Can US Strikes In Tribal Areas Eliminate Terrorism?
Muhammad Khurshid
September 19, 2008
There is a clear division over the missile strikes by US drones in tribal areas as some people think these types of action will further aggravate the situation, but some people declare them as the right steps. According to tribal elders, if Pakistan cannot control terrorism in tribal areas then it should have no objection over the US strikes in the areas. Terrorists are the enemies of the whole world, therefore, they should be eliminated at all cost. The people of tribal areas are the worst victims of terrorism. They will never oppose action against terrorists. The tribesmen have been supporting army operation in Bajaur Agency, tribal areas situated on Pak-Afghan border.
According to a newspaper comment, the unexpected visit to Islamabad by the US chairman of the Joints Chiefs of Staff, to discuss the crisis created by violations of Pakistan's sovereignty by unmanned drones, and, recently, by ground forces, indicates how grave the issue is. Everyone is aware of the rising tensions and the situation these could trigger. Recently, PAF planes are reported to have patrolled Waziristan, pushing back unmanned aircraft as they ventured across the Durand Line.
Against this backdrop, the statement from both sides stating that Admiral Mike Mullen has assured Pakistan its sovereignty will be respected is of course welcome. The fact that within hours of the meeting between the visiting US military chief and the Pakistani prime minister, the COAS and the defence and foreign ministers, yet another drone attack had killed at least six people in a South Waziristan village, leaves open doubts as to the credibility of these words. But it does seem some ground rules have been laid out in the open. The US seems unlikely to repeat its September 3 ground raid across the frontier. Indeed, Washington-based sources have described this as an 'anomaly'. But at the same time, the attacks by unmanned Predators will continue, as had been the case before the unusual land offensive. The indications are that Washington has noted, and taken at least some heed, of Pakistan's anger over the blatant invasion of its territory. The high-level talks in Islamabad make this obvious – even though the prime ministerial claims of promises by President Bush not to threaten Pakistan's territory seem rather unnecessary. The reality then seems to be one in which unmanned flights over border areas will continue, but there will be no further actions beyond this.
Pakistan's bolder actions in Bajaur, Swat and elsewhere have recently brought in some words of appreciation from Washington. These operations must continue. The Pakistan military is quite capable of tackling militant militias, provided it acts with full commitment and force. The perception that it has been unready to do so has been a key factor in the US offensives we have seen. These doubts as to its ability must now be wiped out. General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani has spoken out strongly of the military's intent to defend Pakistan's sovereignty. This of course is how it should be; indeed how it must be. All those controlling decision-making in Pakistan, both civilians and those in uniform, must accept that the best means to keep the US at bay is to act ourselves. It is understood that Admiral Mike Mullen has left Islamabad convinced that both Pakistan and the US share a similar vision for a militant-free future. The goal is one that is not easy to achieve. But the possibility of doing so exists only if all the players battling terrorism are ready to do so as a team, rather than indulging in individualistic bids for their own glory. The US needs to understand that a key to winning the war on terror lies in convincing people it is their own war. Each raid across the border undermines this effort, and as such makes it more difficult to overcome the terrorism that has today emerged as the biggest threat to our security, our integrity and our sovereignty.
The End
According to a newspaper comment, the unexpected visit to Islamabad by the US chairman of the Joints Chiefs of Staff, to discuss the crisis created by violations of Pakistan's sovereignty by unmanned drones, and, recently, by ground forces, indicates how grave the issue is. Everyone is aware of the rising tensions and the situation these could trigger. Recently, PAF planes are reported to have patrolled Waziristan, pushing back unmanned aircraft as they ventured across the Durand Line.
Against this backdrop, the statement from both sides stating that Admiral Mike Mullen has assured Pakistan its sovereignty will be respected is of course welcome. The fact that within hours of the meeting between the visiting US military chief and the Pakistani prime minister, the COAS and the defence and foreign ministers, yet another drone attack had killed at least six people in a South Waziristan village, leaves open doubts as to the credibility of these words. But it does seem some ground rules have been laid out in the open. The US seems unlikely to repeat its September 3 ground raid across the frontier. Indeed, Washington-based sources have described this as an 'anomaly'. But at the same time, the attacks by unmanned Predators will continue, as had been the case before the unusual land offensive. The indications are that Washington has noted, and taken at least some heed, of Pakistan's anger over the blatant invasion of its territory. The high-level talks in Islamabad make this obvious – even though the prime ministerial claims of promises by President Bush not to threaten Pakistan's territory seem rather unnecessary. The reality then seems to be one in which unmanned flights over border areas will continue, but there will be no further actions beyond this.
Pakistan's bolder actions in Bajaur, Swat and elsewhere have recently brought in some words of appreciation from Washington. These operations must continue. The Pakistan military is quite capable of tackling militant militias, provided it acts with full commitment and force. The perception that it has been unready to do so has been a key factor in the US offensives we have seen. These doubts as to its ability must now be wiped out. General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani has spoken out strongly of the military's intent to defend Pakistan's sovereignty. This of course is how it should be; indeed how it must be. All those controlling decision-making in Pakistan, both civilians and those in uniform, must accept that the best means to keep the US at bay is to act ourselves. It is understood that Admiral Mike Mullen has left Islamabad convinced that both Pakistan and the US share a similar vision for a militant-free future. The goal is one that is not easy to achieve. But the possibility of doing so exists only if all the players battling terrorism are ready to do so as a team, rather than indulging in individualistic bids for their own glory. The US needs to understand that a key to winning the war on terror lies in convincing people it is their own war. Each raid across the border undermines this effort, and as such makes it more difficult to overcome the terrorism that has today emerged as the biggest threat to our security, our integrity and our sovereignty.
The End
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