Pakistan and Gulf politics
Sectarian politics continues to dominate the policies of the Gulf states, particularly Saudi Arabia. Since 2011, Saudi Arabia has persecuted its Shi’a minority, which its clerics consider as heretics, and sent troops to Bahrain to put down Shi’a majority’s protests for more rights. Saudi Arabia feels threatened from Iran and the increasing Shi’a influence in Lebanon and Iraq. It continues to arm and maintain extremist groups fighting the Syrian government. In Pakistan, it has supported Nawaz Sharif though it was more at ease with military rulers Zia and Musharraf. Riyadh, however, felt uneasy with Zardari because of doctrinal differences. PPP’s support for Iran gas pipeline and its position on the Syrian transition government were looked at with antipathy.
With Nawaz Sharif in power, there was a marked change in Pakistan’s policy on Syria. The statement supporting “the formation of a transitional governing body with full executive powers enabling it to take charge of the affairs of the country” came in the wake of a Saudi delegation’s visit to Pakistan. Questions were raised regarding the quid pro quo when Pakistan received a donation of $1.5bn as ‘gift from friends’.
Saudi Arabia has two fears now. The prospect of lifting of sanctions on Iran creates premonitions in Riyadh of abandonment by western allies. It is also scared of ISIS, which is camping in Iraq adjacent to Saudi borders. When Sharif was suddenly called by Saudi monarch, questions were bound to be raised as he had left at a time when his party needed him badly for guidance.
The FO statement is assuring in so far as it clarifies that Pakistan backs Ummah’s unity without sectarian or racial considerations. Another question, however, remains unanswered. How would Pakistan respond if asked to send troops to bolster the regime against domestic threats or help it against ISIS forays? Many think an already hard pressed Pakistan fighting terrorists, while simultaneously guarding the eastern border, is not in a position to send troops to Saudi Arabia.