Masood khan
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Introduction
Every nation in every region now has a decision to make. Either you are with us, or you are with the terrorists.
George W. Bush
Pakistan sided with the United States in the war against terrorism after 9/11. Today its 2009 and an end to this war in near future is not in sight. Terrorism, extremism, violence and instability in Afghanistan and Pakistan have touched the record level. The US and its allies have miserably failed in Afghanistan and have suffered huge economic and military setbacks in this war. More than 500 US soldiers have lost their lives in Afghanistan, and on the other hand the US has spent billions of dollars on the war. But still they are unable to achieve any considerable success in Afghanistan. Use of force in Afghanistan and in Pakistani tribal areas has caused thousands of civilian casualties. Situation in most parts of Afghanistan is out of the US control. Taliban are gaining strength and according to a report Taliban have permanent presence in 72 per cent area of Afghanistan. Rise in attacks on the US and allied troops, poppy cultivation, crime, violence, corruption and the anti-American sentiments in the Afghan population are few characteristics of todays Afghanistan. Situation in tribal areas of Pakistan is also grim, as the use of force in these areas has led to deterioration of the security. Furthermore, unprovoked drone attacks by the US have resulted in strong backlash from local population. The US is loosing this war because of its flawed policies. The Obama administration should work for the peaceful settlement of these issues, as only dialogue and reconciliation efforts can bring peace and stability in the region.
The objective this paper is to outline the policy guidelines for the Obama administration and Pakistan government. It would help them devise a comprehensive strategy for the peace and development in Pakistan and Afghanistan.
War on Terror and Pakistans Role
Pakistan has played a vital role in the war against terrorism. It has been a key US ally in this war and has suffered the most. Despite its enormous efforts in the GWOT (Global War on Terror), Pakistan has been criticized by the US. Its a hard fact that the US cannot win this war without the support of Pakistan, as not only 75 per cent of the US/NATO supplies pass through Pakistan but the country has also deployed more than 120,000 of its troops in the rugged mountainous tribal areas. It has lost more than 3,000 of its soldiers in the tribal areas.
Furthermore, Pakistan has also established more than 1,500 checkpoints along the border with Afghanistan to check illegal cross-border movement. Pakistan is the only US ally which has captured or killed more than 700 Al-Qaeda members. Despite all these efforts Pakistan has been blamed for not doing enough. The weakness is on the Afghan side of the border, where the US-led coalition with more than 72,000 troops is unable to curb the insurgency.
The US should not only acknowledge Pakistans efforts in the GWOT but also come up with all-out support to help the frontline state combat miscreants in tribal areas. The US should trust the Pakistan Army and the intelligence agencies of the country. It is the only way to move to an amicable solution of the problem in Afghanistan and Pakistans turbulent tribal areas.
Current Threats to Pakistans Security
Rise in the terrorism, extremism and sectarianism
Pakistan has seen a dramatic rise in the terrorism, extremism and sectarianism, especially after the US invasion of Afghanistan. The security situation in Pakistan is extremely volatile and terrorism and sectarianism are on the peak. According to a latest report, Pakistan witnessed 2,148 terrorist attacks in which more than 7,997 people lost their lives and more than 9,670 were injured. Sectarian clashes are on rise in the tribal region, Northern Areas and some districts of the North West Frontier Province (NWFP).
In this precarious situation, Pakistan needs all-out international military and economic assistance. The overall security situation is worsening day by day and Pakistan needs to take quick measures to tackle the problem.
Suicide Bombing Culture
Pakistan is in the grip of suicide bombings. It has suffered huge civilian and military casualties as suicide bombing culture has been on the rise for past three years. In 2008, Pakistan witnessed more than 63 suicide attacks that left more than 697 people dead and over 2,130 injured. Major targets of the suicide bombers in 2008 were Pakistan Ordnance Factories, Wah; Federal Investigation Agency headquarters in Lahore and the Marriot Hotel in Islamabad.
Pakistan needs some serious efforts to check the spiraling violence. Suicide bombings can only be countered if awareness of its ramifications for the social and spiritual life is created among masses. There is no room for extremism and terrorism in Islam. The Pakistan government needs to counter the propaganda of the misled extremists and tell the people that suicide bombing against their Muslim brethren is against the teachings of the Holy Quran. Illiteracy in Pakistani society is also a major cause of the spread of suicide culture. Education should be made free for the poor so that they can differentiate between the good and evil. Furthermore, grievances of the tribal people should be addressed. It is the only way to establish lasting peace and promote a culture of tolerance for each other.
Turbulent Tribal Areas and Balochistan
Tribal areas of Pakistan are under fire. The government needs to change its policy in these areas as people living in these areas are as patriotic as in other parts of the country. The government has made a mistake in deploying the armed forces in the areas that have until recently been ruled through the tribal customs and traditions. The military intervention in these areas sabotaged the tribal system. The tribal areas witnessed 385 terrorist attacks in which more than 619 people were killed and more than 892 injured in 2008 alone. The people in the tribal areas were peace until the Pakistan government deployed troops on the US demand and picked up arms only after their kith and kin were killed in operations by the Pakistan security forces and the US drone strikes. The Pakistan Army has also suffered huge losses in the tribal areas. The Pakistani government needs to realize the fact that there is no military solution to the problem. So if it really wants peace and stability in the tribal areas, it needs not only to revive the tribal system and settle the thorny issues through Jirga system but also to initiate development projects in the area with the aim of educating masses and creating economic opportunities for them to improve the standard of their living. This is only way to expect a durable peace and stability in the tribal areas.
Fragile Relations with India and Afghanistan
Pakistans relations with Afghanistan and India, which have a long border with the country, are on the lowest ebb. India blamed Pakistan for Mumbai attacks of November 2008 and adopted a threatening posture towards the nuclear neighboring state. India aspired for surgical strikes inside Pakistan but effective response from Pakistani armed forces and the government in Islamabad deterred any misadventure of New Delhi against Pakistan. On its western border, Pakistan is not only witnessing growing insurgency from the Afghan side, where the US and allied troops have miserably failed in controlling Taliban insurgents, but also facing allegations from the Karzai regime in Kabul as well as the US and Nato of not doing enough to check the cross-border infiltration. So, India and Afghanistan must end the blame game against Pakistan and support its efforts to curb the growing terrorism.
US Drone Attacks
The US drone attacks in tribal areas are a real source of concern for the Pakistan government and not helping the country in its fight against terrorism. The US has so far carried out more than 40 attacks in Pakistani territory, leaving more than 300 people dead and hundreds others injured. In these attacks, mostly innocent civilians including women and children have been killed. These attacks have led to deterioration of the overall security situation in the tribal areas because there is a strong resentment among people against these attacks.
Internal Displacement/Refugees
Another major problem for Pakistan is internal displacement. Thousands of people have so far been displaced by fighting in the tribal areas and Swat region. Now they are living in refugee camps in untidy conditions without any basic facilities in the hot summer. The Pakistan government should make proper arrangements to facilitate the displaced people in camps. Besides, it should also take some effective measures for early return to their homes.
Policy Options for Obama Administration for Peace in Afghanistan and Pakistan:
Halt drone attacks in Pakistani Territory Immediately
US President Barack Obama should change the policy of drone attacks inside Pakistan because neither it is in the favor of Pakistan nor can help the US itself its war on terror. President Obama should learn a lesson from the past mistakes and try to understand that the use of force never solved the problems. He should come up with a sensible approach and contribute to the social and economic development of the tribal areas.
Withdraw troops from Afghanistan as soon as possible
The US and its allies should withdraw from Afghanistan because about eight long years have passed since their invasion and occupation of Afghanistan but still there is no peace and stability in the war-torn country. What can easily be found in Afghanistan are death, chaos and misery. So it is imperative that the US-led coalition troops leave the country as soon as possible. It is a historical fact that the Afghan people never accepted the foreign troops on their soil, whether they were British, Soviets or now Americans. So eventually they have to leave the country because of the massive resentment in the local people.
Deploy peacekeepers from Islamic states in Afghanistan
The US-led allied forces should be replaced by a peacekeeping force with contribution from all the Islamic states. This force could also help Afghans in their reconciliation and reconstruction efforts because presence of troops from the brotherly Islamic states would not hurt the sentiments of the ferociously independent Afghan people.
Reconciliation/Dialogue in Afghanistan and Pakistan
After a constant military effort and unprovoked use of force did nothing but plunged Afghanistan and Pakistan into an instability and turmoil, now it is time to bring all the warring parties to the negotiating table because only dialogue can resolve the issue. Grievances of all stakeholders should be addressed as part of the reconciliation efforts. This is the only way to make Afghanistan a stable and prosperous state.
Regional approach
Afghanistan is surrounded by Pakistan, Russia, China, Iran, and Central Asian states. One way or the other, all these countries are being affected by the ongoing insurgency and turmoil in Afghanistan. So the Afghan imbroglio needs a regional approach, involving all the above-mentioned states that should play their constructive role in bringing peace and stability to the war-torn country. In fact, a long-term solution to the Afghan impasse is heavily dependent on the support of regional states.
Support Pakistan Diplomatically and Economically
The US and other major countries of the world should support Pakistan in its fight against terror. The international community should trust Pakistans armed forces and its intelligence agencies. The world should also help the country economically because it has suffered a lot for playing the role of a frontline state in the ongoing war on terror.
Curb the Opium Trade/Network
Opium trade has played havoc with the overall security not only in Afghanistan but also in the regional and international states. There is a need for a comprehensive strategy to curb this menace. Gangs of narcotics smugglers are very strong in Afghanistan. Not only they themselves are heavily armed but also provide funds to different insurgent groups. So it can be argued that without curbing opium trade and network of its smugglers, no peace and reconstruction effort in Afghanistan could succeed.
Loya Jirga, Free Elections and Equal Representation of all Ethnic Groups
Solution to the Afghan problem lies within Afghanistan and the issue should be resolved according to the norms and values of the Afghan people. A Loya Jirga with representation of all ethnic groups and parties should be organized. Elders from all over Afghanistan should be gathered to work extensively for finding an amicable solution acceptable to all stakeholders. Secondly, there must be free and fair elections so that all the ethnic groups should get equal representation in the government.
Counter insurgency training to Pakistani and Afghan troops
Counter insurgency training for Pakistani and Afghan security forces is prerequisite for the lasting peace and stability in the two countries. The armies of the two countries are not equipped and trained to fight guerrilla warfare. The US-led coalition should focus on the counter insurgency training so that the armed forces of the two countries could effectively deal with the scourge of insurgency for ensuring a lasting peace and stability in the region.
Massive Financial Aid and Rehabilitation Programme
Afghanistan and Pakistani tribal areas have been neglected for past many decades and there has been no considerable development. There is high rate of unemployment and lack of basic needs. The US policy of using force has brought misery and chaos in Afghanistan as well as tribal region of Pakistan, playing havoc with the social, economic and security situation in the two countries. So a massive financial assistance and rehabilitation programme is needed to bring the region on a par with the developed regions of the two countries. Now it is imperative for international community to extend all-out assistance to help Afghanistan and Pakistan develop their respective tribal regions.
Conclusion
President Obama should revise its policies towards Pakistan and Afghanistan with steps for a lasting peace and reconciliation being the dominant aspect because the use of force would never solve the problem. Rather, the use of force would further exacerbate the overall security situation in the two countries. Learning a lesson from the past mistakes, the US should focus on the rehabilitation of the Pashtun people who are in majority in Afghanistan and Pakistani tribal areas. The culture of Pushtuns must be understood because without understanding the basic cultural values of any population, it is impossible to pursue them. President Obama should abandon the failed policies of the previous Bush administration to ensure a safe exit of the US from Afghanistan.
Every nation in every region now has a decision to make. Either you are with us, or you are with the terrorists.
George W. Bush
Pakistan sided with the United States in the war against terrorism after 9/11. Today its 2009 and an end to this war in near future is not in sight. Terrorism, extremism, violence and instability in Afghanistan and Pakistan have touched the record level. The US and its allies have miserably failed in Afghanistan and have suffered huge economic and military setbacks in this war. More than 500 US soldiers have lost their lives in Afghanistan, and on the other hand the US has spent billions of dollars on the war. But still they are unable to achieve any considerable success in Afghanistan. Use of force in Afghanistan and in Pakistani tribal areas has caused thousands of civilian casualties. Situation in most parts of Afghanistan is out of the US control. Taliban are gaining strength and according to a report Taliban have permanent presence in 72 per cent area of Afghanistan. Rise in attacks on the US and allied troops, poppy cultivation, crime, violence, corruption and the anti-American sentiments in the Afghan population are few characteristics of todays Afghanistan. Situation in tribal areas of Pakistan is also grim, as the use of force in these areas has led to deterioration of the security. Furthermore, unprovoked drone attacks by the US have resulted in strong backlash from local population. The US is loosing this war because of its flawed policies. The Obama administration should work for the peaceful settlement of these issues, as only dialogue and reconciliation efforts can bring peace and stability in the region.
The objective this paper is to outline the policy guidelines for the Obama administration and Pakistan government. It would help them devise a comprehensive strategy for the peace and development in Pakistan and Afghanistan.
War on Terror and Pakistans Role
Pakistan has played a vital role in the war against terrorism. It has been a key US ally in this war and has suffered the most. Despite its enormous efforts in the GWOT (Global War on Terror), Pakistan has been criticized by the US. Its a hard fact that the US cannot win this war without the support of Pakistan, as not only 75 per cent of the US/NATO supplies pass through Pakistan but the country has also deployed more than 120,000 of its troops in the rugged mountainous tribal areas. It has lost more than 3,000 of its soldiers in the tribal areas.
Furthermore, Pakistan has also established more than 1,500 checkpoints along the border with Afghanistan to check illegal cross-border movement. Pakistan is the only US ally which has captured or killed more than 700 Al-Qaeda members. Despite all these efforts Pakistan has been blamed for not doing enough. The weakness is on the Afghan side of the border, where the US-led coalition with more than 72,000 troops is unable to curb the insurgency.
The US should not only acknowledge Pakistans efforts in the GWOT but also come up with all-out support to help the frontline state combat miscreants in tribal areas. The US should trust the Pakistan Army and the intelligence agencies of the country. It is the only way to move to an amicable solution of the problem in Afghanistan and Pakistans turbulent tribal areas.
Current Threats to Pakistans Security
Rise in the terrorism, extremism and sectarianism
Pakistan has seen a dramatic rise in the terrorism, extremism and sectarianism, especially after the US invasion of Afghanistan. The security situation in Pakistan is extremely volatile and terrorism and sectarianism are on the peak. According to a latest report, Pakistan witnessed 2,148 terrorist attacks in which more than 7,997 people lost their lives and more than 9,670 were injured. Sectarian clashes are on rise in the tribal region, Northern Areas and some districts of the North West Frontier Province (NWFP).
In this precarious situation, Pakistan needs all-out international military and economic assistance. The overall security situation is worsening day by day and Pakistan needs to take quick measures to tackle the problem.
Suicide Bombing Culture
Pakistan is in the grip of suicide bombings. It has suffered huge civilian and military casualties as suicide bombing culture has been on the rise for past three years. In 2008, Pakistan witnessed more than 63 suicide attacks that left more than 697 people dead and over 2,130 injured. Major targets of the suicide bombers in 2008 were Pakistan Ordnance Factories, Wah; Federal Investigation Agency headquarters in Lahore and the Marriot Hotel in Islamabad.
Pakistan needs some serious efforts to check the spiraling violence. Suicide bombings can only be countered if awareness of its ramifications for the social and spiritual life is created among masses. There is no room for extremism and terrorism in Islam. The Pakistan government needs to counter the propaganda of the misled extremists and tell the people that suicide bombing against their Muslim brethren is against the teachings of the Holy Quran. Illiteracy in Pakistani society is also a major cause of the spread of suicide culture. Education should be made free for the poor so that they can differentiate between the good and evil. Furthermore, grievances of the tribal people should be addressed. It is the only way to establish lasting peace and promote a culture of tolerance for each other.
Turbulent Tribal Areas and Balochistan
Tribal areas of Pakistan are under fire. The government needs to change its policy in these areas as people living in these areas are as patriotic as in other parts of the country. The government has made a mistake in deploying the armed forces in the areas that have until recently been ruled through the tribal customs and traditions. The military intervention in these areas sabotaged the tribal system. The tribal areas witnessed 385 terrorist attacks in which more than 619 people were killed and more than 892 injured in 2008 alone. The people in the tribal areas were peace until the Pakistan government deployed troops on the US demand and picked up arms only after their kith and kin were killed in operations by the Pakistan security forces and the US drone strikes. The Pakistan Army has also suffered huge losses in the tribal areas. The Pakistani government needs to realize the fact that there is no military solution to the problem. So if it really wants peace and stability in the tribal areas, it needs not only to revive the tribal system and settle the thorny issues through Jirga system but also to initiate development projects in the area with the aim of educating masses and creating economic opportunities for them to improve the standard of their living. This is only way to expect a durable peace and stability in the tribal areas.
Fragile Relations with India and Afghanistan
Pakistans relations with Afghanistan and India, which have a long border with the country, are on the lowest ebb. India blamed Pakistan for Mumbai attacks of November 2008 and adopted a threatening posture towards the nuclear neighboring state. India aspired for surgical strikes inside Pakistan but effective response from Pakistani armed forces and the government in Islamabad deterred any misadventure of New Delhi against Pakistan. On its western border, Pakistan is not only witnessing growing insurgency from the Afghan side, where the US and allied troops have miserably failed in controlling Taliban insurgents, but also facing allegations from the Karzai regime in Kabul as well as the US and Nato of not doing enough to check the cross-border infiltration. So, India and Afghanistan must end the blame game against Pakistan and support its efforts to curb the growing terrorism.
US Drone Attacks
The US drone attacks in tribal areas are a real source of concern for the Pakistan government and not helping the country in its fight against terrorism. The US has so far carried out more than 40 attacks in Pakistani territory, leaving more than 300 people dead and hundreds others injured. In these attacks, mostly innocent civilians including women and children have been killed. These attacks have led to deterioration of the overall security situation in the tribal areas because there is a strong resentment among people against these attacks.
Internal Displacement/Refugees
Another major problem for Pakistan is internal displacement. Thousands of people have so far been displaced by fighting in the tribal areas and Swat region. Now they are living in refugee camps in untidy conditions without any basic facilities in the hot summer. The Pakistan government should make proper arrangements to facilitate the displaced people in camps. Besides, it should also take some effective measures for early return to their homes.
Policy Options for Obama Administration for Peace in Afghanistan and Pakistan:
Halt drone attacks in Pakistani Territory Immediately
US President Barack Obama should change the policy of drone attacks inside Pakistan because neither it is in the favor of Pakistan nor can help the US itself its war on terror. President Obama should learn a lesson from the past mistakes and try to understand that the use of force never solved the problems. He should come up with a sensible approach and contribute to the social and economic development of the tribal areas.
Withdraw troops from Afghanistan as soon as possible
The US and its allies should withdraw from Afghanistan because about eight long years have passed since their invasion and occupation of Afghanistan but still there is no peace and stability in the war-torn country. What can easily be found in Afghanistan are death, chaos and misery. So it is imperative that the US-led coalition troops leave the country as soon as possible. It is a historical fact that the Afghan people never accepted the foreign troops on their soil, whether they were British, Soviets or now Americans. So eventually they have to leave the country because of the massive resentment in the local people.
Deploy peacekeepers from Islamic states in Afghanistan
The US-led allied forces should be replaced by a peacekeeping force with contribution from all the Islamic states. This force could also help Afghans in their reconciliation and reconstruction efforts because presence of troops from the brotherly Islamic states would not hurt the sentiments of the ferociously independent Afghan people.
Reconciliation/Dialogue in Afghanistan and Pakistan
After a constant military effort and unprovoked use of force did nothing but plunged Afghanistan and Pakistan into an instability and turmoil, now it is time to bring all the warring parties to the negotiating table because only dialogue can resolve the issue. Grievances of all stakeholders should be addressed as part of the reconciliation efforts. This is the only way to make Afghanistan a stable and prosperous state.
Regional approach
Afghanistan is surrounded by Pakistan, Russia, China, Iran, and Central Asian states. One way or the other, all these countries are being affected by the ongoing insurgency and turmoil in Afghanistan. So the Afghan imbroglio needs a regional approach, involving all the above-mentioned states that should play their constructive role in bringing peace and stability to the war-torn country. In fact, a long-term solution to the Afghan impasse is heavily dependent on the support of regional states.
Support Pakistan Diplomatically and Economically
The US and other major countries of the world should support Pakistan in its fight against terror. The international community should trust Pakistans armed forces and its intelligence agencies. The world should also help the country economically because it has suffered a lot for playing the role of a frontline state in the ongoing war on terror.
Curb the Opium Trade/Network
Opium trade has played havoc with the overall security not only in Afghanistan but also in the regional and international states. There is a need for a comprehensive strategy to curb this menace. Gangs of narcotics smugglers are very strong in Afghanistan. Not only they themselves are heavily armed but also provide funds to different insurgent groups. So it can be argued that without curbing opium trade and network of its smugglers, no peace and reconstruction effort in Afghanistan could succeed.
Loya Jirga, Free Elections and Equal Representation of all Ethnic Groups
Solution to the Afghan problem lies within Afghanistan and the issue should be resolved according to the norms and values of the Afghan people. A Loya Jirga with representation of all ethnic groups and parties should be organized. Elders from all over Afghanistan should be gathered to work extensively for finding an amicable solution acceptable to all stakeholders. Secondly, there must be free and fair elections so that all the ethnic groups should get equal representation in the government.
Counter insurgency training to Pakistani and Afghan troops
Counter insurgency training for Pakistani and Afghan security forces is prerequisite for the lasting peace and stability in the two countries. The armies of the two countries are not equipped and trained to fight guerrilla warfare. The US-led coalition should focus on the counter insurgency training so that the armed forces of the two countries could effectively deal with the scourge of insurgency for ensuring a lasting peace and stability in the region.
Massive Financial Aid and Rehabilitation Programme
Afghanistan and Pakistani tribal areas have been neglected for past many decades and there has been no considerable development. There is high rate of unemployment and lack of basic needs. The US policy of using force has brought misery and chaos in Afghanistan as well as tribal region of Pakistan, playing havoc with the social, economic and security situation in the two countries. So a massive financial assistance and rehabilitation programme is needed to bring the region on a par with the developed regions of the two countries. Now it is imperative for international community to extend all-out assistance to help Afghanistan and Pakistan develop their respective tribal regions.
Conclusion
President Obama should revise its policies towards Pakistan and Afghanistan with steps for a lasting peace and reconciliation being the dominant aspect because the use of force would never solve the problem. Rather, the use of force would further exacerbate the overall security situation in the two countries. Learning a lesson from the past mistakes, the US should focus on the rehabilitation of the Pashtun people who are in majority in Afghanistan and Pakistani tribal areas. The culture of Pushtuns must be understood because without understanding the basic cultural values of any population, it is impossible to pursue them. President Obama should abandon the failed policies of the previous Bush administration to ensure a safe exit of the US from Afghanistan.
