Why Gen Raheel Sharif should lead the Islamic military coalition

[FullMetalJacket]

Can't wait to see this "Islamic Coalition" run straight into the ground.

 

[The SC]

For those with knowledge on this matter, has there already been a joint military constructed to be led currently?

Yes, already done..

There is no "Islamic military coalition"; its all saudi farce to recover from its defeat and overcome isolation. Pakistan knows that very well and that is why Pakistan did not entertain initial saudi ask to send troops to Yemen. That being said, Pakistan has different goal in mind for appointing Gen. Sharif and its not any sort of "coalition" but to appease saudis for now. BUT if Pakistan push itself far into saudi embrace, it will loose unique opportunity to preserve its strategic interest and independence in SCO, OBOR and whole of Eurasian landscape. Neither China nor Russia nor any central Asian states has desire for allowing saudi led destructive "elements" to go anywhere near their border.

Enemy, like india always waiting on the wing to stage manage "terror" incidents in sensitive places and then manufacture propaganda news to blame on Pakistan. Pakistanis should be all too familiar with indian tactics. Hope Pakistani military, political and bureaucratic establishments realize danger of mixing with saudis too closely. Keeping saudis on 'arms length' would serve the best.

First, you should distinguish between retired General Charif and Pakistan.. it is the Islamic coalition that has appointed General Charif, not Pakistan..Charif in Arabic means "Noble", and he proved through his deeds and behaviour to be a noble man, but his appointment is mostly due to his unique experience in leading the Pakistani Army against Terrorism, combatting terrorism in the Muslim world is the main aim of this coalition, hence his Appointment..nothing more, nothing less..

 

[Boomin' Bomber I.J.]

It's about time Pakistan begins to assert itself as the leader of the Islamic world. The regional monarchs can remain kings of their own territories but the sooner they realize they cannot command the whole of Islamic world the better.

 

[The SC]

General Saad Khattak

inShare
Pakistan`s geo-strategic location, a population of 200 million, a growing economy with attractive market, and nuclear armed forces need to demonstrate its will and resolve to take decisions that are solely in its own national interests. For too long it has allowed its interests to be hostaged by both regional and extra regional powers. National leadership and foreign office are expected to conduct diplomacy in a manner that the country remains positively relevant both in the regional and global context.




Pakistan-Saudi relations have mostly remained cordial for the most part since our independence. The relations warmed up more during the period of King Faisal as evident from naming Faisalabad, Faisal Mosque and Shahra-e-Faisal Karachi after the king. The two countries' intimacy enhanced in the 70s and 80s when Saudi Arabia supposedly helped Pakistan`s nuclear programme financially and Pakistan opened its training facilities to Saudi trainees besides placing a brigade size force at Tabuk. In early 80s, the two countries joined hands under the patronage of USA to defeat the USSR in Afghanistan. In the face of international sanctions after Pakistan's nuclear detonation in 1998 responding to India’s explosions, Saudi Arabia was one country that extended all help to Pakistan. The relations saw a brief downslide when Pakistan refused to formally become part of the Saudi led coalition in its war against Iran backed Houtis in Yemen. Exploiting its links established during Afghan resistance against USSR, Saudi Arabia continued to remain engaged with its supporter groups within Pakistan primarily to neutralize Shia Iran`s influence in Pakistan thus negatively influencing our domestic environment.

Given the brief analysis above, it is clearly evident that what has impacted our bilateral relations more over these decades are pure national interests. Pakistan therefore need to rise above these ethno-sectarian fears while formulating its foreign policy. I have no doubt that the government and the Army as an institution have gone through the entire process of deliberation before taking this important decision. In my view General Raheel Sharif must lead the 41 countries coalition for the following reasons.

One, it will raise Pakistan`s stature among the member countries and international comity. Two, the enemies’ efforts to isolate Pakistan will be effectively neutralized. Three, Pakistan`s economy will receive greater boost through increased opportunities with member countries. Four, military to military relations with member countries are likely to expand thus creating more opportunities for defense exports. Five, Pakistan being friendly to Saudi Arabia, and an important neighbor of Iran will be in a better position to work for improving Iran Saudi relations using this forum. Six, Pakistanis working in Gulf countries will remain secure besides opening more avenues for Pakistani skilled and unskilled manpower with in the member countries. Seven, the mistrust in Pakistan Saudi relations created with Pakistan`s refusal to join the coalition will be cleared. Eight, greater diplomatic support to Pakistan`s long term issues with India can be expected.

Pakistan has mostly over the past either extended its support too cheaply or remained in a fear syndrome while handling regional and global relations. Time has come that we rise up to our true potential and take decisions that are not only timely and bold but in accordance with the true aspirations of over 200 million Pakistanis.

http://nation.com.pk/blogs/30-Mar-2...if-should-lead-the-islamic-military-coalition

- True

- It was a Pakistani problem, like many other Muslim nations with Shi'a and Sunni population, KSA also suffered from the same internal problems

- When Saudi Arabia sent Money and Oil to support Pakistan in the most difficult times, it was not for its own national interest, in fact KSA took the risk of being sanctioned as well..the rest is true

- It won't raise the stature of Pakistan more than it is now, which is very high already, might be true for other nations than the coalition members..The rest is true

- War and natural catastrophes were imposed on Pakistan, otherwise it was already doing quite well economically

A good article in general, but some thoughts had to be clarified..

It's about time Pakistan begins to assert itself as the leader of the Islamic world. The regional monarchs can remain kings of their own territories but the sooner they realize they cannot command the whole of Islamic world the better.

When Pakistan will be more advanced than all the other Muslim countries, it can assume this role.. there is a lot of work to be done on many fronts, like economy, social well being, education, science associated with R&D, self-sufficiency in many fields, then Pakistan can lead by example..All it can offer now is some kind of minimal nuclear umbrella, it is good for a feeling of security like the one atmosphere the US nuclear umbrella that has allowed many European nations, Japan and South Korea to develop their economies and industries..

 

[idune]

First, you should distinguish between retired General Charif and Pakistan.. it is the Islamic coalition that has appointed General Charif, not Pakistan..Charif in Arabic means "Noble", and he proved through his deeds and behaviour to be a noble man, but his appointment is mostly due to his unique experience in leading the Pakistani Army against Terrorism, combatting terrorism in the Muslim world is the main aim of this coalition, hence his Appointment..nothing more, nothing less..

Newspaper article headline did not even mention he is retired general BUT that is well known fact. Meaning of his name, has nothing to do with what he embarks on doing and no one questioned his professional capability. House of saud combating "terrorism" is oxymornonic, to say the list. Anyone with sense of contemporary world know and can see that.

 

[The SC]

Newspaper article headline did not even mention he is retired general BUT that is well known fact. Meaning of his name, has nothing to do with what he embarks on doing and no one questioned his professional capability. House of saud combating "terrorism" is oxymornonic, to say the list. Anyone with sense of contemporary world know and can see that.

Not sure about that, if one fallows the news about KSA, there were many bombings long time ago when Pakistan had to send troops to Mecca, and now it is happening in many parts of Saudi Arabia..not defending anyone, but truth should be seeked..

 

[Boomin' Bomber I.J.]

When Pakistan will be more advanced than all the other Muslim countries, it can assume this role.. there is a lot of work to be done on many fronts, like economy, social well being, education, science associated with R&D, self-sufficiency in many fields, then Pakistan can lead by example..All it can offer now is some kind of minimal nuclear umbrella, it is good for a feeling of security like the one atmosphere the US nuclear umbrella that has allowed many European nations, Japan and South Korea to develop their economies and industries..

All it requires is a strong and sincere leadership and the rest will follow through... A true leader is what Pakistan lacks - One who could give some sort of immunity to the other Muslim countries, especially the Arab world and make them help develop Pakistan. Our present leadership can only beg for help.

 

[The SC]

All it requires is a strong and sincere leadership and the rest will follow through... A true leader is what Pakistan lacks - One who could give some sort of immunity to the other Muslim countries, especially the Arab world and make them help develop Pakistan. Our present leadership can only beg for help.

I am quite positive that it will come..rather soon..what is needed is a strong government establishment with its own leadership base, stable and honest from top to bottom levels, since Presidents, prime ministers or even kings, come and go, something more solid needs to be implemented like in the US, Uk or other advanced societies, so if a mediocre leader is ever elected to lead, he can't harm the nation, or that will be very limited..and with a good leader support will be strong and the nation will benefit..

 

[flameboard]

It seems the Muslim world NEEDS Pakistan, why not use this as a chance to promote harmony?

United we stand, divided we fall.

 

[Hakikat ve Hikmet]

Raheel Pasha is taking command to show Solomoni and all the Persian jackals their right places!!! Thanks to Iran the Muslim world is slowly coming to the realization of the importance of the Empire builders at the western and eastern flanks!!! Even after all these tempests these last castles have been preserved and augmented for a reason!!!!

 

[fitpOsitive]

Gen Raheel is retired and no more a govt servant. So its his own will to do another job after retirement. He wants, he can, like any body else.

 

[MultaniGuy]

General Saad Khattak

inShare
Pakistan`s geo-strategic location, a population of 200 million, a growing economy with attractive market, and nuclear armed forces need to demonstrate its will and resolve to take decisions that are solely in its own national interests. For too long it has allowed its interests to be hostaged by both regional and extra regional powers. National leadership and foreign office are expected to conduct diplomacy in a manner that the country remains positively relevant both in the regional and global context.

Over the last few days there have been heated debates in the electronic media and articles in the print media whether the former COAS should or should not lead the 41 countries' coalition with its HQ based at Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. While the arguments both for or against the decision will surely have their weight, it is clearly discernible that a certain segment within the country is vehemently opposing the decision giving it sectarian tinge, which should never be a consideration where national interests are at stake. Like all its neighbors, and other regional countries, Pakistan is entitled to take decisions that are in our interests rather than based on fears projected by elements with vested interests. Pakistan’s relations with Iran and Saudi Arabia have seen both sides over the last few decades. Both have been interacting with Pakistan purely in its own interests hence the ups and downs need to be briefly analyzed.

Pakistan and Iran enjoyed cordial relations in 1950s when their interests converged while remaining part of US framed security economic organizations directed to counter USSR`s interests in the region. Iran supported Pakistan in both its wars against India, though Shah Iran is reported to have refused any support to Pakistan when India detonated its nuclear device in 1974. Pakistan and Iran supported each other on Baloch insurgency in the 1970s, both for their own interests. As a part of the resistance against the former USSR the two countries supported the resistance movement, with Iran engaging ethnic Shia Tajiks and Pakistan mostly focusing on Pashtoon Sunnis. The relations moved downhill with the appearance of Taliban on the scene in Afghanistan during mid 90s when Pakistan recognized the Taliban government, which Iran viewed as detrimental to its interests. India, which was already struggling to expand its space in Afghanistan, primarily directed to neutralize Pakistan`s influence, fully exploited the downside in Pakistan-Iran relations that she continues till this day. Leaving apart Iran`s direct influence and engagement with Pakistan`s Shia population that has negatively impacted our internal harmony and stability, the two countries stand as clear competitors in the geo-strategic and geo-economic arena, which is clearly visible from Iran`s close engagement with our arch rival, India.

Pakistan-Saudi relations have mostly remained cordial for the most part since our independence. The relations warmed up more during the period of King Faisal as evident from naming Faisalabad, Faisal Mosque and Shahra-e-Faisal Karachi after the king. The two countries' intimacy enhanced in the 70s and 80s when Saudi Arabia supposedly helped Pakistan`s nuclear programme financially and Pakistan opened its training facilities to Saudi trainees besides placing a brigade size force at Tabuk. In early 80s, the two countries joined hands under the patronage of USA to defeat the USSR in Afghanistan. In the face of international sanctions after Pakistan's nuclear detonation in 1998 responding to India’s explosions, Saudi Arabia was one country that extended all help to Pakistan. The relations saw a brief downslide when Pakistan refused to formally become part of the Saudi led coalition in its war against Iran backed Houtis in Yemen. Exploiting its links established during Afghan resistance against USSR, Saudi Arabia continued to remain engaged with its supporter groups within Pakistan primarily to neutralize Shia Iran`s influence in Pakistan thus negatively influencing our domestic environment.

Given the brief analysis above, it is clearly evident that what has impacted our bilateral relations more over these decades are pure national interests. Pakistan therefore need to rise above these ethno-sectarian fears while formulating its foreign policy. I have no doubt that the government and the Army as an institution have gone through the entire process of deliberation before taking this important decision. In my view General Raheel Sharif must lead the 41 countries coalition for the following reasons.

One, it will raise Pakistan`s stature among the member countries and international comity. Two, the enemies’ efforts to isolate Pakistan will be effectively neutralized. Three, Pakistan`s economy will receive greater boost through increased opportunities with member countries. Four, military to military relations with member countries are likely to expand thus creating more opportunities for defense exports. Five, Pakistan being friendly to Saudi Arabia, and an important neighbor of Iran will be in a better position to work for improving Iran Saudi relations using this forum. Six, Pakistanis working in Gulf countries will remain secure besides opening more avenues for Pakistani skilled and unskilled manpower with in the member countries. Seven, the mistrust in Pakistan Saudi relations created with Pakistan`s refusal to join the coalition will be cleared. Eight, greater diplomatic support to Pakistan`s long term issues with India can be expected.

Pakistan has mostly over the past either extended its support too cheaply or remained in a fear syndrome while handling regional and global relations. Time has come that we rise up to our true potential and take decisions that are not only timely and bold but in accordance with the true aspirations of over 200 million Pakistanis.

http://nation.com.pk/blogs/30-Mar-2...if-should-lead-the-islamic-military-coalition

Raheel Sharif is a good man.

 

[EnggineerShahjehan]

Were the similar questions raised during Indo-Iran 2004 Defence Pact,,, Y are we acting as under dog and giving explanations,,, thisn is in our interest so we did it,,,,

If u want to make every one happy,,, don't become a leader,,, sell Icecream.

 

[Mustafa.s78692]

The coalition should settle issues about suffering humanity in Kashmir Palestine Burma Africa which should be put under charter manshoor program from the beginning so that later on with time the unity would serve for eradicating wars and make policies in view of co existence and mutual respect

 

[ChineseToTheBone]

It's about time Pakistan begins to assert itself as the leader of the Islamic world. The regional monarchs can remain kings of their own territories but the sooner they realize they cannot command the whole of Islamic world the better.

I hope this will indeed be the case, but do you think nations of the Gulf Cooperation Council will fully accept Pakistan in the leadership role when the country is not Arab?