Agni-V Test, US Support & the Whipping Boy!

Yasmeen Ali

India successfully tested ballistic missile with a range of more than 5,000km-going uncriticised by USA which has shown an obsession over the years about a ‘supposed’nuclear programme by Iran, and a huge concern for the failed rocket launch by North Korea a few days earlier. India has increased its military spending by 13% this fiscalyear, to roughly US $38 billion(The Independent UK, dated 20th April, 2012 ,article titled, ”India’s nuclear ambition must not be ignored”). Yet it has not raised US ire-or eyebrows!

India, the bully of the region has happily announced its entry in an exclusive club withinthe comity of nations having the capability to hit 5,000 kilometers. Chinese newspaper,Global Times(Beijing), hit out at Western countries for double standards for not condemning the test firing of the Agni-V.”The West chooses to overlook India’s disregard of nuclear and missile control treaties,”the editorial said. “The West remains silent on the fact that India’s military spending increased by 17 percent.” LINK: http://www.rfa.org/english/news/china/warns-04192012110819.html

Double standards it is!

There is a club within a club, of countries of the world who can get away with murder(literally) while others must behave or face the stick of the Master. Pakistan being the favorite whipping boy!

The question here is the geo-political interest of US in the region. The question here is the need to hold back China emerging as a super power in near future, if at all.  The need here is to support a country within the region to act, or seem to act as a deterrent to China.  Obvious choice: India.What USA had completely overlooked in this game of regional hegemony is when you let the genie out of the bottle, it will refuse to go back in the bottle. It can one day, turn upon the master, once his heart’s desire of being let out is fulfilled.

USA has learnt no lessons from history. In it’s short term policy of countering Russian influence in Afghanistan , it had created Mujaheddin(now re christened Taliban).Today, the specter of the ghost hounds them. But not really a ghost is it?

Now, blubbering in Afghanistan, caught in a trap of it’s own making, USA does not know how to extricate itself from her folly!This strategy has led to the need by US to involve India more in Afghanistan to the complete denial of genuine interest of Pakistan, her ‘ally’ in WOT. USA is overlookingthe fact that the security environment in South Asia has always been guided bytraditional rivalry, Pakistan and India being the  two players. USA cannot wish away the reason for three wars between India and Pakistan. The reasons, no international forum has shown interest in resolving. According to a paper by Syed Shahid Hussain Bokhari for the Berkley Journal of Social Sciences, published Jan 2011, the strategic balance in the region is maintained by Nuclear Deterrence and role of major powers(USA).He correctly states that  US tilt towards India will put Pakistan interests at stake.

USA desire to support India is an expression to maintain hegemonic superiority over her perceived rival in the region. India has not accepted any legal binding against nuclear,” nuclear testing by India might enable it to wield nuclear weapons with much larger explosive power than those currently in the Indian arsenal; that in turn would allow important changes in Indian nuclear strategy- for example, it might let India target Chinese or Pakistani nuclear sites that were previously safe; driving Beijing orIslamabad to develop new weapons themselves or to change their currently restrained strategies for using nuclear arms”.( Michael A. Levi and Charles D Ferguson, U.S.-India Nuclear Cooperation A Strategy of Moving Forward. Council Special Report, Council

on Foreign Relations, 2006: 11). With the new Indo_US partnership in offing , India will use her status with the US to be used against Pakistan, it’s traditional rival. The equanimity with which USA has accepted the new ballistic missile fired by India is an example. This new nexus will, at some point compel Pakistan, for the sake of her survival and the need to counter India, into seeking options where USA may not figure.

For USA then, it could turn into a self defeating exercise and leading her in a trap of her own making .In this dangerous game , the double standards being indulged in by USA are being well read, “India missile test has few critics, unlike NKorea,” read the headline to a widely-distributed AP story, which said the test caused barely a ripple — even in China — just days after North Korea was globally vilified for a failed rocket launch. ( The Times of India , published 20th April 2012, titled, ”US refrains from criticizing Agni V test,praises India’s non- proliferation record” by Chidanand Rajghatta). LINK: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/US-refrains-from-criticizing-Agni-V-test-praises-Indias-non-proliferation-record/articleshow/12738475.cms

USA is a weakened nation today. After it’s long drawn out war in Afghanistan with nothing to show for it(unless you count destruction of the country and killing of civilians, urinating on dead bodies as a victory), and the war on Iraq, it needs strategic partners to help her, in spite of a weak economy due to long drawn out wars, in maintaining her hegemony over China, the upcoming challenger to USA’s status. This will lead to USA’s adventurism into forming new alliances at the expense of old ones,whatever it takes!

Leaving Pakistan, the favorite whipping boy, tossed aside like used tissue, to fend for herself. Pakistan will do well to understand the need of USA to do so. Pakistan should look for options here as her very equation in the region is at stake!

The interesting paradox of US policy is the inbuilt self defeating mechanism. By leaning completely towards India( why am I reminded here of a parallel: USA’s role in Israel vs Iran?)it control on Pakistan has to weaken. This will ensure, entrance in the corridor of the arena of others interested in having a foot in .Unfortunately, USA has over the years shown a fixation for short term policies.

The writer is a university professor based in Lahore & may be reached at

yasmeen.a.9@gmail.com

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Comments

  • Sumit  On April 20, 2012 at 8:38 am

    Pakistan is a failed state!unlike India.That should be your heading.Stop expecting a parallel from USA when you cant afford it.Your education system is brainwashed with percieved notion that India is your existential Threat.
    Since the 90’s India has moved on and so are its people.We dont even have you on our radar.We have so much to do.The country is on path of uplifting its economy just as china did in the 70’s.
    Stop comparing yourself to getting an equal treatment.You dont have a case when Mr Saeed and his tribe move freely in your streets preaching Radical Islam.
    Your world is morphed in such delusions and I wish you and your ilk also move on.Much could have been achieved if your country’s folk have the courage to open up their doors and improve trade relations,Talk business-Not Politics.Bring Fresh Ideas not Jihadi idealism.
    India will always get their support from the west because India has moved on.You may not have your ticket but why not catch a free ride on our bus and move along.There is much so much to do.Take advantage of our growth,our economy,our technology,our warmth!

    • Yasmeen Ali  On April 20, 2012 at 11:47 am

      Sumit, bad mouthing & using abusive language gets nowhere. India went nowhere.Barring licking US boots!
      This is India:
      1- India leads the world with the most murders (32,719), with Russia taking second at 28,904 murders per year(Raman, Sunil. “India Tops List of Murder Numbers.” BBC.News. June 2008. Accessed: June 29, 2009.)
      2-With 150,000 post offices, India has the largest postal network in the world. However, it is not unusual for a letter to take two weeks to travel just 30 miles.(Grihault, Niki.2003. Culture Smart! India. New York, NY: Kuperard.)
      3-Rabies is endemic in India. Additionally, “Delhi Belly” or diarrhea is commonplace due to contaminated drinking water.(Ibid)
      4-India has one of the world’s highest rates of abortion.(Gentleman, Amelia. “India’s Lost Daughters: Abortion Toll in the Millions.” TheNewYorkTimes.com. January 2006. Accessed: June 29, 2009.).
      The list is unending….yesterday one neighbor killed another for urinsting sgainst his wall.
      THAT’S India.
      So get back to reality Licking Amreeki boots may be the only way out for you !
      Yasmeen

      • Sumit  On April 21, 2012 at 7:53 am

        Dang!!!!!!
        Yasmeen. When did I abuse you mate.
        Listen Yasmeen, I live in Auckland, New Zealand and I have a Pakistani friend from Lahore that I go jogging with. My lawyer is a Chinese friend of mine. My regular mechanic who takes care of my wife’s car is Chinese and I also have heaps of friends who are everyday Kiwis,brits and Aussies.My pastor in church is American and next door is American with a british husband from Bahamas and we all have a BBQ together.
        Get over it my friend, people have moved on in Life. Even my friend from Lahore is over it and that’s why he is here. I celebrate ramzan with him and his daughter brings Diwali sweets for my 4 year old daughter thinking I am a Hindu while I am a Christian. My Chinese friends wife gets mehendi lessons from my wife.We use Shaan Pakistani masala because we hate our Indian imported ones for our Biryani’s. How long will you carry this antagonism? AGEH BARO….(Hope my Hindi is correct-and I am from North East and I often get racist comments-Chinky!)Enjoy!

    • Sumit  On April 21, 2012 at 7:58 am

      Damn,…sturkman..I just read all your posts!However much we try its difficult to change our neighbours mentality.

      • Yasmeen Ali  On April 21, 2012 at 6:15 pm

        Birds of a feather.Freakin’ Turkman isRAW.
        You 2 make good bed partners!
        Enjoy!
        YAA

      • Sumit  On April 21, 2012 at 11:27 pm

        You seriously expect a RAW agent to spend their time to reply to your post and others in your blog.You know Yasmeen I started off with a general advice and you considered that abuse-I am still trying to figure out where did I abuse you.I have a family too and this is not a place to abuse but share thoughts Why do people resort to a slanging match when it comes to neighbors.Many years ago India and Pakistan did that-The tit for tat version of politics and one upmanship.
        As I said India has moved on-years ago-We dont have you on our radar and thats a fact-The Agni V was more of a deterrent for Beijing and shanghai.I believe India is very large hearted and inspite of 26/11 our PM is still trying to drill some sense into your country but your military wouldn’t want any of it because they run the show.
        I will tell you why the world and America in particular is with India.India showed remarkable restraint inspite of 26/11.If India wanted it would have blasted pakistan back to the stone-age(remember Bush).So before I make you hyper-sensitive with nationalistic jingoism let me say India didn’t go down the road.What would have happened is Pakistan would retaliate and so vice-versa and the so called Aman-ki-asha is tossed out of the window.
        India was mature and showed restraint because it already knew Pakistan is in the road towards self destruction and it needed help.we recenty talked trade!
        Yasmeen,I know my Country isnt that Great otherwise I wouldnt have settled in New Zealand.My friend from Lahore wouldnt come and settle down here either.We both moved on from the madness of the sub continent.
        India has faults too,we have problems which are bigger than Pakistan because we have a bigger population.I accept the faults and mistakes my country has done over the years as well.The world sees us and so do you.Its all the news.
        I only wonder if someone as highly educated as you are and also from a good family background of Pakistan can actually see some sense in all of this.I only wonder if you go and have a look out of your window and look at the people around you in your homeland and think and Pause for a moment-Is this the Pakistan that I want?Or Should I get Pakistan to get back on its feet and get its self-respect in the league of nations as a country who will be in the radar for the right reasons.Its a fact that your country is heading towards self-destruction because of radicalism.Forget India-we are infidels and so is America but take a Que from Indonesia,Malaysia,turkey.They are prosperous thriving islamic countries who have a modern moderate outlook-Do you?

        I woke up BIG TIME years ago Yasmeen,When will you?Help your nation free from radicalism.Remind them of the Pakistan of the 70’s and the 80’s-The heights of its glory.There is still time.You need to lead like your great grand father once did.
        I am not a Muslim but I listen to Dr-Zakir Naik and discuss his points with my friend on a morning jog with sadiq bhai from Lahore.You should see our young children play together.Have a nice day Yasmeen.I know you are a good soul!

      • Yasmeen Ali  On April 22, 2012 at 3:41 am

        The front desk at Foreign Relations in India has a Dept marked COMMUNICATIONS Sumit. They employ people.some RAW,others not, for their expertise in distorted facts countering to enter blogs,chatrooms & spread disinformation & disenchantment-in Pakistan.
        Do some homwork UNLESS you are one of them.
        As for worrying about waking me off, WORRY ABOUT YOUR COUNTRY & DO NOT BE PAKISTAN OBSESSED.
        BTW you are no longer welcome on my blog so bugger off.
        Comments built in bias, aimed to distort & be rude get trashed here.
        YAA

      • Sumit  On April 23, 2012 at 6:57 am

        Someone in this blog called me an Indian Nationalist and some suspect me to be RAW.Seriously there are a lot of Paranoid people in our midst!Yasmeen you removed my last note in your blog.Just goes to show that you dont have the courage to face up the Truth.I am not suprised you are a lawyer but I dont expect you to Hide and Run.No doubt you only like bias points that goes in your favour.Should I be suprised -I guess not as your Media and press is also controlled by your military or the ISI.Poor souls in a doomed nation.Jinnah must be turning in his grave.

      • sturkman  On September 27, 2012 at 5:28 pm

        You see, if you say or write something that a Paki disagrees with you, its called insulting that Paki because in Islam you can not disagree Allah on anything and all these people think they are gods. What can we do with these smart gods …!

    • Sumit  On April 21, 2012 at 8:11 am

      What husband mate?Dont even go there….:)
      Hey -Did you read the story today on India’s papers where a bride and her family bashed up the groom because they came late for the wedding and guess what her family got her married off immediately after that.Damn-This only happens in our India-Oh her name was Nagma and the Poor bloke’s name is Jameel.I reckon he saved himself from Life insurance by not getting married.
      Yasmeen are you with me?-I am just sharing a laugh and mocking my home country-India.

  • TMH  On April 20, 2012 at 8:59 am

    India must now be prepared to receive the reply in kind from
    Chinese for sure, may be from Pakistan as well.
    Knowing Indian technology and workmanship, i have full
    confidence in ours.
    Pakistan Zindabad.

  • Rauf  On April 20, 2012 at 9:00 am

    But, they (the Indians) dare not fire one of those missiles
    even by accidentally towards China or Pakistan.
    Rauf

    • sturkman  On September 27, 2012 at 5:30 pm

      … and what would Pakistan do if India fires a couple of hundred of them at Pakistan before any Paki wakes up at night?

  • Munir  On April 20, 2012 at 9:01 am

    Of course I am interested in the news about India’s new capability. But I am more interested in the manner in which this has been reported in the western and Indian news media.

    The head line directly brings into focus the rivalry between India and China. Whereas, if this missile can hit Beijing in China, then if fired from the western coast of India, then it can also hit targets in Central Asia – Kazakistan, Afghanistan, Persian Gulf and if fired from the southern tip it can hit Deigo Garica, the naval base of the USA and Uk in the Indian Ocean from where the mssiles were fired at Afghanistan in 2001..

    Imagine a headline ” India is now capabple of hitting tagets in Iran, Saudi Arabia and Turkey” !!!
    What would have been the reaction.

    I think Pakistan media should give this same news in a balanced manner, and point out that this missile test is a provocation to the countries in the region west of India, including Israel. And then create a scenario that India by testing this missile is following a policy of regional hegemony and a threat to its neighbours.

    As for Pakistan, this only adds to the arms race in the region. Surely Pakistan has the capability to match this missile, if not today then in the very near future.

    MAV

    • sturkman  On September 27, 2012 at 5:35 pm

      Nobody’s worried about India’s Missile Capability because the world thinks, India is a sane mature country unlike childish, rogue crazy Pakistan that can not even stay in piece. Broke in 24 years and it has been trying hard to break again.

  • Rizwan  On April 20, 2012 at 9:04 am

    Very factual and well written Yasmeen.

  • Ali Kazim  On April 20, 2012 at 11:37 am

    Helps US Geopolitical Strategic aims if India-China remain as antagonists.

    • sturkman  On April 21, 2012 at 6:49 am

      Oh yeah they still are antagonists this is why China created BRICS and invited India in it, instead of Pakistan, right?
      Do you know, what BRICS is, sir?

  • Portugheis Alberto  On April 20, 2012 at 11:52 am

    US plan to threaten China by proxie seems to be working. Good business for Indian politicians and scientists who agreed to play the game.

    • sturkman  On April 21, 2012 at 6:50 am

      Stop using this Christian Name because in General Knowledge you sound a Paki …!

      • Yasmeen Ali  On April 21, 2012 at 6:17 pm

        You asshole he is Italian. Jesus these screwed up RAW agents!

  • TMH  On April 20, 2012 at 2:13 pm

    This clearly announced the prejudice of American Government,
    which is controlled and run by the Zionist, against Muslims. Well
    if you are happy with Indians now to spite Pakistan, so be it. You and Indians
    may sink and swim to gather, we care less. Only we are interested to
    see how long this love affair will last.

    TMH

    • sturkman  On September 27, 2012 at 5:43 pm

      I had no idea I could use word Ass Hole in this forum. Thanks for letting us know Moderator Yasmeen Ali …!
      Of course he is Italian and I am a Martian.
      TMH,
      Of course Americans are prejudiced against Moslims and Pakis and they are Slaves of Jews because they grant immigration to hundreds of thousands of Moslims every year. Pakis also get hundreds of times more Immigration than Jews. Moslim Countries also get more Charity of US Aid and Loans than Israel because Americans are prejudiced against them and are ran by Jews. Allaho Akbar …!

  • khan saheb  On April 20, 2012 at 2:33 pm

    Yasmeen

    Two points:

    1.To test a missile and have actual capabilities to deliver weapons of mass destruction are not the same. This development may be significant for China -India relations, but not Indo-Pak. Lets not have “sour grapes” here.

    2. Indeed, not having an exit strategy has always been the hallmark of US policy. Pakistan too is a genie out of the bottle, fully post 9/11. It would be wrong to label it as a “whipping boy” now. Waqt ke saath aakhir haalat aur jazbaat badal jaate hein.

    The fact which is never highlighted in your writing is that the PK leadership (incl the army) continues to play ball with Uncle Sam. Thats what they want and thats why they are there in Isloo. To be “a whipping boy” is part of the overall show-and-tell….AKA the “package”. Don’t tell me that AAZ went recently on this charade to India with a bunch of idiots, on his own initiative – just before Agni-V. I would say that was perfect timing. The US-India alliance isn’t new either. So, its best not to make a song and dance of Agni this and Agni that. AAZ, Gilani, Kiyani, Sherry and the rest watch the show with the sound of silence. That itself may be part of the show!

    Siraj

    • sturkman  On April 21, 2012 at 6:57 am

      But Khan Saheb, this is Nuclear Capability Missile according to CIA and it has done nothing to create any problems between Sino-India friendship and India’s BRICS Membership. China is cool about it but since Pak Military hated China for doing this, this news is blacked out in Pakistan.

    • Yasmeen Ali  On April 22, 2012 at 4:26 am

      Siraj
      To test successfully means you have the technology & now move to Stage 2. Successful production of tested ballistic missile.
      The reason for this article is for our policy makers to realize that they must rethink their foreign policy.
      Rgds
      YAA

  • Shoaib Siddiqi  On April 20, 2012 at 2:48 pm

    Dear Yasmeen,

    I find this whining about India being a US favourite and Pakistan being the whipping boy of US a bit tiresome. Coming from mature and seasoned writers this seems remarkably lacking any basic understanding of international realpolitiks. It has always been there. There are no moral or for that even legal standards in international power politics. USA sold the 1st and 2nd World Wars as moral interventions and the myths were whipped up by the western press going in an over drive. Fact is both interventions had long term economic and political goals for the US policy makers. It is alleged and I beleive it to be true that attack on Pearl Harbour happened with US administration’s knowledge and perhaps even connivance because it helped shape public opinion for a war that administration had long decided to go into.

    Encouraging India to be the bully to carry out US bidding in the region makes a lot of sense, from the US point of view. China is seen as the main threat (not militarily but economically) and containing it is going to be difficult, given the waning economic strength of US and West, hence it makes lot of sense to prop up India as the western proxy in the Indian and Pacific ocean. Pakistan does not figure and has become more of a nuisance for western policy objectives. It neither has military strength nor the political clout to manage the middle-east or central asia as west would want it.

    Pressure on Pakistan is the quid pro quo that US has with India. India will do west’s bidding as long as US can keep Pakistan unsettled and on the leash. Our political leadership is intellectually bankrupt and morally incompetent that despite knowing this, in their little chaudhary like mental DNA they couldnt rise and face the challenges. Throw them some chewed up bones and like street dogs they will keep going for each others throat without bothering about what is happening beyond their eyesight or mental comprehension.

    However I also believe that inherently US policy makers are no better than the non policy makers of Pakistan. While Pakistani’s are too busy about amassing personal pelf and power, the US variety is too beholden to Israili/Indian lobby due to election funding and media support provided by both to US congressmen and Senators. Both are busy selling national interests. Someone should question what are Indian ambitions ? Why is an ICBM needed when a 1000 km rage rocket can reach any neighbour that India has a dispute with ? What lies 5000 km away from India ? Certainly not China or Pakistan.

    For Pakistan to be taken seriously, Pakistan needs to become serious about itself. Fat chance of that happening in near future ? However you and others can atleast try to educate and raise consciousness of Pakistanis rather than whining and complaining about the step motherly treatment. If you hold a gun or a wad of money even the step father will start loving you or at least will try not to get on your wrong side. Get a gun or a wad of money, preferably both.

    Regards

    • Farooq  On April 20, 2012 at 2:48 pm

      Dear Shoaib Sb

      Very interesting analysis. Couldn’t agree more here “”Get a gun or a wad of money, preferably both.””

      Since we have already wasted 60 years and billions on guns and boys with big guns resulting only in devastating failures ( Dhaka fall, Kargil, OBL raid, GHQ attack, Mehran base attack and countless more) so it’s time that for a change we divert these resources towards education and social development for next 15 years.

      A bigger and Better Army has never guaranteed any thing ( Russian is an example). Strong economy and bright brains make the difference ( Japan, Malaysia, Singapore are a living examples)

      Best Regards

      Farooq

      Dr. Farooq.A. Rathore MBBS, FCPS

    • Yasmeen Ali  On April 20, 2012 at 4:26 pm

      Shoaib Siddiqi Sahib,
      Let it be clear I am not whining.Re read. The purpose is to make the policy makers(assuming some one is doing that still), should look to other options besides US. If it takes US to form a nexus with India for Pakistan to do this.Good!
      Your term wad of money made me laugh.I laughed straight 5 minutes.Thank you. 🙂
      If you read the clauses that accompany the wads of money & what actually gets paid up & how late ,you would laugh too.
      When Kerry Lugar Bill was introduced, I wrote some notes.Not published,but for my reference.I share it here.
      Best
      YAA
      It is a known fact, whether or not we want to accept,that repeated loans & debts have already compromised our sovereignity. However, should this mean, compromising it even further?
      I am reproducing some clauses from the proposed bill with my queries in blog. I will be interested in your response. I quite agree we need the money offered. Only an insane person will not. The point of diffference,I believe,raised in many circles is not questioning this need but some conditions attached:
      Limitation on Arms Transfers: For fiscal years 2012 through 2014, no letter of offer to sell major defence equipment to Pakistan may be issued pursuant to the Arms Export Control Act (22 USC 2751 et seq.) and no license to export major defence equipment to Pakistan may be issued pursuant to such Act in a fiscal year until the Secretary of State, under the direction of the President, makes the certification required under subsection (c) for such fiscal year.
      Does this control & dictate our foreign policy?
      Limitation on Security-related Assistance: For fiscal years 2011 through 2014, no security-related assistance may be provided to Pakistan in a fiscal year until the Secretary of State, under the direction of the President, makes the certification required under subsection (c) for such fiscal year.
      There is no comment in the Bill or clause stating the outcome of such a certifucation is rejected. Who will arbitrate,if at all? will it be a one sided decision of the donor to deliver a decision on whether or not Pakistan has delivered on various grounds & stop aid if they feel it has not? Does this undermine our sovereignity?
      the Government of Pakistan during the preceding fiscal year has demonstrated a sustained commitment to and is making significant efforts towards combating terrorist groups, consistent with the purposes of assistance described in section 201, including taking into account the extent to which the Government of Pakistan has made progress on matters such as (A) ceasing support, including by any elements within the Pakistan military or its intelligence agency, to extremist and terrorist groups, particularly to any group that has conducted attacks against the United States or coalition forces in Afghanistan, or against the territory or people of neighbouring countries;
      Does this allege & indict Pakistan Military of supporting terrorism ? Will acceptance of this clause translate to accepting the allegation?
      (3) the security forces of Pakistan are not materially and substantially subverting the political or judicial processes of Pakistan.

      This is not defined here. Who will define “substantial subversion”? Is this interfearence in domestic politics?
      ) Appropriate Congressional Committees Defined:
      I think the Congressional Committee defined relates to one formed by the USA Parlimentarians? If yes, with each report to be submitted to the Committe,does this place Pakistan directly under USA’s Parliment & answerable directly to them?
      and (15) an assessment of the extent to which the Government of Pakistan exercises effective civilian control of the military, including a description of the extent to which civilian executive leaders and parliament exercise oversight and approval of military budgets, the chain of command, the process of promotion for senior military leaders, civilian involvement in strategic guidance and planning, and military involvement in civil administration.

      Can this be viewed as domestic institutional interfearing?
      Waiver: (1) IN GENERAL – The Secretary of State, under the direction of the President, may waive the limitations contained in subsections (a), (b), and (d) for a fiscal year if the Secretary of State determines that is important to the national security interests of the United States to do so.

      May this be seen as a one sided clause to guard US interests ONLY?
      It is I think, important to view each and every clause closely,with an eye to safeguard Pakistan’s interests.
      Whereas unannounced meetings with military leadership are being held to frame a better understanding of the proposed bill, would you also suggest a broad based panel of legal experts to review the same?

  • Shoaib Siddiqi  On April 20, 2012 at 4:10 pm

    Dear Rathore Saheb,

    You took my phrase literally when it was meant to be metaphorical. Idea was that to get respect in this world you need to be strong. Both economically and militarily. You cant be either unless your masses are educated and your social and political institutions are developed. A rich Abu Dhabi and a militarized North Korea are irrelevant on the international stage in any meaningful way. Unless combined in the right balance jointly, riches and guns are useless on their own and need to be backed by a strong nation of stable institutions.

    I am by no means advocating further militarization of Pakistan. I am a pacifist by nature but understand the fundamental equation of international power politics.

    Best regards

  • Khurram Ali  On April 21, 2012 at 5:56 pm

    Shoaib Sahib,

    Thank you for your very honest analysis about the state of affairs in
    Pakistan, and more importantly our political leaders. In order for
    Pakistan to have hope we need honest leadership in Pakistan which we
    will never have as long we keep on bringing parties like PPP, PML-N,
    PML-Q, MQM….back to power again & again. I have NO party
    affiliation, however I think it is time for Pakistanis to elect a new
    and un-tried party of Imran Khan (PTI). I honestly don’t know if Imran
    and PTI is the answer to our problems, but I do believe that it most
    likely will be a better option than what we have tried over and over
    in the past.

    Another thing that needs to happen is for us to have a foreign policy
    where we are not subservient to the US. I personally feel that if we
    follow a regional foreign policy i.e. having good relations with
    India, Iran, Afghanistan, China, Russia, Central Asian countries
    among others in the region our economy can and will flourish, and our
    region will have the potential of becoming peaceful. I think it is
    time for Pakistan to distance herself from the West and the US. Trust
    me Pakistan can and will survive without the US and the West.

    Thank you,
    Khurram

    • Yahya  On April 21, 2012 at 5:57 pm

      Khurram sahib I agree with you on all points mentioned in your message. I
      hope Imran (PTI) succeeds and let us pray he does a better job than all his
      predecessors.

      Yahya Malik
      O My Lord: Grant me wisdom, and join me with the righteous. And ordain for
      me a good report in later generations. And place me among the inheritors of
      the Garden of Delight. And let me not be in disgrace on the Day when (we)
      will be raised up. — Qur’an, Surah 26

      • Majid Mirza  On April 21, 2012 at 5:58 pm

        For those who haven’t heard about it, Insaf Professional Forum is
        having an event on “National Policy for Change” today. The Keynote
        speaker will be Asad Umar, CEO Engro Corp. It will be held at Avari
        Towers at 230pm sharp. Seats are on a first come first serve basis and
        registration is required. You can check if any seats are still
        available at:ipf.sindh@insaf.pk

  • Yasmeen Ali  On April 21, 2012 at 6:14 pm

    Sumit
    Irrespective of where you live,who services your car,or what you do,wake up BIG TIME. We know India is not the Bollywood version shown.Go fool someone else with your stories of ‘greatness’.
    Yasmeen

  • Shahid Rizwan  On April 22, 2012 at 4:43 am

    Nice Article

    Mohammed Shahid Rizwan

  • Syed Ataur Rahman  On April 22, 2012 at 5:26 pm

    Well written Yasmeen and you have dwelt with the subject quite elaborately. It is a timely wake up call to our establishment to re look at our priorities. There is no need to get into a numbers game with India. We have the deterrence but it must be seen if we need more. We already have the qualitative edge.
    Turkman is certainly a RAW agent and he should be allowed to bark. Mr Sumit is a indian nationalist and very happy that India has sold its soul to the americans. It does not take long for things to turn around. Americans are famous for sabotaging and stabbing their own friends. So let the Indians beware.
    Yasmeen, I once again congratulate you on your timely article. Continue the noble task.

    • pakpotpourri2  On April 23, 2012 at 4:25 am

      Thank you Ata Sahib, it was a wonderful surprise to see your note here.The purpose is only to try & create awareness at a small level.
      Rgds
      YAA

  • Mohammad Ataullah  On April 23, 2012 at 4:21 am

    Assalamu Alaikum, Bhai Sohaib,

    Shukran Jazeelan for good writing and expressing your views well.

    However, what you have written are facts and facts written by Behan Yasmeen are no different from yours. Exposing bad politics or policies, should be encouraged, if you want to call it “whining” or “tiresome”, be it, but it is never enough to discourage these evil empires, who always find ways to support and forcefully impose their policies, on others and pretend torch bearer of democracy, freedom and human rights. Only if they stop claiming (as Russians do not) and stop this deception being a friend. Call a spade a spade or do not even need to call themselves as an enemy, but just say this our policy (like Russians do), period! Take it or leave it or do whatever your can, is fine.

    I remember, during President Ayub Khan days, American government specially asked him and linked to the condition of Aid to stop Pakistani newspapers from writing or printing against their policies or exposing the truth (which you are calling “whining”), which stopped for decades till recently. Now suddenly it has even become “tiresome”?

    We should in fact encourage everyone to think, write and repeat to become so common knowledge for everyone, giving encouragement and strength to our politicians to adapt policies for our benefit, giving them assurance it is backed democratically by Ummat/ Nation (same tool or stick or whip USA, India and Israel uses, why cannot we?).

    Shukran Jazeelan, JazakAllah Khair, Wasalam,
    Mohammad Ataullah.

  • Yasmeen Ali  On April 27, 2012 at 5:03 am

    The article yesterday was carried on Op=Ed News, thiscan’tbehapprning & War is a Crime.LINKS attached:

    http://www.thiscantbehappening.net/

    AND:

    http://warisacrime.org/content/us-double-standards-indias-ballistic-missile-test-and-pakistan-whipping-boy

    AND

    http://www.opednews.com/articles/US-Double-Standards-India-by-Yasmeen-Ali-120426-670.html

  • bornintellegent  On September 25, 2012 at 6:32 am

    all i want to say is that you cannot win in arguments with an idiot because he will bring you down up to his level and defeat you with his experience..

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