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Analysis
Between US and Local Masters
by Malik Rashid
Between US and local masters, Pakistanis are experiencing
a plurality of sovereign. Trust me, it is a relief to go from
one man’s rule into democracy. With bi-polarity at the top, the
process becomes interesting. According to stories, the almighty
power of Pakistan’s military over its people is being curtailed
and shared by the US because the two had a fall-out on
Afghanistan, or the US has decided to enhance its participation
in the region. Whatever the truth may be, the people of Pakistan
watch the powers curiously and wait for relief from the misery
of food and electricity shortage.
Hurt national ego is expressed loudly, blaming US influence,
corrupt politicians and military dominance. People exercise
serenity while excited elements throw flares of passion at an
imagined glory. In matters of survival and extinction, ego does
not decide for the fittest.
US indulgence in the region could be motivated by their
desire to complete the monopoly of the world but Pakistanis find
the unraveling of the military grip over the country, a freeing
experience. Pakistani military beating the villagers to occupy
their land is no better than the international imperialist
exploiting our resources. The diluting of the absolute powers of
those who consider ruling us their inherent right, combined with
a functioning democracy and strong judiciary, could become the
first step to peace and prosperity.
The ruling elite keep asking for US and international aid but
they continue mumbling condemnation for the drone attacks.
Territorial integrity and sovereignty of the country they say,
is being violated. They do not offer US forces to conduct
operations inside Pakistan but they allow thousands of
US-military contractors into the country. Double-speak and
hypocrisy is the hallmark of politicians but this magic-show is
being run with the consent of Pakistan army.
Americans are raising concern that Pakistan is protecting the
Afghan Taliban who attack US and NATO forces in Afghanistan
through their command and control in Quetta. They laud Pakistan
army for successful operation in Swat. Pakistan’s interior
minister said US will not be allowed to carry-out drone-attacks
in Quetta. Why does Pakistan government allow US contractors in
Islamabad, drone attacks in NWFP and FATA but they pretend to
decline ‘permission’ on drone-attacks in Baluchistan? Could this
war be over sooner if the two mighty armies of Pakistan and US
conduct joint operations in the area against the mountain-thugs?
Washington legislators worry over the lengthening war and
suggest that democracy cannot be imposed from outside. Some
Americans expressing opinions against involvement in Iraq and
Afghanistan, contend that the oppressive political systems are
indigenous to these under-developed societies and fit them well.
Effort to establish democracy in these countries is now
projected as futile and counter-productive. Those who waged war
against tyranny and religious extremism may not mind the
extremists and tyrants anymore because war takes a long time and
costs money. Tell the dead, wounded and displaced during these
wars that their suffering is everyday occurrence which did not
qualify for a military intervention. “Sorry, we ran out of time
and money!”
The military elite consisting of retired Generals like Aslam
Baig, Musharraf and Hamid Gul are playing politics from all
sides to disrepute democracy and politicians General Musharraf
sabotaged effort for securing aid from ‘Friends of Pakistan’ by
declaring that the military assistance provided to Pakistan for
fighting terrorism could be used against India. Recent visit of
Af-Pak ambassador Holbrooke to the leader of Jamaat-e-Islami,
Liaquat Baloch and Jamiat-e-Ulama’s Fazlur Rahman has
revitalized the religious right.
Traditional rivalry comes into play as the US elevates India to
the joint-venture imperialist club. Accepting the dictates of US
is normal but the associate-imperialist India is perceived as
sworn enemy. Those who perpetrated the oppressive military rule
for the longest, incite people with their anti-imperialist
rhetoric.
The US imperial influence, that delivered us out of military
oppression, balances the lust of Pakistan army to rule over the
country. It is not only democracy that they could help us keep,
but the strengthening of judiciary and rule of law is another
necessary requirement for existence and growth. Pakistanis have
never been dealt fairly by their ruling classes in matters of
land and resources. The specter of imperialist exploitation of
resources does not scare the people who suffer death and
brutality at the hands of local exploiters.
The leasing of farms to foreigners and competing plans for oil
and gas pipelines are quoted as imperialist dominance. In an
ideal situation people should be the sovereign of their land and
its resources but they were denied participation. The reality of
present economic condition dictates that they become employed.
This degradation in natural rights of the citizens of Pakistan
was committed by the local rulers.
Democracy and rule of law could deliver the necessary stability
for growth. Reduction in military spending is another vital
issue that could be negotiated in favor of strengthening economy
and reducing poverty. Continuance of democracy could make people
participate in governance, and their interests could become
paramount in determining the rights of workers employed by the
foreign operators of business in Pakistan. How long America and
its allies could stand for the support of democracy, is another
question.
October 11, 2009
The author is based in Scarborough,
ON, Canada
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