Front PagePakistan is Cornered
Submitted by K Prabhakar Rao on Wed, 03/07/2007 - 09:01. al qaeda dadullah jalaluddin haqani madrasas obaidullah akhund omar pakistan taliban
Prof Dr Colonel (Retired) K Prabhakar Rao
In the struggle against Terrorism, Pakistan has been on the side of USA commencing with the invasion of Taliban regime in Afghanistan after 9/11 attack on WTC in New York. Pakistan is strategically very important in the South Asia as it has neighbors such as Iran, former Russian satellites and Afghanistan apart from the formidable and arch rival India. India has no direct border with Afghanistan at present and thus Pakistan was very vital for Americans in dethroning Taliban in the last conflict. At the same time, the border areas with Afghanistan are treacherous, mountainous and inhabited by war like tribes men. These areas are called Waziristan forming the part of North Western Frontier Areas (NWFA) during the British rule in Indian sub continent. The Government finds it difficult to administer these areas even today (1).But this is not impossible for a committed government.
Pakistan produced Taliban in their Madrasas during the occupation of Afghanistan by the Russians during nineties. Pakistan fully aided, trained, quartered, armed and abetted Taliban during their struggle against the Russians and they were amply supported reportedly by the US administration. It was the requirement of the hour for strategic balance and for maintaining the position of Super power status and influence in the world. Once the Russians withdrew, Taliban assumed power in Afghanistan and took the country back to medieval period. Women were forbidden from education and they were severely ill treated. Men were judged by the length of beards that were measured. Those who were not keeping proper beards were flogged. The country became center for narcotic and drug trade and it was encouraged as a source of revenue. Arms and ammunition were freely sold in bazaars (Markets) as vegetables are sold freely on the dirty and dusty roadside in third world countries (including India). They destroyed statues of Bamiyan Buddhas as they represented idol worship. Taliban harbored AlQaeda leadership in their country and finally paid prize for the fault and were driven out by allied forces. However Taliban leaders, AlQaeda leaders and many cadres escaped into the lawless Waziristan province and are hiding there (2). There are other thugs and Taliban terrorists such as Mullah Dadullah( The former Taliban intelligence chief), Mullah Omar(Founder of the movement), Maulvi Obaidullah (Former Defense Minister) ( recently arrested in Pakistan near Quetta), Jalaluddin Haqani( Former minister of tribal affairs) escaped from the US forces and are reportedly hiding in Pakistan. (3). Osama bin Laden too is believed to have escaped into Pakistan after the bombings at Tora Bora caves. Most of the Taliban leaders are believed to be hiding near Quetta with impunity. Nearly five years have passed since the defeat of Taliban and the leaders of Taliban and AlQaeda are yet to be arrested and brought to justice (4).
Although the war against terrorism is going on since 2001, USA had great hopes in Pakistan that was an ally in the subcontinent and believed that it would be able to go hammer and Tong against these terrorists. However no such things happened. Pakistan has taken the Americans on a rough camel ride. Pakistan captured an occasional Al Qaeda activist or Taliban fighters while the NATO forces in Afghanistan were struggling to eliminate terrorists and secure complete peaceful Afghanistan for Karzai, the Afghan President. The tragic part is that over these years, Taliban and Al Qaeda criminals who found safe sanctuary with- in Pakistan have regrouped and are showing their improved capabilities and fighting prowess. This is evident from the recent conflict outside Kandahar between NATO forces along with Afghan troops with Taliban in which 1000 Taliban were killed. NATO commanders and troops were aghast at the fight and resistance put up by the Taliban against a superior enemy and the might of independent American air force (5). This is some thing that can not be brushed aside easily. How a demoralized Taliban driven out of Afghanistan under the might of American (NATO) power could reemerge? Answer is very simple. They were sheltered in Pakistan’s most inhospitable terrain of Waziristan and Pakistan turned a Nelson’s eye towards their activities, regrouping and reemergence. Infact, ISI of Pakistan is believed to be the active participant in these activities.
However of late, the pointing and accusing finger is towards Pakistan that is seen as the country as nerve center for international Terrorism. It is believed strongly that all international terrorist activities and plans are emanating from this country although outwardly the country shows off as if it is also fighting terrorism world wide and co operating with America. There is a saying that people can be fooled once and twice even. But can not be fooled eternally. In case of Pakistan, this saying has come true. There have been heated discussions in US Senate on this issue, wherein the Senators demanded direct military action against the Taliban and AlQaeda criminals in Pakistani territory. However Pakistan on March 4 made it clear with a bold face that there was no understanding with coalition forces that allowed them to target alleged Taliban and AlQaeda sites in Pakistan. “No foreign forces will be allowed to launch direct air strikes inside Pakistan‘s territory”. The Chief military spokesman told Dawn. Major General Waheed Arshad , the Director General of Inter Services Public relations (ISPR) said that Pakistani security forces were fully capable of handling any situation and have been playing important role in containing terrorism. Foreign office spokesman Tasneem Aslam said, “No one would be allowed to cross territorial limits of Pakistan to take military action.” It was revealed that a tripartite commission comprising of Pakistan, Afghanistan and the international security assistance force in Afghanistan (ISAF) was a forum where such issues could be discussed and sorted out. She also said that Pakistan has captured number of terrorists and handed over these criminals to USA. Yet these actions are considered inadequate
It was also revealed by Tasneem Aslam that America has pledged on its part US $ 1.5 billion millions of military financing from 2005 to 2009 to support military forces and designated Pakistan as a major non NATO ally and agreed on sale of F 16 fighter aircraft. The tragic part is that inspite of such commissions as narrated by Ms Tasneem Aslam of Pakistan; the NATO commanders do not believe Pakistan. They are of firm opinion that Pakistan is fully aware of the Taliban and AlQaeda actions within their country and that the nation is only turning a Nelsons eye to the issue (6).
Pakistan was much embarrassed when US Senators took the country to task. Senators went as far as to ask if the international law would allow US forces to strike at terrorist targets inside Pakistan. Republican Senator Jeff Sessions suggested that US could attack terror camps inside Pakistan under the same agreement used to justify the post 9/11 invasion of Taliban ruled Afghanistan . Of late, Senators have been very critical of Pakistan’s role on the aspect of containing terrorism within Pakistan. “You either are supporting these people or you are not assuming control over your country. Either way we can not wait”. Sessions said referring to Pakistan’s dodgy policy on terror. “What Pakistani leaders need to contemplate is which is harder for them–acting to do something about this or us acting to do something about this” warned Indiana Democrat Evan Bayh (7). This was really a devastating warning and criticism against another sovereign country Pakistan. Thus Pakistan stands exposed over its role in terrorism.
The serious warning from the Senators has unnerved Pakistan and its Ambassador in Washington said that any US pressures and threats of cutting off aid in US $ Billions of millions to Pakistan could destabilize his country and also could result in the fall of the regime of General Musharraf. The most important part is that Pakistan has nuclear weapons and Mullahs in the country are only itching and waiting for an opportunity to gain control over them and turn it into an Islamic Bomb. Although Pakistan helped to Talibanise Afghanistan in the face of Russian occupation, there is no dearth of similar outfits within Pakistan who are as fundamentalist as Afghan Taliban or even worse. Pakistani military Junta and President Musharraf have been taking advantage of this argument that destabilizing Pakistan would result in the rise of Mullahs to power. There is a great danger of Pakistan getting turned into Talibanised Pakistan wielding nuclear arsenal, a different scenario. It is like a devil devouring its own master who created it. Does this amount to blackmailing the Super power showing the nuclear potential and the Mullahs in waiting?
American Vice President Dick Cheney recently air dashed to Pakistan and Afghanistan and held talks. During his visit to Afghanistan an attempt was made on his life by a suicide bomber and he escaped and was safe (8). The incident reveals the great threat of Taliban- rise again in the region and inability of Pakistan to contain terrorism in the region and its failure to apprehend these criminals become more focused and important. In fact, Dick Cheney carried a stern message from the American President on the aspect of containing terrorism. This was driven home and Pakistan had to act. The famous warning of President George Bush, “Either you are with me or with them” was probably conveyed. This time, the message most probably was “Either you act or I shall act”. The result was seen quickly. One of the senior Taliban leaders and former Minister of Defense Mullah Obaidullah Akhund described as No.2 to Mullah Omar deputy to Osama Bin Laden was arrested reportedly during a raid in Quetta. This was a prize catch after 2001 invasion of Afghanistan. US and NATO officials had repeatedly charged that Taliban leaders were hiding in Quetta which Pakistan denied and dismissed as mere non sense (9). Had Pakistan really co operated with USA in spirit and action in catching the criminals hiding in its territory apart from gobbling American aid in US dollars, all the criminals would have been brought to justice by this time and this would have been a feather in the cap of President George Bush in his tirade against the terrorists. The question is how this Taliban leader has been caught in Pakistan now? Probably General Musharraf knows better. The aspect of Pakistan’s involvement in abetting revival of Taliban in it’s territory that has been brought out by many writers and journalists stands proved (10). Some horses in a race willingly run while some need good flogging. Pakistan thus stands exposed completely and nakedly in the fight against international terrorism.
Bibliography
1 Prof Dr Colonel (retired) K Prabhakar Rao, Strategic studies into Muslim fundamentalism and it’s rise in India and its growing threat to India’s security across the borders. Ph D thesis, International University, Independence, USA, 2003, PP 221-228
2. Prof Dr Colonel (retired) K Prabhakar Rao NATO offensive in Afghanistan needs to be pushed up, www.faithcommons.org,
3. Prof Dr Colonel (retired) K Prabhakar Rao. Taliban is getting stronger and reviving, www.faithcommons.org, November 22, 2006, 09:02
4. Max Boot. Pakistan is promoting Afghan fire (Afghan mantalanu egadostunna Pak in Telugu) (With special arrangement with Washington Post), Eenadu daily, Hyderabad, AP, India, Date November 21, 2006, PP 4
5. Jason Burke, The spring offensive, India Today, February, 26, 2007, PP 90-92
6. Iftikhar A Khan, US can’t strike inside Pak: Army, Deccan chronicle, Hyderabad, AP, India, Date March 5, 2007, PP 11
7. Chidanand Rajghatta, US all for ‘Hot pursuit in Pak, Deccan chronicle, Hyderabad, AP, India, Date March 03, 2007, PP 15
6. Alisa Tang. Taliban Bomber targets Cheney, Deccan Chronicle, Hyderabad, AP, India, Date February, 28, 2007, and PP 10
9. Ibid, Column 4
10. Seema Mustafa, The return of Taliban, Indian intelligence sure Pakistan behind revival, Deccan chronicle, Hyderabad, AP, India, Date May, 2, 2006, PP 9
RELATED LINKS
By
Prof Dr Colonel (Retired) K Prabhakar Rao
1. Taliban is getting stronger and reviving, November 22, 2006, 09:02
2. Are Arabs regrouping to destroy Israel? November 24, 2006, 08:58
3. American policy in the Middle East after Republican Party debacle, November 25, 25, 2006, 07:07
4. The American President uneasy January 30, 200, 10:22
5. Religion and world peace, October 10, 2006, 0200
6. Islam at cross roads, October 27, 2006, 10:29
OTHER LINKS
1. Ramesh Ramachandran, Indians have little or no support. Deccan Chronicle, Hyderabad, AP, India, Date May 2, 2006 PP 9
2. MK Bhadrakumar, Taliban is a political reality, Deccan Chronicle, Hyderabad, AP, India, Date May 2, 2006, PP 9
3. Greg Mill, Get to know the Taliban, International Herald Tribune in Deccan Chronicle, Hyderabd, AP, India, Date September 16, 2006, PP 7
4. Compiled from dispatches, Britain foils the Big one, 21 held in UK, most of Pak origin, Mid air Bomb Plot, Deccan Chronicle, Hyderabad, AP, India, Date August 11, 2006, PP 1-3
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Pakistan exposed
Dear readers,
Infact, Pakistan has been obtaining American Aid in such great proportions probably no third world country is getting, mainly as a gift for cooperating with USA in its fight agaist Terrorism. Unfortumately Pakistan has used the oppertunity to literally blackmail USA with a possible Mullah take over by the fall of Military regime led by General Musharraf that is a bit more modern. But definately not like Turkey although Musharraf harbors of going down the lane of History as another Mustafa Kemal of Turkey. There is no comparison between them. Kemal transformed Turkey into modern State free of Islamic usual fundamentalism and obscure practices of medieval practices. He ran the country like any modern western nation. Pakistan suffers from Islamic fundamenatlist thought , Shariat dictatorship and there are innumerable family honor killings in Pakistan that go un notoiced in the world. There may be occasional fashinable Pakistani woman dressed in western style whose photograph is flashed in the newspapers, But the nation struggles in medieval concepts still and is dominated by the thought of Mullahs. However America should not get worried about possible Pak black mail citing nuclear weapons and Mullahs rise as it happened in Iran. Pakistan failed to keep nuclear secrets. This was a shock literally to USA as it took lightly while Pakistan produced the bomb. The most qualified and celebrated Pakistani scientist khan sold the secrets for a consideration to Rogue nations and it was a shameful act and infact the crime would have been treated as treason in any sane country. The punishmnet for treason in any country has to be death. There is no bigger sin than treason in the world and those who indulge in these crimes have to pay dearly with their lives. But Khan escaped the severe punishment. The result is that world is being blackmailed by the rogue nations. The point to note is why America should worry if pakistan has gone nuclear now at this stage. There is a saying in India that that there is no point in holding fresh levaes once the hands have been burnt. Before Pakistan falls into the hands of Mullahs and the nuclear bomb is turned into Islamic bomb that is the most cherished dream of the criminals around the world, USA has to initiate actions to secure all Pak nuclear war heads to safety if it is really interested in preserving world peace ,a noble responsibility as super power in the world. Its failure to contain Iran during the days of downfall of Shah of Iran is costing greatly now with Mullahs of Iran clamoring for a nuclear weapon and its posible use against Irael, once acquired and the Iranian President made no bones about its use. His threat to Israel can not be taken lightly as a mere threat. It has been also reporetd in press earlier that Iran claimed that world was reaching an end and possibly the iranian bomb would result in destruction of the world. As it is, the world is threatened by Iran and the sane countries can not sit quiet and watch helplessly while Islamic bomb emanates from Pakistan and poses threat to the world. Pakistan has not believed in democratic government. Most of the time in its life eversince 1947, it has suffered Military dictatorship starting from Ayub Khan to Musharraf. These Generals have not bright any prosperity to the nation and concentrated on India hate campaign and grew militarily while poverty flourished in the country. Pakistan is one of the poorest and backward nations in the world and lack scientific education in the country and this has also resulted in growth of fundamentalism.
Pakistan has failed to contain terrorism emanating from it and this is hightime USA initiates and maintains continuous pressure on Pkaistan and if it fails further ,direct militrary intervention in Pkaistan is essential;. Pakitan can never venture to use nuclear weapon against American troops and they know that it would be end of their country. Therefore, America should go very strong against it with determination to exterminate Taliban and Alqaeda criminals. There should not be reapt of Iran in Pakistan.
DR K Prabhakar Rao