Several readers have been raising a point on the legal aspects of drone attacks launched by CIA on the Pakistan’s tribal areas. But this hypothetical question is valid in peace times; we are at war with a very shrewd enemy. And in the war, both sides deploy their best and most effective resources to combat the other side. Yes, there is collateral damage causing restlessness among the local population, but then critics tell us what is the alternate to drone attacks?
Most of the tribal areas are under Taliban and Al-Qaeda’s announced/perceived control, Pakistan army and paramilitary forces are limited to their forts or guarding the interconnecting roads, in fact most of the time they look after their own safety rather than anything else. NATO forces are not permitted to lodge a ground offence, then how to deal with a nexus of Taliban and Al Qaeda terrorists. Pakistan’s right wing Urdu media and polit-religious parties are quite vocal against drone attacks —— yes, they shall raise concern over killing of 2,000 people in drone attacks (including dozens of top terrorist commanders) during last few years; but where is their concern over killing of above 40,000 civilians and military personnel, routine suicide bombings, destruction of schools, heather centers and infrastructure. Every now and then they intend to stage long march, million march and dharna (sit-in) against drone attacks, why are they silent over Pakistan’s losses. It clearly shows their inclination towards the groups operating in tribal areas, good enough to provide them the boost to continue with their massacre and destruction of Pakistan.
Nevertheless, solution doesn’t lie in military operation, drone attacks, or peace deals; solution lies with tribes only —- they need to get up and throw the brutal forces of Taliban and Al-Qaeda out of their territories. Until that day, this endless war will continue without any results.
MASOOD KHAN
Jubail, Saudi Arabia
