Foreign Correspondence

[Amaunet]

The election of George W Bush and Pakistan


The position of the US is vulnerable but for the use of violent physical force which never wins friends. Its need for Pakistan as an ally is strategic in nature.

Pakistan must keep in mind that the US needs it more than it needs the US.

Bush has put the United States in an extremely precarious position. Bush has to accede to Pakistan’s every whim or Pakistan will be lost to China and Gwadar Port will host the dragon’s navy. I strongly suspect this will be the way no matter what the simple minded Bush does as he has been outmatched.
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-Am

The election of George W Bush and Pakistan

November 6, 2004

By Dr Mubashir Hasan

The election of George W Bush as president of the United States is neither good nor bad for Pakistan. The aims of the foreign policy of the United States will continue to be what they have been. The time is right for Pakistan to review its policies and try to emerge as a nation with humanity, self respect and dignity, to restore its izzat and viqar among the comity of nations. The image of a lackey of the United States must be shed. It will be good for Pakistan as well as the US.

Pakistan must keep in mind that the US needs it more than it needs the US. Pakistan muddled through the 13-year period from 1988 to 2001 bearing the worst possible sanctions imposed by the United States and its allies. Now the situation is vastly different. South West Asia is in turmoil. Barring Iran, the rulers of the countries in the region are far from secure. Their people are seething with anger against their rulers for cooperating with America. The position of the US is vulnerable but for the use of violent physical force which never wins friends. Its need for Pakistan as an ally is strategic in nature.

For America, securing cooperation from Pakistan is crucial. The US badly needs help from Pakistan in what it calls “war against terror” and to pursue its imperial quest in Afghanistan. The cooperation with the US should be made not for the sake of cash, weaponry and for the bolstering of unpopular rule but in the interest of the greatest good of the people of Pakistan and the region. It also means that Pakistan cannot be an unconditional partner in the pursuit of foreign interests in Afghanistan. In taking such a stand, Pakistan shall not find itself alone. The whole world, Europe, Asia and Africa would take a sympathetic view of such an approach. Besides, the US has little option. It cannot afford to create difficulties for President Musharraf’s regime for it cannot get anyone better.

The US bases in Jacobabad and reportedly at some other places are an affront to the dignity and honour of Pakistan. They must go as soon as possible.

Pakistan should pursue on its own its war on terror. The presence of personnel from the CIA, Special Forces or American military need also be declared non-grata. We need a full debate on the subject in the parliament as well as in the nation. American cooperation is a liability rather than an asset in the pursuit of this important objective.

Pakistan has to persuade the US not to press the government to pursue the policies enunciated by the World Bank and International Monetary Fund. The “good” economic achievements publicized by Islamabad are deceptive. These are dangerously similar to the evidence of Pakistan’s economic progress presented by President Ayub Khan in the late sixties. The rates of growth, savings, exchange parity etc applauded by the whole world in those days sounded fine. The rich had grown richer but the political fallout proved to be fatal. The country disintegrated. The present state of the economy of Pakistan is untenable and conceals dangerous potential.

The elections in the United States offer an opportunity to Pakistan to wake up and take a fresh view of its policies.


http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=story_5-11-2004_pg7_32