Negative American approach

The POST, Sun, Jan,20, 2008.

Pervaiz Iqbal Cheema

It is not surprising that so many American intellectuals are talking about Pakistan these days but the general tendency that has been recently exhibited continues to revolve around more on negative approaches than constructive. One can understand such approaches during an election year but to go overboard reflects something undesirable. There is no doubt that the Americans are helping Pakistan in its fight against terrorism but one should not forget that Pakistan has also been delivering-a fact that has been repeatedly acknowledged by many American officials including President Bush. 

A recent newspaper report indicated that once again some American speakers expressed their apprehensions during Congressional hearings but this time suggestions were also made to engage countries that share common interests with regard to Pakistan. One eminent American scholar mentioned that China should also be engaged in formulating some constructive approach towards Pakistan. 

Undoubtedly this is a welcome addition in terms of thinking constructively. Not only China is a great friend of Pakistan but has always supported Pakistan in times of need. The advice given by China would indeed reflect not only their experience of engagement with Pakistan but also desire for overall stability of South Asia. Pakistan is passing through a difficult phase currently and would indeed welcome all kinds of constructive inputs by all friendly countries. 

Three areas of concern are repeatedly expressed by Americans. These include the over-projected internal instability, the danger of Pakistan’s nuclear, the developments in FATA region etc. There are no two opinions that the nation was shocked over the assassination of former Prime Minister and no one has condoned such an undesirable brutal act. In some sense the subsequent expression of rage is easily comprehensible. 

The rage expressed over the tragic event does not necessarily imply instability in Pakistan but one cannot doubt the fact that sometimes the anger expressed is projected as instability. Not only the Pakistanis are continuing their engagement with the throws of daily life but the even situation gradually returned to normalcy. The sharp fall in stock exchange business was also understandable. To continuously dwell on themes like internal instability either reflects the over sensitivities of the Pakistan Watchers in US or considerable unfamiliarity with the real situation in the target area.                                

Almost all Pakistanis would like to see a stable and prosperous Pakistan. However in election year the activities invariably multiply primarily because the people of Pakistan prefer to actively participate both in the electioneering campaign as well as in the actual polling. It is not unusual that the political parties come out with all kinds of intended policies with a view to eventually resolve all the problems confronting the nation. 

Linked with this is the often repeated objective of injecting democracy in Pakistan. By all yardsticks it is difficult to refute that Pakistan does not fulfill the basic tenets of democracy. Not only the elections of both the local bodies and the national/provincial assemblies took place but an elected parliament functioned and was dissolved only after it has completed its constitutional term.

What is often being highlighted is the fact that the elections were not free and fair. The blame of rigging is often put forward by those who loose the elections. There is indeed a justification that such claims would be advanced by the losers. There are three known stages of rigging; pre-poll, during poll and post poll. Most third world countries do not have perfect election system but what they can do is to ensure as far as possible to have the poll conducted freely and without any elements of intimidation. In this regards, the Election Commission require the support of not only the government but also of all the participating political parties and independent observers. The parties should assist and help the Election Commission in ensuring the transparency and fairness of the elections. 

 The second area of American concern revolves around the danger of Pakistan’s nuclear assets falling into the wrong hands. It has been repeatedly highlighted that Pakistani nukes are not only in safe hands but the Command and Control system of Pakistan is excellent. Some American officials have also acknowledged that Pakistanis are quite capable to safeguard their nukes yet there are some others who prefer to over-project this fabricated danger. 

The question that is often debated revolves around why skeptical American analysts continue dwelling rather heavily on this theme. It obvious that they do not believe their own officials. Alternatively it is also interpreted that these are tactics meant to divert attention from their own failings both in Iraq as well as in Afghanistan. For years this group focused that how great their work in both these countries yet everybody was knows that they have successfully messed up situations in both Iraq and Afghanistan. 

Another interpretation that is gaining rapid popularity is that the Americans have not abandoned their old objective of depriving Pakistan of their nuclear capability. Initially they Pressurized Pakistan not to acquire nuclear weapons but they did not apply similar pressures on India. But when India acquire the nuclear weapon capability, they could not stop Pakistan as they were well aware of the then existing situation. The current argument is preparing grounds that the Pakistani nukes could fall into the hands of undesirable elements, therefore it should either be under the American control which many Pakistanis interpret means depriving the Pakistani its nuclear arm. 

The third area of expressed concern revolves around development in FATA. Indeed it is a difficult and complex situation in the tribal areas. Reports are indicating that situation in Swat has been brought under control and even the situation in Waziristan is also gradually improving. Part of the contributions in making tribal areas situation somewhat complex came from the inapt American policies in Afghanistan since 1980. 

It is amazing the way Pakistan situation is projected in America. One can understand the contributions of many lobbies that are working against the interests of Pakistan but when one reads exaggerated version in the well established Newspapers when get extremely disappointed and begin to rethink about their credibility. It is ironic that the same newspaper used to give different interpretations in not too distant past. 

While one can understand their concerns, the recipes suggested are always in punitive form in the recent past. Indeed one begins to wonder about the dearth of constructive thinking in US. The suggestion regarding the possible involvement of the Chinese appears to be reflective of positive thinking.  Given the rapidly increasing distrust of the Americans, it is imperative for the Americans to adopt an innovative and constructive approach and make more positive proposals rather than harping too much on the inbuilt or acquired negativism.

The writer works for Islamabad Policy research Institute.