Terrorists and the government may make it work
Now that the over a decade-long war on terrorism in Afghanistan and Pakistan is going to wind up by the end of next year, efforts to make peace with the terrorists have become a priority. President Asif Ali Zardari in this regard seems to have hit the mark when he said that war alone was no solution to terrorism and that hate-mongers needed to be countered with peaceful efforts. The way the world powers are going about tackling terrorism is indeed no solution. In fact, it has become a legitimate concern that war alone is only producing more terrorism. This is why the president is right in pointing out to the world that talks are as much important for peace as is having the capacity to overcome terrorists militarily.
This two-point strategy has already been put into practice as the president has ordered strict action, without any discrimination, against all the banned militant outfits, while the government is considering taking TTP up on its peace talks offer. TTP has also announced that its official spokesperson Ehsanullah Ehsan would lead the talks from their side, a position they have taken probably after the government snubbed their earlier demand of releasing two of their captive commanders who they wanted to lead the talks. Another interesting development in this regard is the joining of hands by JUI-F and JI in order to help restore peace in the country. The PML-N, the third party that the TTP had asked to become a guarantor for peace talks, however, seems ambiguous and misleading in its actions and statements regarding the offer. It didn’t take any action against the LeJ chief till he handed himself over to the police authorities the other day, while the party is also accused of having soft corner for the terrorists on account of their holding a vast vote bank that it needs in the upcoming elections. It has also been accused of, though refuted by one of its leaders, to enter into a deal for seat adjustments with the extremist LeJ in at least 14 national assembly constituencies.
Whatever the reasons for PML-N’s behaviour, or for that matter JUI-F, JI or the government’s own behaviour, one thing is for sure, unless there are some concrete steps taken to resolve the issue of terrorism through peaceful means, the country is only bound to face more bombings and killings. However, peace talks from a position of weakness won’t benefit the government; a reprisal of Swat is not what it should aim for. And militants must also keep in mind that in order to join the mainstream politics, they have to first put their faith in the system, submit to the constitution, and renounce violence.