TTP, LeJ in Syria

Grave repercussions for Pakistan

Outside interference in Syria continues to prolong the human suffering. The responsibility for this lies on the US, its European allies, Syria’s Arab neighbours as well as Turkey. Despite this massive outside assistance, the rebels have failed to overthrow the regime which in spite of its despotic character enjoys the support of a significant section of the population. Regime change is considered vital by the US which is fully focused on isolating Iran. The excuse that the rebels deserve support as they are fighting an oppressive regime is no more than a fig leaf as the US and its allies continue to bolster the backward Arab regimes which have put down with an iron hand demands for democracy and human rights. Like Iraq under Saddam Hussain, Syria was a stable country. What is more, the regime’s secular policies ensured the peaceful coexistence of different sects and religions. In its pursuit of foisting a government of its choice on Syria the US has helped extremist groups to inflict a lasting damage on the Syrian society. Like Iraq and Afghanistan, the US and its Western allies have turned Syria into a magnet that draws extremists from all over the world. Thanks to foreign intervention, the al Qaeda too has established its presence in the country.

Hundreds of volunteers coming over from various European countries to fight in Syria have made European governments wary about possible repercussions. Fears are being expressed that these irregulars will one day return to Europe, with radical ideas, traumatized and fully prepared to use violence. Plans are afoot to monitor their activities closely once they return.

The news of LeJ and TTP militants setting up camps in Syria should make Islamabad ponder over the consequences of the development. That two militant organisations with headquarters in Pakistan are extending their reach to the Middle East is likely to be noted with concern by the international community which is fed up with terrorism. That the networks are out to destabilize a country which has a history of friendly relations with Pakistan is also a disturbing development. President Obama has already declared that America’s ultimate goal is to force Assad to step down. To achieve that objective, the US is pondering over sending arms to the rebels, some of which are likely to fall into the hands of the TTP activists also. At a news conference in April, Secretary Kerry said that additional non-lethal aid to the rebels might include bulletproof vests and night-vision goggles. The American officials say that the assistance through the CIA includes antitank weapons and ammunition. The Arab allies do not rule out plans to deliver antiaircraft weapons also to the rebels. If the TTP and LeJ activists can travel by speed boats from Balochistan’s coast to Muscat and then onward to Syria, they can bring back their newly acquired weapons back to Pakistan through the same route. This would considerably add to the threat posed by them. It is time a coordinated action is launched to rid the country of the menace of militancy.