Questionable timing

The POST, Sun, Mar,30, 2008.

Pervaiz Iqbal Cheema

The recent visit of two important American officials have invoked reaction and raised many questions among the various segments of Pakistani society. Generally accepted impression, though not popular with all segments, revolves around the notion of pressurization and interference in Pakistani affairs. While the difference opinion exists, there is no doubt that a sizable majority of people believe that primary objective of this particular visit was to influence the new regime in Pakistan.

Given the nature of past relationships, it is not too far fetched to assume that streaks of interference have reflected periodically. It is neither surprising nor unusual that a powerful nation edges smaller nations and at times even dictates terms to weak and needy countries in order to bring them in line with their way of thinking. The era of Cold War is studded with examples when the great power flexed its muscles in order to influence the smaller partner.

Cognizant of well known American objectives in the area, the newly elected Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gillani assured the visiting American officials that not only Pakistan is deeply committed and determined to fight terrorism but has also sacrificed a lot including its leader Benazir Bhutto in its fight against terrorism. However he did not mince words when he stressed that all major policy decisions would be made through parliament. He further stated that the new government was determined to fight terrorism in all its forms as it is in Pakistan’s own interests but also referred to the need for a comprehensive approach that includes political solutions.

The Prime Minister also stressed that Pakistan was desirous of maintaining long term close ties with the USA. Prior to the visits of American Officials the American President Bush had telephoned the Prime Minister Gillani and conveyed that US was ready to work with him. Later President Bush used his authority to exempt Pakistan from a law that restricts funding some countries.

The visiting American officials have met not just the Prime Minister and the other leaders of coalition partners but also visited the border town of Lundikotal and held detailed meetings with the high ranking officers of Pakistan army and the tribal elders. In addition the US officials called on the President and other dignitaries. It appears that they have met almost everybody that matters.

It is not too far fetched to assume that the visiting officials were not only familiarizing themselves with the emerging trends in the country but were also assessing the nature of Pakistanis resolve to carry on the fight against terrorism. Former Prime Minister Nawaz Shairf did not mince words when he explained how he viewed the situations. He reportedly stated, ‘The basic issue is that just as the US wants to be safe from terrorism, we don’t want to see bombs and missiles falling on our villages, we want our people to be safe and we don’t want blood to flow in our streets’.

It has also been reported that during their talks with PPP leadership Mr. Bilawal Bhutto and Asif Zardari somewhat similar thoughts were expressed. They seemed to have stressed that not only the matter would be extensively discussed in the parliament and the best course of action would be evolved but reference to negotiation was also made just as the Prime Minister emphasized the need for a comprehensive approach which would include negotiation as well.

Almost all analysts agree that the visiting US officials had multiple objectives which included the familiarization with the new political setup and regime, assessing the Pakistani determination and will to carry on its fight against terrorism, the nature of Pak-US relations, injecting American recipes for regional troubles etc.

The Pakistani side seems to have effectively conveyed its own interpretation of the situation and also highlighted the supremacy of the parliament. Almost all the leaders have stressed the need for parliamentary discussions and debates with the objectives of evolving an approach that would effectively protect Pakistan’s national interests.

There is no doubt in my mind that most Pakistani was apprehensive about the recent visit as they saw it as part of ongoing American campaign of pressurization. Unable to demonstrate visible gains in terms of Afghanistan’s stability, the policies adopted by the American officials in Afghanistan as well as at the decision making level in Washington revolved around on shifting the blame on someone else and in this case the target was Pakistan.

In a recent interview the former Governor of NWFP who comes from the tribal area categorically stated that the Americans applied regular pressures on the Pakistanis and asked them to do more and even more. Not much was ever highlighted among the American decision making circles the failure of American policy in Afghanistan to attain the often stated objectives.

Admittedly Pakistan is a key ally in war against terrorism; the other partners are also expected to play their role. But an impartial analysis clearly reveals that very few partners in the international coalition to combat terrorism have really played any noticeable role. The most active and effective role was indeed played by Pakistan yet Pakistan was always either made the scapegoat or pressurized to do more.

While it is difficult to say that there would be major shift in our relations with the US, the policy regarding the war on terror would be discussed in order to evolve a comprehensive approach. However it needs to be mentioned here that the timing of the American visitors was not at all appropriate despite the fact, as Pakistan’s foreign office has stated, that the visit was a scheduled one.

Given the global environment that followed the tragic events of 9th September 2001, the regularly applied blame game, incumbent level of anti-Americanism among the general public, the developments prior to recent elections and the emergence of new regime which is still going through the processes of cabinet formation, it would have been far better if the visit had been postponed for few weeks.

The writer works for Islamabad Policy research Institute.