat. If they act upon this the in return Pakistan must do everything to eradicate the deprivation in some parts of its territory which are the breeding grounds of extremism. Pakistan needs to talk to Al Qaeda leaders to bring them back in the mainstream. Alqaeda leaders should understand that as much as Americanintervention is unacceptable, Alqaeda doctrine of human destruction is not also acceptable by the people of Pakistan. Pakistanis are a peaceful society and they want to remain that way. There is no scope for extremism in our society and I beg all these extremists whether they are Bushist americans or Usomite mullas to leave us alone , you have already done a lot of damage to our peaceful society and take your war out of here we are not interested, we have got better things to do. We don’t believe in bush or Lodin, we don’t need lectures on western values nor on Usomism or Lodinism. Thanks Iftikhar aziz
Pakistan Army & Politicians should feel for their citizens and spend money for them on education, welfare etc and not on arms. India won’t attack or harm Pakistan in any way.Kashmir is not a problem at all. Pakistan should not support the militants who are harming people in large extent. In India Kashmiris were never ever treated as outsider and Kashmir is always in development only ex.Railway lines, roads etc. What about POK?
Coming to editor’s question…
Pakistan should respond to USA by disbanding the ISI,destorying the militant training camps in the overall country,curbing the madrasa’s hate activities,Respectking all the religions/humans and also put all resources in developing the country and not military for harming India/Afg.
Best wishes for Pakistanin
Well said, Dr. Kadar Khan.
The two countries Pakistan should be friendly with are India and Israel. Nothing else matters…but who would initiate that??
We Pakistani.. and Indians..are an emotional lot…we tend to think with our hearts, and not minds. We have another thing in common, not answering the question posted above!
I think Pakistan has no other option but to support the Obama initiative in Afghanistan. And why wouldn’t it, the country is also being offered hefty monetary incentives to do so.
However, rather than solely relying on a US strategy for Afghanistan, Pakistan also needs to come up with it own, clear and written, strategy for its western neighbour; one that is also coordinated with its NATO and US allies. It would also help clarify Pakistan’s position to the world vis a vis Afghanistan, which is currently marred by the impression that Pakistani intelligence agencies are actually helping the Taliban insurgency there. And I don’t see why Pakistan can’t work with the Indians in Afghanistan either. A joint policy to strengthen the Afghan government would be beneficial for the whole South Asian region.
The US is right in its thinking of trying to include, rather than isolate, the Taliban from the Afghan political, social and economic setup. Pakistan, with its first-hand experience with the Taliban, should assist in this overture to bring about a sustainable change in Afghanistan. This is really not an option for Pakistan, but rather an imperative, as peace and stability in Afghanistan is directly linked to peace in Pakistan as well.
Obama administration has correctly identified the root cause of the problem – it is Pakistani army which is putting up a farce of fighting the terrorist to get aid from US and other countries and then helping Taliban and other terrorists to attack Afghanistan and India. India is in strong position to defend itself compared to Afghanistan. US has correctly identified that Pakistani army is rouge and is not under civilian control. US has decided to deny terrorist heaven in Pakistan and it will pursue that strategy. It will be in Pakistan’s interest to cooperate and rein in those terrorist.
Well, PAK needs to take a good look in the mirror, it will soon realize that true enemy lies within self.
Army and ISI has controlled PAK agenda since its inception for their self interest, sacrificing national interests in process.
Army, which supposedly is designed to protect the country has done most damage to PAK than any of the corrupt politicians in its history.
PAK needs to invest heavily in education (Not Madrasas, but real education like Science, Math etc) and fight extremism.
Forget this Kashmir crap. This is nothing but a diversion for army to keep hold on PAK’s national treasure and not addressing other critical issues.
It is in army’s interest to keep general population weak and illitrate and control the agenda in progress.
PAK has considerable potential which remains untapped. PAK will find that well educated balanced minded population is the best resource to make most progress for herself.
It is in world’s interest to see PAK being a stable and prosperous country. India would like that. We want to see PAK healthy and stable, not an international pariah it has been. So that both countries can divert resources to more beneficial causes for the welfare of the populstion.
Well the question should be in what way can Pakistan respond to US plans in Afghanistan. The answer is simple, it cannot. Because it is not a symmetrical relationship rather it is a master slave relationship. US is telling Pakistan to do what it is supposed to do but Pakistan will do what it will feel like doing. But doing so will stop the flow of $$ to Pakistan that it’s comatose economy needs. Pakistan will be the next empire to fall in the graveyard of Afghanistan. It is the stupidity of Pakistan’s short sighted generals and military planners that has created this situation for Pakistan.
I read an international op-ed piece here in the US which said that an average Afghan greatly admires the work India has done after the Taliban overthrow and at the same time abhors Pakistan’s meddling during the same period.
All India has done during the period is build roads, hospitals and schools, train Afghans in civil service and administration and donated generous amounts for development. They have never interfered with governance and para military issues. India might have a national interest in doing this to improve the relations with Afghan government. But is that a crime?
Pakistan has to precisely do the same, concentrate on development and stop trying to be the Geo-political puppet masters in that region.
i am agree with ahmed but pakistan and terrorism is necessary.
I am Pakistani American, but our leaders are taking responsibilities to overcome Afghanistan problem. This problem start from 1980, since then our leaders not able to solve the problem. we are going offensive solve the problem agianst muslims living in FATA and Afghanistan or solve there economic problem and build infrastrature solve the problem. Pakistan and US governement should try to weak ecnomically Al queda and taliban. We should not treat them a enemy, but we should communicate and solve there life style problem, find alternative income and activity, convience them that they are not doing anything for islam, but hurting Islam real image that lead to peace, if they surrender against Pakistan and Afghanistan army,so, they become brave and allah is the one who judge us,if they are right then Allah find the ways to win against agressor and finally they win, if they keep kiling innocent people and they thing they can solve the problem then I can pray for them, Allah give mercy on them and lead them to right direction. Ameen
Khan