Time to Consider Bombing-Pause

Pervaiz Iqbal Cheema

The relentless bombing for over a month has not really been able to take the American any closer to the attainment of their stated objectives than what was the case before the aerial strikes started. While the Talibans initially vowed not to hand over Osama bin Laden to the Americans, the Americans declared war on terrorism and those who harbour the declared terrorists. For the last five weeks the massive American bombing has not been able to either force the Talibans to hand over Osama or surrender to the will of the Americans.

The war, so far, has not only gone badly for the Americans in terms of not being able to attain any of the stated objectives but also for the innocent Afghanis who are caught between the haughty Talibans and determined American hardliners. The main sufferers are the people of Afghanistan who have been forced to continuously confront undesired harsh conditions, which are the product of power-struggle in Afghanistan. The American bombing has further aggravated and complicated situation for them. In addition, the approaching severe winter is likely to make the existing conditions far worse.

While there are many supporters as well as opponents of the war who are constantly engaged in churning out arguments to support their respective contentions, one finds many impressive voices in both camps that are vociferously drawing the attention towards the deteriorating conditions of the Afghan civilians. There are many who are running away from the bombing and seeking refuge in either in rural areas or trekking their way to the neighbouring countries.

Another aspect linked with the plight of the Afghanis is the increasing reaction against the bombing in many countries including western nations. Most of the Muslim countries are experiencing somewhat regularly demonstrations against the war. In addition the question that is frequently asked revolves around whether or not the war against terrorism is confined to the terrorist living in Muslim countries or would it extend to western nations as well. The Basques guerrillas in Spain and the real Ira in Northern Ireland were regarded as terrorists groups.

Unable to correctly assess the endurance capabilities of the Talibans, the Americans are almost regularly reviewing and revising their war tactics. Admittedly the cost incurred does not matter all that much to the Americans, but prolonged bombing without any tangible results does begin to raise many pertinent questions. Creeping uneasiness and steady rise in irritations could influence many in US to look for alternatives. While the best alternative is to find a solution through diplomatic means, it may not be easy for the Americans to suddenly reverse their position. One way out of the difficult situation is to seriously consider the idea of bombing pause during the holy month of Ramazan.

Pause in bombing during the holy month of Ramazan could provide varied sets of opportunities. To begin with the pause in bombing would certainly be welcomed by the Afghan civilians and may even alleviate their pitiable plight. The Afghan civilians who are caught in this complex situation through no fault of their own but by being the citizens of Afghanistan have to suffer for the ills and wrong policies of their leaders. Ironically the people often have endured punishments intended for their leaders or decision makers. A pause during Ramazan could provide the necessary time for them to either move away from the war zone or take refuge in a neighbouring country.

Pause could also provide an opportunity to all the humanitarian relief agencies engaged to facilitate the fleeing refugees or internally displaced persons. The intensity of bombing has made it extremely difficult for the relief agencies to transport the essential food, shelter and medical supplies inside Afghanistan. Compared to the central highlands and mountainous areas, the bordering areas are relatively in a fortunate position where transportation of goods is not all that problematic. According to UN sources more than five millions Afghans are the brink of starvation, which demands immediate action to prevent a humanitarian catastrophe.

A bombing-pause could also provide the much-needed time to agencies engaged in organizing the refugee camps both inside Afghanistan as well as in Pakistan. Time is required to put up tents, arrange supplies and set up medical facility centres. Admittedly many sympathetic nations are sending essential goods for the refugees, but to arrange and organize the transportation of goods to the right camps entails not only work-dedication but also sufficient time. Indeed the overwhelming flow of the refugees requires massive efforts to make the bear minimum arrangements.

A bombing pause could also provide an opportunity to the Americans in order to review and assess their achievements. Re-evaluation of objectives and evaluation of attainments could be a useful exercise. An objective assessment along with a rigorous evaluation of achievements so far could help in revising or moderating or even devising a new war strategy. With the passage of time the initially generated intensity of feelings that was the product of September 11 have gone down and the recent evaluation certainly seems to be much closer to reality than what was the case immediately following the tragedy. Besides, the statements indicating the possibilities of widening the war must include and focus on Indian and Israeli state terrorism in Kashmir and Palestine as well.

A bombing pause in the holy month of Ramazan could also help in pacifying the passions of many Muslims. The sanctity of the holy month is very dear to all the Muslims. Admittedly the Muslims have fought many wars during the month of Ramazan but in this case there exist a desire among many Muslims that the bombing should halt during the holy month. The underlying reason for this argument revolves around the inability of the Americans to convince many within the Islamic world the just nature of the war. In addition, an impression is already gaining wider circulation that the war against terrorism is only going to be confined to the Islamic world.

Finally a bombing pause could initiate the much-delayed dialogue. Many believe that the most suitable way out of the Afghan quagmire is via dialogue. The main objective of the Americans is to apprehend Osama bin Laden and try him for alleged acts of terrorism. The initial response of the Talibans was blunt refusal with a clear emphasis that they had no intentions of handing over Osama to the Americans despite the looming threat of a US military attack on their country. Following the visit of a Pakistani delegation to convince the Talibans to hand over Osama to US on September 18, a council of Afghan religious scholars was convened to decide the fate of Osama. The council consisting of 600 Afghan Ulamas met on 2oth Sept. and urged the Talibans to persuade Osama to leave the country voluntarily. However the Taliban spokesman initially stated that the advice of the council was not binding and also referred to the disappearance of Osama but later found him and seem to have communicated council's decision.

On 28th September Pakistan made another bid to convince the Taliban leadership to hand over Osama and sent another delegation consisting of ten leading Ulamas and Mashaikhs only to experience rebuff once again. Soon the Talibans began to ask for evidence regarding Osama's involvement in the alleged acts of terrorism so that they can try him in Afghanistan.

Soon after initial phase of the aerial strikes, the Taliban leadership offered another formula on Oct.14. They said Osama could be handed over to a neutral country for a trial if the US provided sufficient evidence-an offer that has also been repeated recently. The Americans quickly rejected the offer. It is not too difficult to understand the haste with which the Americans turned down the Afghanistan's offer. The tragedy of 11th September had not only invoked anger among the Americans but it also produced a strong edifice of determination to punish those who were responsible for attack on New York's twin towers.

An objective analysis clearly reveals that the Talibans have been gradually climbing down from their original position. On the other hand it is assumed that the American anger to inflict punishment on the culprits must have subsided little bit after subjecting Afghanistan to massive bombing though in real terms those at the receiving end are not the culprits. The much-desired bombing pause during the holy month of Ramazan could provide an excellent opportunity for both sides to initiate a dialogue process. The Taliban leadership needs to re-examine their rationale for providing sanctuary to Osama. Already Afghanistan-more specifically the ordinary innocent Afghanis- had paid a massive price both in terms of human losses and structural damages. The perpetuation of war could only increase sufferings of the ordinary Afghanis. A pause in bombing during the holy month of Ramazan should be seriously considered.