The change by President Obama in the national security team indicates a shift in the concept of war wherein the CIA is to have an increasing role. Gen Petraeus has been made director CIA and Leon Panetta assigned to the Pentagon. This is supposed to end the type of bickering that marked the deliberations over the Afghanistan policy. Nothing could be more harmful during the forthcoming presidential elections than internal divisions on issues of security. It is also being maintained that the change would give impetus to the shaping the US military role in Libya besides help evolve the so-called Obama doctrine to deal with the unrest in the Arab world. What would concern many in Pakistan is the impact of the change on Pakistan. That former US ambassador to Pakistan Ryan Crocker who made his mark in Iraq is being appointed as ambassador to Afghanistan is also significant.
The CIA is already playing a high-profile role in Pakistan where during the last three years it has increased the number of drone attacks manifold. Early this month, Admiral Mullen had made it amply clear that, despite Pakistan’s protests, there was going to be no respite to the attacks unless a comprehensive military operation was undertaken to target the Haqqani group and the Al Qaeda-TTP-JUD-LeT combine which has developed a global reach. Compared to Admiral Mullen, Petraeus is a much stronger advocate of drone attacks. With him minding the CIA, there is little likelihood of reduction in the agency’s activity in Pakistan either.
The change in the security team must make authorities in Pakistan seriously ponder over the choices they have. The analysis must not be based on subjective factors. President Obama expects much from the team, particularly in the region during the endgame in Afghanistan. As he has put it, “I felt that it was absolutely critical that we had this team in place so that we can stay focused on our missions, maintain our momentum and keep our nation secure.” Unless the decisions we make are realistic, the country can suffer irreparable losses.
