Mr Arif Nizami’s assessment on the situation of the country after Hillary Clinton’s visit is partially correct. Both the countries have understood each others point of view and have shown seriousness to resolve the issues through mutual discussions. But, at the same time, the US being sole super power has also sounded warning that Pakistan’s harboring militants was in a bad taste. Pakistan has always denied such accusations and this time again made it clear that it was not involved.
Pakistan army backed by the government has made one thing very clear that Pakistan is not going to tolerate any unilateral action by the US and in case our sovereignty is breached Pakistan will retaliate without caring about the consequences.
As pointed out by the writer Pakistan was really under great pressure for quite some time on accusations that the ISI was backing Haqqani network. After the acknowledgment of Hillary Clinton that they were in contact with Haqqanis and Taliban, they now stand on a weaker ground and vindicate our stand.
It is true that Obama wants to prove to the people of US that he is going to complete the unfinished agenda of George Bush in the hope of getting elected for the second term where the chances are remote. Killing of OBL (remains doubtful) may not help him much because of bad economy and criticism by the people of US having spent trillions of dollars on Afghan war without achieving any results.
We should not worry about India signing agreements with Afghanistan. Both are sovereign states and should do what is considered good for the country. Instead of protesting, we should put our house in order. India has been trying for many years to come closer to the US as is evident from the investment India has made in Afghanistan, just to please the US.
Taliban have virtually defeated US in Afghanistan and can hit any target suiting their convenience. It is not possible to cover every inch of the ground by deploying troops and that is what has forced the US to talk to Taliban and Haqqani group. Since the US is entering into negotiations with militants, Pakistan should also play its role and get itself involved in the talks, because no settlement shall work until and unless Pakistan is not taken on board. Pakistan will not accept any hostility by US against ISI and Pakistan army as it would mean hostility on the people of Pakistan. Unfortunately, the US still thinks that it can surmount anything by using military power but this principal has failed in Iraq and Afghanistan and shall fail against any one else.
Hillary Clinton’s remarks that the US is on board up to 95 percent with the Pakistan army is a healthy sign. It appears that they have agreed on burning issues except for the Haqqanis that would also be resolved amicably. The US should understand that Pakistan forces are being regularly attacked by militants across the border. Under the circumstances it is not fair to accuse Pakistan. If the US has the right to attack the groups who attack them, then Pakistan has also the right to retaliate if attacked including the US.
Pakistan has been cooperating with the US on war on terror and would like to continue to fight together. Under the present circumstances, the US needs Pakistan more while Pakistan cannot afford to annoy it, hence both parties must realise the core requirement and shed away mistrust by accommodating each other’s interests. Pakistan has legitimate stakes in Afghanistan and should be on board in shaping the outcome of Afghan conflict. US should stop doubting our intentions and integrity, acknowledge our sacrifices and prove to be a good mother-in-law.
MUKHTAR AHMED
Karachi