The American military action within Pakistan to eliminate al Qaeda leader is undoubtedly an intervention in the domestic affairs of a sovereign nation. And subsequent American warning that it would repeat similar operations if Pakistan does not act against terrorist havens within that country is an obvious challenge to the rulers of that nation.
The public anger against American action is growing day by day. It is obvious that those who support fundamentalism in that country will use this opportunity to harness the emotional outburst of the public against the US and the pro-US government of Yousuf Raza Gilani. More importantly, the fundamentalist elements within that country may whip up passions against the Western ally by terming the US action as an action against Islam. What is the only action that could act as a deterrent against this public anger? Obviously, it is the ‘India bashing’.
One should note that instead of condemning the unauthorized US military raid, Pakistan has warned the India against any ‘misadventure’ in that country following US footsteps. Pakistan rulers know that their India-centric rhetoric, to a great extent, would help them nuetralise the public anger. Sadly, statements coming from across the border are not encouraging enough. India’s military chiefs’ statements suggesting India’s capability to launch similar strikes within Pakistan to annihilate its most wanted have added fuel to fire. So, the India bashing is likely to continue for a long time. Indian leaders must be vigilant enough not to step into the trap set by its terror-hit neighbor. I would suggest statesmanship behavior from Indian leaders is required to stop any unwarranted developments. We must treat Pakistan’s warning as a desperate attempt by a nation hit by international condemnation and internal chaos.
The public anger against American action is growing day by day. It is obvious that those who support fundamentalism in that country will use this opportunity to harness the emotional outburst of the public against the US and the pro-US government of Yousuf Raza Gilani. More importantly, the fundamentalist elements within that country may whip up passions against the Western ally by terming the US action as an action against Islam. What is the only action that could act as a deterrent against this public anger? Obviously, it is the ‘India bashing’.
One should note that instead of condemning the unauthorized US military raid, Pakistan has warned the India against any ‘misadventure’ in that country following US footsteps. Pakistan rulers know that their India-centric rhetoric, to a great extent, would help them nuetralise the public anger. Sadly, statements coming from across the border are not encouraging enough. India’s military chiefs’ statements suggesting India’s capability to launch similar strikes within Pakistan to annihilate its most wanted have added fuel to fire. So, the India bashing is likely to continue for a long time. Indian leaders must be vigilant enough not to step into the trap set by its terror-hit neighbor. I would suggest statesmanship behavior from Indian leaders is required to stop any unwarranted developments. We must treat Pakistan’s warning as a desperate attempt by a nation hit by international condemnation and internal chaos.
No comments:
Post a Comment