It’s the narrative, stupid!
It seems political strangulation is leaving the government with little time to work on some of the most urgent issues facing the country, like the polio problem. Continued attacks on polio workers not only ruin lives but also bring shame to the country. Yet the lack of concern on part of the government is surprising. The recent story of a volunteer, who kept working despite not being paid for months, and was later shot and left on his own speaks volumes about the government’s non-serious attitude. According to news reports, his hospital dues were paid only after the news reached the media.
There is more to this problem than providing security to workers. The problem lies in not having a proper narrative. Unfortunately, we are a country where extremists have been able to sell a narrative that polio drops cause impotence – some mullahs even said they act as homing signals for drones. And there is still no counter narrative from the government; one which stresses the need for polio drops to safeguard our children’s future.
The government still seems struggling with the fact that terrorism – of which the polio crisis is a very serious extension – will take more than a military operation to counter completely. Efforts must be made to offset long years of indoctrination that had turned much of the tribal area into the terrorist’s ideal habitat. But in a situation where the government is not even providing adequate security to workers administering polio drops, the chances of a thorough, long-term program are very slim.
Soon enough Zarb-e-Azb will move down from the mountains. And as it reaches main cities and becomes more intel-intensive, the war of narratives will become even more important. The government must not be left behind the curve, and mobilise resources to counter the brainwashing that terrorists posing as Islamic revivalists employ to their advantage. Even if bombs and bullets clear Waziristan now, the effort will be useless unless the public mind is cleansed of terrorism.
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