The Waziristan peace deal
05 October, 2006
By Anwar Mahmood
Peace in Waziristan, and elsewhere in Pakistan, is what the nation wants to hear about. Musharraf's deal with the tribal elders is a wise and bold step to mitigate some unpopular tilt to the west, which was overly dictated by the circumstances following 9/11 incidents.
Musharraf has been honest, clear and right to tell the west that they would loose the war on terror without Pakistan's help. Europe has no stomach for war after two world wars and the bloody feuding within Europe earlier in the 18th and 19th centuries. Americans have very little experience in bloody long ground wars. They have mainly relied on heavy air power that makes wars forbidden due to very high cost and exit becomes essential.
Musharraf may have done it right to bid for peace in Waziristan through the help of the elders there. Pakistan's prime concern is the security of the country, where geographical importance is compelling to brace for future dangers. Pakistan has no desire to get crushed between the US and Europe on one side and the now awakened Russian- Chinese block. Both these powers (US and EU) are feeling the heat of getting played out by the other, especially after the central Asia concerning Shanghai accord.
Last year EU and US played "feel the other side" type of warm up of chess game with a gentle start. This year they have gone overly aggressive. America is looking for every opportunity to encroach into the remaining power of Russia, which on its part is openly talking about America's bid to tear it apart. The country has formed with China the Shanghai Cooperation Organization in a bid to stand up against America. Pravda few days ago brought out a new doctrine of even participating in wars in the neighborhood.
With dangers brewing around, Pakistan internal bleeding must stop for permanent peace. Musharraf has done the very right thing. Very intensive terror related partnership with America might have been the need of the hour immediately after 9/11, given the threats coming Pakistan ways.
Pakistan was ignored and thrown away like a used lemon before 9/11. Mr. Armitage, days before 9/11, was reported to have told the Indians in New Delhi that Pakistan was very close to be declared a terrorist state. But as surprise for the world, no Pakistani was found participating in 9/11 tragedies.
Afghanistan is least governable country in the world and great men like Alexander have historically admitted the fact the Great, Chengez Khan, Tamerlane, the British and now the Americans. Nobody has ever been able to stabilize that country in the past and no one has ever been able to stop civil wars or worst corruption there.
Afghans only find excuse to fight and the foreign intruders nice or mean, have always been baffled to exit the land amidst their intrigued ways of killing. Looking for fair ways in Afghanistan could end one up in the grave. Any body trying to stabilize those people needs his head examined.
With Pakistan's help and with not even a minor happening of terror in America since 9/11, Musharraf may have been right to give it a break for ugly killings to happen in Pakistan. When things are cured, you do not keep giving medicines to the ailing person forever. When the injuries have recovered, you do not tender the person with new bandages.
Pakistan has shown to the west that it will be there when needed to cure things. At the same time, we have no desire to get between the wheels of death when the titans of the world's powers clash in the bid to control the world.
The real objective of the great powers appears to be the same domination of the world and its energy resources. The situation is too dangerous for Pakistan to do any thing beyond war on terror. Moscow doctrine driven by Russia and China related Shanghai Accord clearly defines America and Nato as enemies ahead of war on terror. And Central Asia is not written off for America as well.
Turkmenistan has not signed or joined in on Shanghai Accord and near by Georgia is at revolt with Russia. America is throwing wealth, some of it borrowed from China, on Central Asia to hold it in its sway. The wars in Iraq and Afghanistan are stalemated and getting nowhere.
There are too many dangers around us that could easily slip the world into world war three. Pakistan must act safe and stay safe with things like peace through elders in Waziristan.
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