SOFT IMPERIALISM:

US favour at a price: Pakistani authorities got a pat on the back for catching big fish this week (Iffat Idris, 8/12/04, Al-Ahram)

A number of arrests in Pakistan, and subsequent security alerts in Washington, New York and London, have once again highlighted the importance of Pakistan in the "war on terror". For Pakistan, that prominent role brings both benefits and problems. [...]

Cynics...point out that Islamabad has a pattern of catching Al-Qaeda suspects only when it comes under pressure from Washington -- terrorists are handed over to "appease" the US. In this latest case, the capture of Khan and Ghailani brought Pakistan back into international favour after it was under a dark cloud following US criticism of its expanding nuclear programme.The clear implication is that if Pakistan wanted it could do much more in the war on terror.

Defenders of the Pakistan government counter that it is trying sincerely to the best of its ability to capture Al-Qaeda fugitives and curb Islamic militancy in the country. They point to the many obstacles faced by authorities in this struggle. On the one hand, they are reversing a policy of supporting Islamic groups. And on the other hand, there are powerful Islamist parties who oppose any state interference in the curriculum or in religious schools -- both are seen as fuelling extremist thinking. And third, there is the all too real resistance from militant forces.

Over the past year there have been numerous reprisal terrorist attacks against targets in Pakistan. Last December President Musharraf survived two attempts on his life in as many weeks -- the second very narrowly. A fortnight ago the Prime Minister designate Shaukat Aziz survived an assassination attempt while he was out campaigning: eight people were killed in the suicide bombing. Analysts cite such attacks as proof that the Musharraf government itself is as committed to the war on terror and curbing Islamic militancy as the American and British governments. As a prime target of Al-Qaeda, its own survival is under threat.

The payback for Pakistan extends far beyond assassination attempts on its leaders. In Waziristan, the tribal belt region bordering Afghanistan, tens of thousands of Pakistani troops have been deployed in an ongoing mission to flush out Al-Qaeda, Taliban and other fighters. The latter receive patronage and support from the local people. This has led to clashes between Pakistani forces and irate locals. Efforts to defuse the situation and reach a political solution have repeatedly failed. Many observers are seriously concerned that in its efforts to support the war on terror Pakistan could provoke a civil war.

It is a civil war. They may as well win it.

Posted by Orrin Judd at August 13, 2004 8:10 AM