I am not simplifying, just stating my opinion based on interactions with certain people. Being added to GSP+ scheme is not really achievement in my eyes. It doesn't show any influence of Pakistani diplomacy or great breakthrough in providing Pakistan some great economical leverage.
The GSP+ is designed to promote Labour rights and improve economic conditions etc, something that's part of the E.U's own agenda. All you have to do is sign up and ratify a few conditions. Please don't tell me you take this as part of some great achievement. Because I don't.
With regards to comparison with American aid, why do we accept it then? Our military gets regular reimbursements for services provided. Why does the military allow these conditions to develop where they have to accept reimbursements? And it is definitely not the aid that allows the U.S to project power, when Musharraf joined the WOT, it wasn't because of issues with AID corrupting our elite.
This is the perception that the world had in the after math of 9/11: We were one of only two countries who had supported and recognized a regime which was believed by most neutral observers to have a pitiful record on protecting the rights of its citizens, had provided shelter to thousands of extremists and exported global terrorism and committed crimes against humanity. It had sheltered a man who was responsible for the death of thousands of civilians. Tell me why our establishment chose such cretins as our best buddies and providers of strategic depth, when they never actually bothered to solve the border issue and refused to accept the Durand line?
Also, tell me why Musharraf was cowed by the Americans then? Was it Aid that the Americans threatened to stop? Which of these western allied nations stood with Pakistan when this happened? And what was the reasons why they sided with America over Pakistan on this matter? So we not only loose the good will of the international community, we have to join a war that kills thousands of Pakistanis, the regime we supported never actually sorted out any border issues, on the contrary, the ideology we supported was used to rouse up misguided people against our own state. Is this an achievement?
And now, what is the perception of the world in the aftermath of OBL's death: We either purposely allowed OBL in this country or our state institutions are such failures that they did not that the world's most wanted man was living for years in a garrison town. Please tell me which perception you prefer? Because on both, we are screwed. We as a nation have been labelled as state sponsors of terrorism, and I see nothing being done by the state of Pakistan to rectify this. Well nothing apart from saying, "don't dare to threaten us, or we will join Russia and China". Seriously? None of these countries are going to fight the U.S on our behalf.
As I said previously, I am not stating why America is doing what it is doing, I am asking what have our actions being apart from knee-jerk reactions and empty chest thumping? What have we achieved in Afghanistan? What have we achieved in Kashmir? What is the standing of Pakistan in the world today? Why does our establishment continue to make decisions that continue to make things worse for Pakistan and will anyone ever be held accountable for all the follies that have been accomplished by their actions?
No disagreements here.
The GSP+ status is a huge achievement for Pakistan. Especially given that the EU awarded this to Pakistan because we incurred huge losses during the US war in Afghanistan. GSP+ wasn't given to Pakistan to improve labour conditions blah blah blah. You obviously are unaware of the background of this deal or are just in denial. Not every country gains the GSP+ status. Otherwise the EU would be handing them out like hot cakes to many developing nations to improve their labour conditions etc. The EU nations lose revenue.
You have no arguments about reimbursements. The Americans seek our supply routes. It is not the other way round. Hence they have to pay for the sevices incurred. Such deals are made all over the world. Pakistan is not an exception. Should Pakistan allow US goods to reach Afghanistan? In hindsight I would obviously say NO.
Pakistan shouldn't accept US aid. End of story. It is attached with conditions which are detrimental for the country. I'm against accepting military and economic aid from the US. Those who accept the aid are 100% at fault. Aid certainly corrupts people at influential positions. It is an incentive meant to bribe politicians and elites. The results are clear as crystal. Corruption and decay at every level.
Don't give me this "world"
BS argument. The whole world also knows who created and masterminded OBL and other Jihadi elements during the Cold War. The same elements which went on to destroy not only Afghanistan, but also harmed Pakistan. The world also knows who turned a blind eye after the Cold War ended and left everyone high and dry. Pakistan made the sacrifices by welcoming millions of Afghan refugees. Everyone knows what we got in return. All courtesy of America.
America is the same country which has made a habit of creating and sponsoring various militant outfits throughout the world. Their creation ISIS being the latest. Before pointing fingers at Pakistan this "world" of yours needs to have a very deep look at its own behavior. Pakistan didn't accuse Iraq on the false premise of possessing WMDs. Pakistan didn't destroy a whole nation in a quest to satisfy its ego. Pakistan didn't wreck the Middle East. Pakistan didn't create ISIS. This so-called world of yours only consists of the US and India which accuse Pakistan on a daily basis. We may include the puppet regime of Afghanistan into the fold which is installed by no other than the Americans.
You talk about strategic depth, but fully know that the US has allowed India to operate terror consulates in Afghanistan which attack Pakistani civilians and stir violence in Baluchistan at will. Don't talk to me about strategic depth when all neighboring countries have meddled in Afghanistan for decades and their own gains. You single out Pakistan when every darn nation in the neighborhood and beyond has meddled in Afghanistan. This includes daddy America. Scapegoating Pakistan won't change this fact one bit.
We don't give a hoot about Afghans and their Durand line concerns. The borders are drawn and that is the end of story. There is nothing discuss here. Not now not back then.
You know damned well why Pakistan supported the Taliban. The world didn't share a border with Afghanistan and neither did America. We did. Also, who were you going to support if not the Taliban? The Northern Alliance who rape boys and kill women? Who do you want to reason with in Afghanistan? If the Northern Alliance was a better alternative, why is Afghanistan today under their rule still in a quagmire? Don't give me this simplistic view. The world is complicated. You have to make choices. India made their choice to support child molesters who are in charge of Afghanistan today. At least during the Taliban rule Afghanistan was better off in some aspects. India has undermined Pakistan's security through Afghanistan. Pakistan had no choice, but to choose a side.
There is another world perception which disputes both of your theories. We helped the Americans catch OBL, but they backstabbed us to take the full credit.
Which perception do I choose now? Let me lay it out for you:
America and its so-called "world" can go to hell. We aren't siding with anyone anymore. We are not going to do more or halt our cooperation with China. We know this hypocritical world you talk about. We saw it in Iraq. We have seen it in Syria. We have seen it in Afghanistan. What world are you taking about? The one that backstabs you the moment you look the other way?
We are going to work with a few allies that we have, but at least we will build on a working relationship. We are not going to be blackmailed, bullied or lied to. That is what I want. You are free to make your own choice. I'm not going to cower and shake. My choice is firm.
