Pakistan Must Review its Relationship with the United States
The Republic of Pakistan is standing in front of two paths, one of either complete destruction/fragmentation, or one of prosperity and development. The scenario of Pakistan being “in-between” those two paths, no longer exists. Most certainly Pakistan has been “in between” for the duration of its 60 years of existence; such a course has left Pakistan, lost, confused and to sum it up with a phrase “in no man’s land.”
Havoc reeks, left and right! Not just one type of havoc, but havoc from all departments. If Pakistan was a human, he/she would be suffering from all types of illnesses (Economic problems, Political problems, Social problems).
What went wrong? Why did, the colorful rose whither away, into what majority of the world perceive as a weed now?
Throughout Pakistan’s history, problems disguised in different forms have plagued Pakistan’s development, but one such problem has remained constant. This problem is Pakistan’s disillusionment/fantasy of America being her ally. This disillusionment has caused many of Pakistan’s current problems, and will be the cause of Pakistan’s future problems.
Pakistani’s must bear the brunt of the blame for the current misfortunes of Pakistan, but the United States most certainly is also accountable.
The United States is to blame due to supporting dictatorial regimes which without exaggeration destroyed the democratic institutions of Pakistan. Furthermore the United States has forced proxy Pakistani governments to initiate policies which deeply destabilized the country.
The United States simply is not an ally/friend of Pakistan. The United States is a self-serving entity, and any statement made by them regarding the well being of Pakistan is an outright façade/fabrication.
If the United States was actually an ally of Pakistan, it would not betray Pakistan on numerous occasions, or threaten its sovereignty. (It is necessary to support the preceding sentence with factual points. These points can be found below the article)
Pakistan has made numerous sacrifices for its ally, the United States…possibly more so than any other country in the world. The following are a few;
- Supporting the war on terrorism, diplomatically and materialistically.
- Providing fuel, supplies and intelligence to American soldiers stationed in Afganistan.
- Supporting the United States against the Soviet empire
- Allying itself with the United States against the influence of Iran in the Middle East.
These preceding sacrifices destabilized Pakistan, affected Pakistan’s economy in a negative light, and are the reasons why terrorists target Pakistan, and Pakistanis.
Perhaps the word “sacrifice” would not have been appropriate to use if the United States had satisfactorily compensated Pakistan for its efforts.
Perhaps pro-Pakistan diplomacy, or at the very least a neutral standing by the United States regarding Kashmir would have been appreciated. Perhaps, aid to recover from the Afghan-Soviet war would have been appreciated. Or maybe an American policy of status – quo regarding Pakistan would have been appreciated.
As we all know, none of the preceding events occurred.
Instead what did occur were a series of harsh economic sanctions following the Soviet – Afghan war, diplomatic isolation and a barrage of malicious threats.
Perhaps Pakistani’s should begin to question what Pakistan has gained from it’s friendship with the United States;
Did Pakistan receive help from the United States in the Kashmir issue? Did Pakistan’s military get strong due to America’s help? Did Pakistan become richer or poorer by aiding the United States flawed policies?
As is obvious, Pakistan has gained nothing from it’s friendship with the United States, but instead it has woefully lost its dignity, its unity, and its vision due to the meddling of the Americans.
It’s about time that the policy makers in Islamabad review their policy of bending over backwards for the United States. Such a policy is bearing no fruit for Pakistan but is instead fragmenting Pakistan, and steering it towards a disastrous future.
Pakistani policy makers must stop fantasizing about “rewards” which they will be given for their sacrifices, as those “rewards” are being given to other countries in forms of diplomatic support and nuclear deals. Pakistan should instead allocate its resources and attention to attaining milestones for herself and not achieving victories/goals for other nations.
Pakistan must make it clear to the United States that its friendship will not be without cost but will indeed have a price tag on it. The United States must unquestionably respect Pakistan’s sovereignty, domestic/foreign policies and nuclear program before any discussion of friendship is initiated.
Pakistan can only move forward when it begins to demand respect for itself, as when the country demands respect, its countrymen will follow suit.
The following are the points, I was referring to previously;
Betrayals by America
Point #1
1954 Pakistan signed an (Baghdad Pact/SEATO agreement with the U.S. stating that U.S. will come to Pakistan’s aid in a time of war.
What really is the case?
In the 1965 war America halted supplies of arms and ammunition to both Pakistan and India. This embargo made little or no difference to India as their military was comprised of mainly Soviet weapons. On the other hand, majority of Pakistan’s military was composed of American made weapons.
Pakistan after the arms embargo was severely handicapped and was days away from not having munitions to defend itself from the larger Indian army was thirteen times it size.
Bottom Line –. Pakistan was ditched by the Americans when they were fighting a brutal war against a Soviet allied country. Why did the Americans make a deal, they were going to break? Why did the turn their backs when we most needed them?
Point #2
Following the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan; Pakistan, U.S and Saudi Arabia fought a proxy war with the Soviets. The Americans funded Pakistan with billions to radicalize and train their youth to fight against the Soviets. The Americans also funded billions to recruit “holy warriors” from around the world. The holy warriors were first established in Pakistan and then launched into Afghanistan.
What really is the Case?
Following the Soviet defeat in Afghanistan, the Americans packed their bags and left leaving Pakistan, high and dry. Pakistan’s fragile economy was left alone to;
- Nurture 4 million Afghan refugees
- To deal with thousands of foreign fighters
- To eliminate the extremist ideology created by American dollars.
Bottom Line – Pakistan’s Economic/Societal, destabilization resulted from the intake of 4 million Afghan refugees. Pakistan’s Cultural destabilization resulted due to extremist ideas introduced by American dollars.
Economic Destabilization
Point # 1
Throughout Pakistan’s history, the U.S has constantly sanctioned and un-sanctioned Pakistan at will; causing the economy of Pakistan to exhibit rapid rises, and rapid declines. One such occasion was after the defensive nuclear test conducted by Pakistan. America while giving a verbal lashing also sanctioned both India and Pakistan for conducting the tests.
What really is the Case?
It is true that both countries were sanctioned. However it is also true that as of today, four Indian and 20 Pakistani entities (and their subsidiaries) do not have export licenses. Why 20 Pakistani companies? Why only four Indian companies? Why the evident bias?
Bottom Line – Pakistani companies do not stand a chance in the international economy due to a large number of them being denied export licenses.
Point # 2
The United States claims that it provides Pakistan with development assistance and aid packages worth billions of dollars.
What really is the Case?
In millions
Development Assistance 2001 2002 2003
India …53.398 70.878 75.185
Pakistan …0 15.000 50.000
America has the right to give development assistance to whomever they want. But should they not give their priority to a country that is situated in a primary role on the war on terrorism?
Furthermore it is imperative to point out that the United States does give Pakistan billions of dollars for aid (10 billion over the last five years), but President Musharraff claims most of that “aid” is for services rendered by Pakistan to the American forces in Afghanistan. So why do the Americans call it aid, when it should be called payment?
Bottom Line –Is the American given aid adequate enough to cover the costs of, 500+ soldiers deaths, 1000+ civilians deaths, and 20+ suicide bombings? Is the aid worth the billions of foreign investment Pakistan has lost, and the negative image of Pakistan?
Political Destabilization
The Americans claim to help build a Pakistan where democratic ideals exist and where freedom of arts and expression coincide.
What really is the Case?
The Americans supported the regime of General Zia. This was a regime which engrossed militancy in the culture of Pakistan, destroyed arts and creativity, and one which severely weakened the pro-democratic institutions of Pakistan. Twenty Five years later, the Americans were at it again, this time supporting a President in uniform (Pervez Musharraf) for eight years.
Bottom Line – America doesn’t care about democratic ideals in Pakistan, or the freedoms of Pakistanis. They consistently support regimes which weaken the institutions of Pakistan that are designed to empower democracy and ideals of freedom. It brings smile to my face to note, that more recently Pakistan has been sanctioned against when democratically elected governments are in power, and de-sanctioned when military led governments are in power. What is the American policy? Is there even one?
What is evident is that the United States is not a trustworthy ally of Pakistan. Pakistan should desire to have strong diplomatic relations with the United States, but not at the expense of its dignity, its vision and its sovereignty.