The photo to the left shows stormy clouds gathering over Islamabad on December 16, 2008.
Today, which is just six days later from when this photo was taken, I believe there is another storm brewing in Islamabad on its political and foreign relations front. Not withstanding the conspiracy theories still circling around in Pakistan, there is growing consensus in the rest of the world that Pak-based elements were behind Mumbai attacks. Gordon Brown served a notice to Pakistan during his visit and it seems that the U.S. agrees. Moreover the steps Pakistan has taken so far haven’t been very convincing. India has called a meeting of its envoys throughout the world to discuss next steps. The last time such a meeting was called was before the 1971 war. This has led the U.S to send Adm. Mullen back to Pakistan for a second time in as many weeks. Meanwhile Pakistan high commission in India has confirmed that it has received a letter from Ajmal Kasab.
Here is an article from Dawn and the Washington Post Editorial on this very issue:
(i) The daily Dawn
(ii) The Washington Post
The last time Pakistan was so isolated diplomatically against India was during the aftermath of Kargil.
In another development Pakistan Airforce suspended commercial flights in major Pakistani cities today and did a low altitude fly-by as part of their increased vigil.
One can only hope that our leaders especially the security establishment can comprehend the gravity of the situation and take steps in the right direction.
Photo Credits: Title photo is courtesy of Abid Zia at Associated Press of Pakistan.
This is all pressure tactics for the international stage, not for each other. Both India and Pakistan are playing a dangerous game of seeking world attention by moving forces or shouting hoarse. I hope they will come to their senses soon.
Ayaz Amir’s article as posted by @Ali pretty much sums up what I think should be done.
1) It is very tempting for the Pakistani security apparatus to take up the TTP (Tehreek e Taliban e Pakistan) offer to jointly fight India but that would be wrong–and I have said it before in this Topic days ago the same thing.
2) Let Kasab come to a video conference call and address his villagers in a live event: Let him speak his mind freely and be allowed to be quizzed. Pakistanis will know very quickly if Kasab is actually from Pakistan or not.
3) Involvement of Indian Army Major Peruhit in the Samjhauta Express blast makes it difficult to accept everything coming out N. Delhi on face value. Yes, Pakistan has severe ‘loose cannons’ but India is not all too clean when it comes to ‘terrorism’ against Pakistan.
4) The civilian, secular government of Pakistan has taken a lot of blame by not appearing too jingoistic. PPP and PMLN represent the largest political parties of Pakistan; they also know that the mindset of General Zia ul Haq still afflicts parts of Pakistani society, especially in powerful circles. Pakistanis may be forced back to a military coup which will not serve the cause of peace and prosperity in the region.
5) The civilian govt. has tried to control the vestiges of the Zia era but is too politically weak. It should be helped.
6) Many Pakistanis were first shocked/grieved when the Mumbai tragedy happened. But now there is definitely an air of defiance–perhaps even belligerancy–after they were exposed to extreme, non-stopped jingoism in Indian media. This is very dangerous.
Peace.
I am glad that sane minds are prevailing and both governments are trying to calm things down.
I think the best analysis of this is from Ayaz Amir in today’s NEWS:
http://thenews.jang.com.pk/daily_detail.asp?id=153 858
India not the real enemy; militancy is
Islamabad diary
Friday, December 26, 2008
by Ayaz Amir
Militancy and extremism on the march. Three schools in Peshawar attacked with rockets. The Fazlullah-led Taliban in Swat ordering the closure of girls
In India there has been a great outcry amongst the educated classes against the jingoism of the media and their irresponsible reporting of things. I hope our Pakistani friends are also doing the same.