Analysis of The Paradox that Is Pakistan: Ally and Enemy of Terrorism Article by Kfir - Coursework Example

The Paradox That is Pakistan: Both Ally and Enemy of Terrorism By Isaac Kfir A CRITICAL REVIEW OF THE ARTICLE Introduction: Pakistan is known as an ally of the United States in the global war against terrorism and in the ongoing efforts to free Pakistan of Taliban and Al Qaeda terrorists. However, the western nations are aware of the fact that the Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf is not doing enough to curb Al Qaeda operations in Pakistan, is allowing the formation of extremist groups which forge links with the Al Qaeda, and is permitting shelter and protection to extremist leaders. This paper proposes to critically review the article by Isaac Kfir on the paradoxical characterisitics of Pakistan, as both ally and enemy of terrorism. Summary of the Text: This article discusses the irony of Pakistan being an important member of the global coalition waging war against terrorism, and concurrently encouraging Islamist militancy within its own country. General Pervez Musharraf as both chief of the army as well as president of the country, is enjoying powers which he wishes to retain at all costs by continuing his support to Islamist parties. However, to take effective steps against terrorism would require his forming ties with the more secular political parties, while withdrawing support to the Islamist extremists. Sectarianism in Pakistan is a hazard for the public as well as for national security. Pakistan’s own Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) helped to create the Taliban and promote Islamist jihad. Due to sponsoring the Taliban, the ISI has a thorough knowledge about the Al Qaeda’s working and planning. Pakistan’s military also is known to have high-ranking officials who are linked with the Al Qaeda. Thus the ISI and the army are major players: both in being part of the extremism as well as in fighting against terrorism. The United States has extended extensive financial aid to Pakistan as well as armed forces to help in counter-terrorist action, for supporting U.S. security interests in the region, launched as Operation Enduring Freedom. Some of the problems unique to Pakistan are: its education system which includes thousands of Madrassas teaching Islamic religion and extremism, sectarianism and lack of a tradition of democracy in the country, and low stability of the country’s economy. Various governments have promoted Islam to different extents, to serve their self-interests (Kfir, 2006: 74-81). Evaluation of the Text: The support given by Pakistan for hardline Islamists in both the country and the region has deep roots which were established by ethnic Pashtun ties that cross the Afghani-Pakistani border; and due to former President General Zia ul-Haq’s actions to strengthen Islamists during the 1980s (Kronstadt: CRS 6). The tribes especially in the border area of Waziristan, between Pakistan and Afghanistan, who were against the government and its anti-terrorism legislation, provided protection to extremists. Usama bin Ladin, the Al Qaeda leader was also believed to have been in hiding in that region. Kittner (p.307) states that “four specific conditions are necessary for the establishment of a safe haven for Islamist terrorist networks: geographic features, weak governance, history of corruption and violence, and poverty”. All these criteria are present in Pakistan, leading to the country becoming a safe haven for extremist groups and leaders”. After a period of truce during which the tribes agreed to cooperate in maintaining law and order, there was a return to the earlier situation of control by the Taliban and Al Qaeda, with tribal militants being offered large sums of money. Extremist activities have to be rooted out and not allowed to perpetrate their destructive effects. Islamic extremists have to be prevented from using Pakistan as a safe haven, those terrorist groups which are already established have to be overthrown, the influence of the country’s military intelligence services which are pro-extremism have to be curbed. Fair (p.496) states that it remains uncertain what level of support Al Qaeda does enjoy within the army which is a powerful and key institution in the country, and what forms this support may take. Further, the education system with its Madrassas churn out thousands of youth with no other skills than knowledge of Islam and extremism. They are easy targets for recruitment by the terrorist outfits. Hence, the entire education system has to be made more moderate and contemporary. President Musharraf’s recent decree of emergency rule in Pakistan “for the purpose of combating terrorism”(Rohde, News Analysis, Nov.5, 2007) during which he ensured the capture of opposition and judiciary members who posed a threat to his regime, revealed his actual priorities. The United States’ has given heavy financial and military aid to Pakistan for eradicating terrorism in the region. Whether U.S. interests will be genuinely supported by President Musharraf is a question which is difficult to answer, because the president’s retention of power, if only for the short term is dependent on his truce with militant groups, in the name of Islamism. On the other hand, Pakistan wishes to be seen as an ally in the global war against terrorism, in order to avoid being targeted as a rogue nation encouraging terrorist organisations. In September 2001, President Musharraf’s government made policy changes to eradicate Islamic extremism. Severing all connections with the Taliban, President Musharraf announced his intention of ending the use of Pakistan as a base for terrorism of any kind. He criticized religious extremism and intolerance in the country, banned several militant outfits such as Lashkare Taiba and Jaish-e-Muhammed, both of which were behind terrorist violence perpetrated in India and Kashmir (Kronstadt: CRS 6). Following this, around 3,300 extremists were arrested, though a third of them were later released. By late 2001, the existence of Al Qaeda was apparently ended, with American military help. Yet this did not last long. The Taliban members regrouped first in the tribal western regions, and later in major cities of Pakistan, especially in the heavily populated city of Karachi. It was also believed that the Al Qaeda leader Usama bin Ladin himself may be in Pakistan. In immediate response, by early 2002, the U.S. provided active assistance to Pakistan in its effort to hunt terrorists and their allies (Kronstadt: CRS 12-13). Within Pakistan, a negative political reaction started invoking anti-government and anti-American sentiment among the people. This may prove harmful for long term United States interest in the region. Evidence of Pakistan’s powerful ISI assisting the Taliban, Al Qaeda and indigenous Pakistani terrorist groups is resulting in an obstacle to U.S. efforts to eradicate terrrorism in the country. Further impediments may be caused by Pakistani Islamist political parties influencing anti-American sentiments on the development of the country’s foreign policy (Kronstadt: CRS 3-4). Being a nuclear-armed country, Pakistan is reported to be equally eager to end Islamic militancy as it poses a threat to a moderate government. Conclusion The training and recruitment of foreign militants including those of Arab, Afghan, European and American heritage can continue only with the active support of the Pakistan army and intelligence apparatus. With the closing down of extremist training camps in Afghanistan, it is possible that Pakistan can become a destination for those seeking miliant training (Fair: 498). This depends on the domestic occurrences within Pakistan. In order to retain connections with the United States which is important for Pakistan’s interests, President Musharraf or anyone who succeeds him would be motivated to curb militancy. On the other hand, if the new regime is not keen to maintain links with the U.S., it may get further entrenched in Islamic extremism. Whether Pakistan will grow as a site of militant recruiting and training, or engage in eradication of all training camps for militants, it is vital that the developments within this country should be closely watched. The country is key to the globlal war on terrrorism because of its strategic location close to Afghanistan with which it shares several thousand miles of border region, and provides entry for thousands of refugees and militants from Afghanistan. This important ally is deeply flawed, and only with the help of thorough overhauling of the nation’s economy, the social system, the education system, and effective, high level surveillance at the borders to prevent the entry of militants can valid steps be taken towards success in defeating terrorism (Fair: 499). Further, liberal western democracy, discipline to facilitate development, and growth of civilian political parties will help Pakistan to be rid of extremism. Support from the international community for positive efforts in these directions by President Musharraf, will help to substantiate the gains in terms of freedom from terrorism that is achieved (Kfir: 81). This paper has highlighted the paradoxical characteristics of Pakistan, by which the country is both an ally as well as an adversary of terrorism. ----------------------------------------------- Works Cited Fair, C. Christine. Militant recruitment in Pakistan: implications for Al Qaeda and other organizations. Studies in Conflict and Terrorism, 27 (2004): 489-504. Kfir, Isaac. The paradox that is Pakistan: both ally and enemy of terrorism. Middle East Review of International Affairs, 10.1 (2006): 74-84. Kittner, Christiana C.B. The role of safe havens in Islamist terrorism. Terrorism and Political Violence, 19 (2007): 307-329. Kronstadt, K. Alan. Pakistan-U.S. anti-terrorism cooperation. Report for Congress, Congressional Research Service (2003): 1-27. Rohde, David. Pakistan detours from terrorism fight. New Analysis. International Herald Tribune, Asia-Pacific. Available at: http://www.iht.com/articles/2007/11/06/asia/06musharraf.php?WT.mc_id=rssfrontpage Read More