Good article by Yasmeen Aftab Ali. Unfortunately there is no option with Pakistan to abstain from dirtying hands again abroad. However, there are reasons behind it and I suggest the government must show its cards sooner and get this through the Parliament by virtue of majority it holds. APC is an insult to the Parliament. There is no such thing as non-alliance in personal or national life.
Vulnerable Pakistan needs friends anyways and must not dodge them anymore. Trust is the glue of life. It’s the most essential ingredient in effective communication. It’s the foundational principle that holds all relationships.
Saudi Arabia is under real threat after destruction of Iraq, Libya, Egypt and Syria. Pakistan and Iran could be at the bottom of the list. Present deal with Iran will keep it away from forthcoming conflicts for a decade and it is a clever move.
Unstable Yemen will knock on Saudi Arabia. Exactly like unstable Afghanistan has rocked Pakistan. Restoration of tri-party government in Yemen, settlement of issues and kicking Houthis may delay KSA’s expedition. If there is any attempt to rein in Houthis, Pakistan must be a part of it. Pakistan cannot afford losing last few sympathisers. Any government in Pakistan cannot say no to KSA or USA anyways.
If we support Houthis’ domination then TTP has reasons to continue. Argument that Pakistan fought American war against Russia and resulted in Islamisation within is arguable. We had no option but to stop Russia to access warm waters. The Islamisation, lashing, headscarf, strict prayers in offices, Shariah laws and so on are the gifts of Zia-ul-Haq, not USA and ban on Ahmadis and alcohol are the gifts of Bhutto.
Pakistan has huge army. It has strategic duty to support KSA but any attempt to resolve matters on the table must be option number one, always.
DR ASHRAF CHOHAN
Lahore
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"Unfortunately there is no option with Pakistan to abstain …"
So mouth it …
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