Instability in Syria: West Asia Crisis Continues

Russia won a promise from Syrian President Bashar al-Assad on February 7 to bring an end to bloodshed in Syria, but Western and Arab nations acted to isolate Assad further after activists and rebels said his forces killed over 100 in the city of Homs. Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, representing a rare ally on a trip to the Syrian capital – Damascus –other states are shunning, said Russia now wanted to resolve Syria's crisis in line with an Arab plan. Moscow and Beijing vetoed in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC).
The Russian mediation failed to slow a rush by countries that denounced the Russian-Chinese veto three days ago to corner Syria diplomatically and cripple Assad with sanctions in hopes of toppling him and encouraging reforms to avert chaos in a region straddling major fault lines of Middle East conflict.
Earlier on February 5, Russia and China joined forces in a double veto to knock down a Western-Arab UNSC Resolution backing an Arab League plan for President Al-Assad to step aside. The other 13 council members voted in favor of the resolution, which would have said that the council "fully supports" the Arab League plan aimed at ending 11 months of bloodshed as Syria has sought to crush an anti-Assad uprising.
Both Moscow and Beijing do not agree with the Arab League’s approach, which was supported by the US and its West European allies. The opponents of the resolution wanted a consensus to be arrived at before taking it to the Security Council which was not possible. The two Asian giants fear that once they approve of the UN intervention to resolve the crisis in Syria, a sovereign nation, tomorrow the method can be used against them also. But they are not justified in going against the will of the Syrian masses. As the world has seen, dictators like Al-Assad have no regard for people’s aspirations for democracy. They can kill any number of people to perpetuate their autocratic rule. What happened in Libya, Egypt, Tunisia and Yemen is before all of us to see.
At present, Russia and China both believe they were deceived into abstaining rather than using their veto. Although Moscow has sought to distance itself from the brutalities of the Assad regime, which is now using heavy weapons against protesters, the February 4 veto is a shot in the arm for Damascus. But the US approach, which has included strident calls for President Assad to go, does not open a path for an urgent political solution to the violence either. One of the problems is that the opposition to the regime is severely fragmented.
In November 2011, the Arab League has suspended Syria until President Al-Assad implements an Arab deal to end violence against protesters, and called for sanctions and transition talks with the opposition. The League has long been seen by tens of millions of people throughout West Asia and North Africa as toothless and a puppet of the despots, dictators, and absolute monarchs who comprise the majority of its governments. This time 18 of the 22 members voted for the proposal at an emergency meeting in Cairo, with three — Syria, Yemen, and Lebanon — voting against and Iraq abstaining.
Killings of Innocent People
Syrian forces unleashed a barrage of mortars and artillery on the battered city of Homs, sending terrified residents fleeing into basements and killing more than 300 people in what appeared to be the bloodiest episode in the nearly 11-month-old uprising. However, the Syrian Government denied the assault. It said the reports were part of a “hysterical campaign” of incitement by armed groups against Syria.
There were signs that the bombardment in Homs, Syria's third largest city, was in response to moves by army defectors to solidify their control in several neighborhoods. There were reports that defectors set up new checkpoints in several areas, and two activists from Homs said defectors attacked a military checkpoint in the Khaldiyeh District and captured 17 soldiers. The activists spoke on condition of anonymity to protect themselves from retaliation.
Ongoing Protests
Undoubtedly, the worst news of all is that this probably means that Syria is heading down into the same kind of hell that Lebanon went through in its fifteen-year civil war (1975-90).
The Syrian protests began as a brave attempt to emulate the non-violent revolutions in Tunisia and Egypt. The Assad regime would kill people, of course, but if the protesters stood fast and refused to kill back, ultimately the regime’s support would just drain away. Non-violence was doubly important in the Syrian case, because if it were a violent revolution various minorities would feel gravely threatened.
However, the non-violent strategy has foundered on the rock of Syria’s sectarian and ethnic divisions. Sunni deserters from the Army started fighting back, and all the other communities took fright. Now it’s a civil war in which the regime has the heavy weapons but the Sunni Arabs have the numbers.
India’s Decision
By going along with the vetoed UNSC Resolution on Syria, India primarily expressed its disappointment with the continued prevarication by the Assad government in implementing the political package of reforms it promised late last year and over several incidents of armed assault on peaceful protesting congregations since discontent engulfed the country in 2011.
Hardeep Puri, India's permanent representative in the United Nations, read with his explanation of vote, showed that New Delhi was upset at the winding up of the Arab League's observer mission in Syria but it differed widely from the Arab League's prescriptions, reflected in the draft resolution. Unlike the Arab League and the draft resolution, India did not ask for multiparty elections in a time frame or the freedom of movement sought all over the country for a wide range of actors from AL observers to the international media and humanitarian organizations.
India has demonstrated its capacity to take a clear stand on any regional or global issue. It is not a question of going along with the US and the rest of the West. India has to play its own independent role to protect its interests in West Asia.
Need of the Hour
Syria is just as complex a society as Lebanon, although we can still hope that the war does not go on as long. And it’s entirely possible that the Assad regime, whose senior ranks are mostly drawn from the Alawite minority (only 10 percent of the population), has deliberately chosen civil war. Better that than surrender power and expose the Alawites to the vengeance they fear from all those whom they have ruled for the past 40 years.
The Western countries have only themselves to blame for alienating what could have been powerful and influential allies in this terrible and protracted crisis. Russia's unwillingness to go along with a US-led process stems, in large measure, from its anger at western conduct over Libya. The UNSC Resolution of March 2011 imposed only a no-fly zone but served, in reality, as a cover for North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO)'s aim of violent regime change in Syria.
The Syrian National Council (SNC) is at odds with both the Free Syrian Army (FSA) and the National Coordination Committee (NCC). Moreover, with the regime in Syria drawn from the 10 per cent Alawite Shia minority, Sunni extremist groups have jumped into the fray. The P-5 and Arab League, along with India, Brazil and South Africa, must go back to the drawing board and come up with a new plan of action that can end the violence and set the stage for a Syrian-led political solution.
Country’s Brief Facts
Modern Syria gained its independence from France in 1946 but has lived through periods of political instability driven by the conflicting interests of these various groups. From 1958-61 it united with Nasser's Egypt, but an army coup restored independence before the Alawite-controlled pan-Arab Baath (Renaissance) party took control in 1963. It rules to this day.
The Baath government has seen authoritarian rule at home and a strong anti-Israeli policy abroad, particularly under former President Hafez al-Assad. In 1967 Syria lost the Golan Heights to the Israelis, while civil war in neighboring Lebanon allowed it to extend its political and military influence in the region.
Syria pulled its forces out of Lebanon in 2005, having come under intense international pressure to do so after the assassination of Lebanese former premier Rafik Hariri. A UN report implicated Syrian and pro-Syria Lebanese officials in the killing.
The government has dealt harshly with domestic opposition. Tens of thousands are reported to have been killed in the crackdown on the 1982 uprising of the Muslim Brotherhood in Hama. In 2011 security forces used tanks, gunfire and mass arrests to try crush anti-government street protests inspired by the Arab Spring that toppled the leaders of Tunisia and Egypt.

India, China Agree To Eliminate Piracy

Keeping persistent threats from pirates operating off the coast of Somalia in view, two Asian giants – India and China – have agreed to cooperate with each other, roping in Japan to tackle piracy.
This is the first working relationship on the high seas between the Indian Navy and China’s People Liberation Army (Navy). The two armies have so far worked under an agreement to patrol land borders and also follow a protocol when faced with each other on the disputed Line of Actual Control. The Naval arrangement started a month ago and has provided more safety and better utilization of resources. It is a working-level meeting (on the high seas) to ensure effective communication and operations.
Independent Anti-Piracy Patrols
Warships from India, China and Japan have been deployed independently. Their role is conducting independent anti-piracy patrols in the internationally recognized transit corridor — a 480 nautical mile (approximately 890 km) long area in the Gulf of Aden. The 92-km wide corridor starts at the confluence of the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden and extends eastwards toward the Arabian Sea.
The three have so far not been part of the Combined Task Force-151, essentially a North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO)-led force for anti-piracy, and nor are they part of the Eunavfor, another grouping of European countries along similar lines. Merchant ship operators have been keen that nations like India, China and Japan that are not part of the big groupings and operate independently, should cooperate among themselves as their standalone warships would then be of greater help in tackling piracy.
Transit Corridor
India has a warship on duty in the transit corridor since October 2008. China has two warships and a fleet tanker that replenishes supplies while the Japanese also have two warships along with a maritime reconnaissance plane based in Djibouti, close to Somalia.
To facilitate sharing of information, a counter-piracy platform exists and that is named Shared Awareness and Deconfliction (SHADE). It meets on a quarterly basis at Bahrain and has a convoy coordination group that provides merchant ships with naval warship protection. All navies that send warships to escort merchant vessels are extended members of SHADE. Its primary aim is to ensure effective coordination and de-confliction of military resources and operations in combating piracy.

India-France Defense Pact: New Delhi's Biggest Decade Deal

Dassault Aviation, a French company, has bagged the mega $10.4-billion (Rs 54,000 crore) contract to supply 126 medium multi-role combat aircraft (MMRCA) that will give the Indian Air Force (IAF) — which is eagerly looking to replace its ageing fleets of MiGs and other fighter jets — a much-needed shot in the arm.
The original estimated cost of the deal was around Rs. 42,000 crores ($10.4 billion) in 2007, but there are indications this could escalate to between Rs. 80,000 crores to Rs. 90,000 crores (about $16-18 billion). But no official figures are available as cost negotiations are yet to begin. India will now compare its “benchmark price” at current costs to the cost at which the French are prepared to sell, and will try to scale down the French bid. Only if these talks with Dassault fail will negotiations start with “L2” (second-lowest bidder) — EADS Eurofighter.
Bidding Battle
A fierce bidding battle was witnessed between Dassault’s Rafale and European consortium Eurofighter’s Typhoon to clinch what has been billed as the mother of all defense deals. Finally, it was the twin-engine, delta wing Rafale, which emerged as the lowest bidder today.
The French firm Dassault Rafale has emerged as the lowest bidder and cheaper than its European rival EADS (maker of Eurofighter) in the tender and will be offered to supply the aircraft to the IAF.
The representatives of Dassault here were informed about the development in the morning and further negotiations on price will be held with them in the next 10-15 days.
The Rafale is used by the French Air Force and Navy and was deployed during the recent France-led NATO strikes on Libya. The final order could eventually go up to 200 aircraft as there is a provision for increasing the number of jets by 50 percent without any price hike. According to the Request for Proposal (RFP), the winner of the contract will have to supply 18 of the 126 aircraft to the Indian Air Force in 36 months in a fly-away condition from its facilities and the remaining would be produced at HAL facilities in Bangalore. The contract is likely to signed at the end of this fiscal in March or early next fiscal.
About Rafale
The Rafale, currently the main French Air Force combat aircraft, is known as an “omnirole” fighter capable of multi-role functions like air-to-ground precision strikes, nuclear strikes, anti-ship attacks, reconnaissance, close air support and air defense. The aircraft is equipped with smart sensors and rocket-boosted air-to-ground precision guided weapons with laser guidance systems, long-range missiles, anti-ship missiles and air-to-air missiles. Dassault says the Rafale was used with great success in French combat ops in Afghanistan and Libya.
Rafale is a twin engine jet and can perform various roles like offensive and defensive manoeovres besides air to air and air to ground missions. MIG-21(250 planes) and MIG-29(70 planes) are operationallydefensive and a multi-role aircraft like Rafale will reduce the number of types of aircraft flown at present by the IAF. There are more than 27 different types in the IAF inventory thereby increasing the complexity in maintenance and having separate production lines for different aircraft.
Of the 126 aircraft that will be acquired, 18 will come in “flyaway” condition in three years, while the remaining 108 will be built by state-owned Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd in the next seven years with technology transfers. The contract is expected to be signed in the next five months.
Dassualt Aviation’s Mirage-2000 fighter is already being used by the IAF for the past two decades. The product was picked up on the basis of it being the Lowest Bidder (L1), a decision arrived at after complex calculations, including the life-cycle costs. The two aircraft were chosen from a list of six, including U.S. Boeing (F/A18) and Lockheed Martin (F-16), Russian MiG-35 and Swedish Saab (Gripen), in April 2011.
Six companies, including American F-16 and F-18, Russian MiG 35, Swedish Saab Gripen alongwith Eurofighter and Dassault Rafale were in the race in the beginning. But in April 2011, the Defense Ministry shortlisted Dassault and EADS, evicting the American, Russian and Swedish bids. The process was started with the issuing of a global tender in 2007 after which all the six contenders were subjected to extensive field evaluation trials by the Indian Air Force at several locations across the globe.
Strategic Development
The IAF would reach its sanctioned strength of 42 squadrons by 2022 — it now has 34 squadrons — and commercial bids for the 126 medium multi-role combat aircraft should be opened by month-end.
To shore up its offensive and defensive capabilities and operate all types of aircraft along the border with Pakistan and China in the north and north-eastern regions, the IAF planned to expand the Nyoma advanced landing ground in Leh district of Jammu and Kashmir. The proposal was awaiting Cabinet approval.
The IAF hoped to plug the gaps in surveillance in the mountainous region by 2016-17, installing Low Level Lightweight Radars. It planned to expand the Kargil runway, so that it could operate heavy and tactical lift transport aircraft such as C130J Super Hercules and C-17 Globemaster.
The IAF would procure six more C130J Super Hercules, which would be based in the Charbatia airbase in Orissa, catering for the eastern region so far as the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

New Great Game and Afghanistan

The United Kingdom and Russia were vying for capturing the Central Asia during the 19th century. The United Kingdom was approaching from the Indian side, whereas the Russians were heading toward India while capturing Central Asia. Unfortunately, the Afghan soil was the center of this great game and Pashtuns were its fuel at that time. Both countries were using Afghanistan as a buffer state and playing this game from the Afghanistan soil. The tenure of this classical great game started with Russia-Prussia war in 1813 and ended on Anglo-Russian Convention in 1907. A British intelligence officer, Arthur Konolly had given this title to a geopolitical and strategic war and he had named the entire Central Asia the Great Chessboard. Rudyard Kipling later on gave this great game an unmatched fame and a romantic status in his novel the KIM.
War of Capturing Resources
This new great game is a war of capturing resources, particularly oil, its supply routes, pipelines and mineral resources more than just occupying territories. Another fundamental difference between the two is that the United Kingdom and Russia were the major players in the old great game, whereas Iran played a side role from time to time along with them; whereas, in the new game, a large number of regional and international powers are involved and the fuel are again the Pashtuns and to an extent Pakistanis. The players in this war include, in addition to the United States, North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and its allies, Russia, China, India, Pakistan, Iran, and Tajikistan of Central Asia, population of which is even less than 2,000,000.
This war is becoming the most expensive war of all times. Only the United States spent $130 billion in 2010 ($4 billion for social sector, and that too, with a number of conditions because of which the entire amount could not be released) (Parenthesis as published). This expenditure earlier amounted to $50 billion to $65 billion. The expenditure incurred by other countries is in addition to this. With regard to life losses, too, this war is becoming unbearable for the United States and its allies. The number of casualties and injured troops is increasing with each passing day. So far, more than 3,000 US and ISAF (International Security Assistance Force) troops have died, whereas number of injured troops stands close to 8,000. However, according to independent sources, number of casualties and wounded troops could exceed these estimates because the Americans and ISAF sources are trying to fudge the numbers due to public reaction.
As far as the Afghans are concerned, they -- according to famous poet, Faiz Ahmed Faiz -- consider their flesh and blood part of the soil so it became food of the soil (means the body went back to its origin). Majority of the troops, who have returned to their home countries, are suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder. Their treatment, including physical ailments, will cost approximately $650 million. On returning home, these troops assume strange behavior. Some limit themselves within their homes; and some join those Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), which help people in Afghanistan and Iraq.
According to the US Anti-Suicide report, approximately 100 out of these returnees commit suicide every year, whereas, approximately 200 are prevented from committing suicide. Different countries want to have a stake in these countries because of their natural resources and strategic importance.
Natural Resources and Strategic Importance
Let us have a look at the natural resources and strategic importance of this region. The oil experts say huge quantity of oil is present under the Caspian Sea. In addition, the world's largest natural gas reserves are present in Turkmenistan and other Central Asian countries. According to survey, conducted during the erstwhile Soviet Union times, 73 million tons coal, 100 billion barrel oil (it appears to be somewhat incorrect) (parenthesis as published) and 5 trillion cubic ft natural gas is present in Afghanistan.
In addition to this, the American National Geological Society conducted another survey in 2007 but released its report in 2010, which says that huge reserves of copper, gold, cobalt and raw iron, which value at $1 trillion, are present on the Afghan side of the Durand Line. The nature's distribution does not observe the geographic limits, set by human beings. It means that there could be huge reserves on the other side of the border, too (means, on Pakistani side). The Pentagon has compared and declared the Lithium reserves here at par with Saudi Arabia's oil reserves. In modern life, Lithium assumes the same importance as the oil, because no battery can be manufactured without Lithium. It is abundantly used in manufacturing several products.
China has initiated a $3 billion project in ionic copper mines, situated in Lugar Province of Afghanistan. It means the Pakistan-Afghanistan Pashtun belt is important as a transit route and it is also full of natural resources.
To benefit from these resources, the United States had first planned to lay a pipeline from Turkmenistan to Afghanistan, and then to India and the Arabian Sea. The US firm, Unocal, Bredas of Argentine, and a Saudi company were competing to get the contract for this project. The US firm, Unocal had already spent lot of money on conducting feasibility study and had also arranged funding from international institutions, but the Taliban awarded contract to Bredas, which stunned the United States. Approximately four months before the 9/11 attacks, the US delegation informed every one and particularly Pakistan, during an international conference in Bonn that the Taliban had now become unbearable. And their government will be toppled by the end of the year.
The CIA initiated contacts with Ahmed Shah Masood; otherwise, ZalmayKhalilzad, while representing the US Government, had expressed support to the Taliban in his article, published in The New York Times only two days before this contact (with Ahmed Shah Masood by the CIA was established). In this article, Zalmay had also reprimanded the European countries for banning women veil. The write had suggested the European governments that they should not impose their culture on Afghans, as observing veil is a centuries old Afghan tradition.
The 9/11 attacks provided them (the United States and allies) a golden opportunity and they invaded Afghanistan, which unleashed a new process of destruction and devastation, because the war (in Afghanistan, allusion to Russian invasion of Afghanistan) had, in fact, started 20 years ago before the 9/11 attacks.
Cultural and Religious Influence
From a strategic importance point of view, four historic areas surround this region. Wild tribes, be they in the form of Scythians, White Huns or Mughals, have always marched from the northern plains, Steppe; and finally, Russia's march through Central Asia toward warm waters and Afghanistan and then expansion of Chinese empire from south to the east; and arrival of Indian cultural and religious influence from northwest side.Afghanistan is situated in the southwest of the Middle East region and Wakhan corridor is also situated here, borders of which, touch Azad Kashmir (Pakistan-administered Kashmir) in the south, Tajikistan in the north and China in the east. During 10-year erstwhile Soviet Union war, this was under their occupation; and the United States is also staying here. Iran is also situated in the same area; and Gwadar Port, which is placed as a modern port right at the edge of Asian Gulf, is situated on its eastern side.

Pakistan-US Agreement on Counterterrorism Cooperation

The fourth session of the Pakistan-US Working Group on Counterterrorism was held in Islamabad on 5 July. The Pakistani delegation was led by Interior Minister Rehman Malik while William Brownfield, US assistant secretary of state for international law enforcement and narcotics affairs, led the US delegation. At the session, Pakistan and the United States agreed on the need for joint efforts to continue strategic talks, to resolve visa problems, and to curb drug trafficking. Moreover, complying with the US demand, Pakistan banned the export of nitrate, which is used in preparing landmines, to Afghanistan. However, the United States assured to enhance Pakistani security agencies' capability.
Addressing the joint news conference at the conclusion of the talks, Interior Minister Rehman Malik welcomed the resumption of talks between Pakistan and the United States. On this occasion, William Brownfield assured to support Pakistani Government's efforts against terrorism. The meeting decided to form a joint task force to eliminate the explosive devices.
Curbing Narcotics Trafficking
The agreement between Pakistan and the United States on strategy and steps against terrorism indicates that, despite the differences on several issues, some dialogue between the two countries is going on, which is a welcome development in the sense that it will not only help resolve these issues but will also help improve relations between the two countries. Narcotics trafficking is a major issue of this region as well as of the rest of the world. The Pakistan-US agreement on curbing narcotics trafficking is an encouraging development. The need of the hour is that the rest of the world too played its due role in this regard so that the longstanding dream of forming a drugs free global society could be materialized.
The ban on export of nitrate, which is used in preparing landmines, to Afghanistan, is a welcome step. The use of landmines in wars dates back to a long time ago. The use of the landmines in the prevailing situation in Afghanistan can bear devastating results. However, the United States should gain an assurance from the Karzai government that the terrorists would not be able to obtain the chemical, used in preparing landmines, from somewhere else.
Common Interest
During his unannounced visit of Afghanistan, UK Prime Minister David Cameron has said that Pakistan's and Afghanistan's working jointly is in the interest of both the countries. However, President Hamid Karzai is unable to understand that. In his meeting with President Asif Ali Zardari, he expressed grave concern over the alleged shelling in Afghanistan from the Pakistani areas. It is pertinent to mention here that, a few days ago, several hundred Afghan terrorists invaded Pakistani area and reaction was shown from this side of the border.
Speaking in this connection, Interior Minister Rehman Malik has said that the intervention and supply of weapons in Pakistan from Afghanistan needs to be stopped. He added that our borders have been violated five times from the Afghanistan side.
Eliminating Terrorism
David Petraeus, commander of the US and NATO forces in Afghanistan, has said that the foreign forces will focus attention on the Pakistan-Afghanistan border in the coming months. It is imperative that the NATO forces not only stopped violations of the Durand Line but also enforced measures to prevent the terrorists from infiltrating into Pakistan from Afghanistan.
The United States can give a new dimension to the cooperation against terrorism by showing progress on these matters. That will also pave way for normalizing the relations between Pakistan and the United States once again.

US Midterm Elections

Midterm elections have been held in the US for all seats of the House of Representatives, 32 seats of the Senate and offices of the state governors on 2 November 2010. Dozens of candidates who tested their luck following the tall shadow of the election campaign run by President Barack Obama faced humiliation of defeat at the hands of Republicans. In the US House of Representatives having 435 members, the Democrats lost in 240 constituencies. In the elections to the upper house i.e. the US Senate, the Republicans improved their position.

Advantage Republicans
Various tops guns of the Democrats lost in the recent elections. The candidates ruthlessly used wealth for their victory. Arnold Schwarzenegger, who got much fame in the field of acting and later became state governor, lost the office of the governor. Whereas a look as to who contested election from where and on ticket of which party ads to one's knowledge and wisdom, it also widens one's political and social awareness.

Democrat Senator from Florida Michael Bennet celebrated second consecutive victory after defeating Republican Cain Huke. In other tough contests, Republic leader John Reid was defeated by Democrat Joe McCain for a Senate seat from Western Virginia. Marko Rubio gave tough time to Obama's colleague Charlie Crist in Florida and also gifted him defeat. In Kentucky, the Republicans emerged victorious while the Democrats were the runners up as Rand Paul shattered hopes of Jack Convoy of Obama lobby.

Setback for Obama
Obama had to suffer the shock of historic Republic victory on his ancestral seat of Illinois. Obama had got elected as senator from the same seat. The Republicans won on two most important Senate seats of Northern Dakota and Arkansas. John Thune defeated Terry Porter while in Arkansas John Bosman delighted Bush Junior by emerging victorious.

In Missouri, former head of Armed Services Committee Scouts was badly defeated on the ticket of Democrats as Wiki Mart of Republican knocked him out. In the House of Representatives, the strength of Republican has increased. If the Obama ministers failed to show interest in the ending military inventions in other countries during the rest of the presidential tenure for the sake of poverty, unemployment and colonialist desires in light of the public feelings and aspirations, their hopes of winning the next presidential will fade forever.

Human Massacre and Barbarism
Muslims are to be reminded here that the Publican party is a frightening group of conservatives and jingoists who achieve such successes in human massacre and barbarism under the patronization of former President Bush following the 9/11 that the human spirit sheds tears of blood. The victory of the Republican is a food for thought for the Muslim community. There were many smugglers and businessmen from oil industry in the Bush cabinet who have been busy in promotion of the Zionism and paving the way for Greater Israel.

The Zionist lobbies of Bush era wrote the script of the tragic drama of 9/11 to plunder the natural resources and energy deposits of the Middle East and the US forces imposed on Kabul and Baghdad the terrifying war on the earth and occupied the two countries after thrusting the responsibility of the destruction of the Twin Towers on Al-Qaeda, Muslim fighters, jihadist organizations and Saddam Hussein. The US and allies spilled the blood of two million Muslims in Iraq and Kabul and this barbarism is still continuing. The wise intellectuals bragged that the victory of the Republican cannot affect Pakistan. Those expressing such opinions are devoid of wisdom because they are unaware of this threat that voices of selecting Pakistan for the next round of war are constantly appearing in the Western media. Under the banner of ISAF (International Security Assistance Force), 120,000 are busy in battles in Afghanistan. ISAF consists of the military power of the 50 advanced countries of the world.

Impact of Afghan War
The Afghan war is the longest and the most dangerous war of the history of NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization). Taliban have stunned the occupation forces. The US has started dialogue with the rivals with key role of Pakistan to avert the ugly stain of defeat. Reports are appearing in the Western media that if the terrorism could not be confined to South Asia, Afghanistan and borders of FATA [Federally Administered Tribal Areas], the West would be crying because of its threat. Instead of Kabul, the global players have focused their sights on the border region of Pakistan. The Japan Times has reported that the CIA (Central Intelligence Agency) and Mosad have planned bomb explosions, terrorism and suicide attacks in several areas of Europe for which Pakistan will be accused and then a war will start in Pakistan on the pattern of Afghanistan.

The US think tanks and military analysts say that achievement of the Western interests in the Afghan war is not possible until the military power of Pakistan is not overcome. The Pentagon has given target to the US agencies to swiftly use the effective prescription of propaganda and to stuff the minds of the people of West that Pakistan is a threat for the West. The Western newspapers, TheWall Street Journal, Sky News and BBC are crying that drill for Mumbai-type attacks in Europe is going on in Pakistan. Renowned intellectual Van Madson says he has found secret documents in Washington containing details about destruction of Pakistani nuclear arms by Mosad in 1982.

New US National Security Strategy

US President Barack Obama's new National Security Strategy released recently has officially placed a 'full stop' to his predecessor's, George W. Bush's unilateralism. The focus of 'destroying the old and building the new' in Obama's 52-page doctrine on security strategy is Washington's awareness of the value of global cooperation. The United States new security strategy affirmed that it has placed foreign relations to be the focus of foreign affair policy, emphasizing on the search for consensus or 'commitment to dialogue'.

Objections From International Community
Many people would not forget, in 2001, President Bush released the US's national security strategy with the policy of 'striking preemptively', asserted the right to attack with force against any country and terrorist organizations which may be considered a threat to the United States. Implementing this strategy, the US blatantly attacked Iraq in spite of objections from the international community. Needless to say, the damage for Iraq was severe, and for the US, the Iraq war was a disaster. Sinking into increasingly unilateral policies, the United States must receive even more painful implications.

Bogged down in the so-called global war on terror, economic recession, apprehension of bomb plots, all of these show that the United States, doesn't matter how powerful it is, still shows its own deadly 'Achilles' Heels', which it cannot single handedly solve all global problems in its own way. The absurdity is in the fact that it is weakened by the chase for its own shadow. The preemptive striking policy and the freedom to act in the past is not only ineffective, but also overshadowing the US image.

Obama administration's new security strategy emphasized that the United States cannot act alone in this world, and pledged to form a 'new international order'. Learning valuable lessons from its predecessor Bush in the last eight years, the United States is forced to officially acknowledge the multi-polar new world order that is forming, with the rise of more powerful countries such as China, Russia and India. More than ever, the United States understands that, without the active and continuous multilateral cooperation, it would be very difficult to solve issues which are considered crucial for the United States and the world.

The US Government and even the people of the United States understand that, without change, the United States will surely lose its superpower status. Without change, it is a certainty that the US benefits in strategic regions will be wobbly. Better late than never, Washington is frantically adjusting to restore its influence and power.

Praises India, Condemns Pakistan
Obama's National Security Strategy provides a striking contrast between how the US views India and Pakistan -- the former as a rising global power and the latter as the epicentre of global terrorism.

The document says the US and India are building a strategic partnership that is underpinned by shared interests and shared values as the world's two largest democracies and the close contacts between its people.

The document heaps praise on India. 'India’s responsible advancement serves as a positive example for developing nations, and provides an opportunity for increased economic, scientific, environmental, and security partnership,' it says and adds, 'Working together through our Strategic Dialogue and high-level visits, we seek a broad-based relationship in which India contributes to global counterterrorism efforts, nonproliferation, and helps promote poverty-reduction, education, health, and sustainable agriculture.'

Pressure on North Korea
In reality, the United States has changed in its relations with allies and the world in the past two years. From the assembling of North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) forces for Afghanistan, seeking support to put pressure on North Korea, lifting up its relations with Russia, repairing its relations with Europe, to the promotion of peace negotiations in the Middle East and the extensive consultation regarding the route to defeat the Taliban in Afghanistan.

This clearly demonstrated the United States' old conservative idea of its transcendence and placing itself on a higher plane than the rest of the world, is gradually discarded.

World in New Order
Perhaps Obama has finished with unilateralism, or does the US want to renounce its status as the 'imposer of the game'? 'Obama's Doctrine' stressed the necessity for the United States to create a world order based on diplomatic persuasion and military strength. This shows that the US's new security strategy has not changed its fundamental goals. The United States continues to maintain its powerful military forces, with an ability and operation range beyond the rest of the world.

Alhough it has abandoned the concept of 'war on terror,' the United States did not hide its intention to interfere with 'rival countries' such as Iran and North Korea. This is synonymous with the fact that the United States is not and has never abandoned the ambition to 'lead' the world in the 'new order'. Thus, in spite of putting on new 'coats', the US goals for security strategy have not changed. Unilateralism was the official joint statement. However, the United States changes in strategy were to accommodate the new position to achieve a completely old goal.

US Compelled To Change Strategy in Changed Scenario

US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has again made an offer of reconciliation to the Afghan Taliban. Although the US conditions for this purpose are highly strict and perhaps unacceptable for the Taliban, yet Hillary Clinton's statement certainly underlines the fact that the United States is gradually developing flexibility in its attitude toward the Taliban. In his recent book, a former CIA director has written, "the United States is fighting against the enemy, which is a creation of its own imagination."

It seems that the United States is now witnessing the growing strength of its real opponents, but in spite of the US rulers' unwillingness, their war against moderate progressive forces of the entire world is going to begin once again. And in this context, the United States is compelled to bring a change in its strategy and again move to its "traditional allies." As for the Taliban, the US relationship with them has been a mix of contradictory states of separation and alliance like the story of a nightingale and flower. And this game of "settlement" can resume at any time in the changed scenario.

Presence of US and NATO Forces
The US dream of occupying Afghanistan has not come true, nor have North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) forces secured any success in establishing peace there. Despite presence of the US and NATO forces and committing of every sort of tyranny against the pro-independence Afghan people, in addition to the Hamid Karzai government could establish its writ but even drug smuggling from Afghanistan could not be controlled. And the United States had to seek support from Russia in order to check drug smuggling.

After establishing its influence on the Central Asian states in opposition of the United States, Russia has again increased its interference in Afghanistan. In addition to checking narcotics smuggling, Russia is also soon joining a big agreement regarding exploring gas and oil in Afghanistan. However, the contract of exploiting big reservoirs of gold and metal in Lugar area has been given to the Chinese company, MCC.

Emerging Big and Real Challenges
The growing role of Russia and China in the region, including Afghanistan is emerging as a big and real challenges for the United States. In this perspective, the United States is again feeling the need of its traditional allies to deal with these countries. The US officials, thus, again want to use the Taliban to create instability in the region.

However, the situation has changed now, and we cannot expect from the Afghan people who want to get rid of the US intervention and superiority that they would again be trapped in the US net. The regional states, their governments and the people will have to remain vigilant of the US rulers' conspiracies in order to maintain their independence and sovereignty and to ensure their peaceful and prosperous future.

Russia-Norway Sign Breakthrough Agreement

Russian President Dmitriy Medvedev has recently paid a state visit to Norway। The Russian president's visit was marked by signing of the Joint Declaration on Issues in the Demarcation of Maritime Spaces and Cooperation in the Barents Sea and Arctic Ocean by Medvedev and Norwegian Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg. Heralding the end of a dispute that has lasted over 30 years, the deal, which remains to be ratified by the Russian and Norwegian parliaments, opens the way for both countries to exploit the oil, gas, and fish resources in an area of some 175,000 sq. km. It could also have broader strategic significance.

Maritime Border Dispute
Russia and Norway have settled their dispute over their maritime border, which has prevented cooperation between the two countries for over 30 years। This could mean that the Norwegians' former tactic of having a common position with North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) countries in talks with Russia has changed.

The parties have divided the disputed section, rich in fish, oil, and natural gas, 'in half,' although exactly how is as yet unknown।

During a visit to Oslo, Dmitriy Medvedev and Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg signed a "Joint Declaration on Issues in the Demarcation of Maritime Spaces and Cooperation in the Barents Sea and Arctic Ocean।" This declaration defines the principles of the settlement of a dispute that has clouded relations between the two countries since 1976.

Changeable International Law
Up until now, Norway and Russia have defined their borders in the Barents Sea differently। Back in 1926 Russia (or rather, the Soviet Union) drew a straight line from the end of its land border on the Kola Peninsula to the North Pole. This is the so-called sectoral principle because the borders define the Russian sector in the Arctic.

No one has either recognized or disputed the Russian border। Only in 1976, on the basis of new norms of international law, Norway drew an uneven center line across the sea equidistant from the largest islands: Norway's Spitsbergen and Russia's Novaya Zemlya. The result was a disputed area of 175,000 sq km full of promising oil and gas deposits.

Oil Prices Helped Reach Pact
For decades Norway and Russia were unable to reach agreement on a new maritime border। This prevented starting full-scale development of the disputed deposits on the shelf. The growing demand for oil and gas, as well as high fuel prices, encouraged the politicians to hurry up and reopen the new oil and gas province, whose reserves could near billions of metric tons. True, these are merely preliminary estimates. No one has drilled a single well here.

Late last century, once-poor Norway was transformed into one of the world's most prosperous states thanks to the discovery of oil and gas on the North Sea shelf. However, these deposits are close to being tapped out, therefore, the country needs a speedy start to work in the 'disputed' section. The United States and countries of Western Europe, the largest importers of energy, also have an interest in the speedy settlement of the dispute between Norway and Russia, since this would help reduce their dependence on Russian supplies.

Withdrawal of US Forces From Afghanistan May Put Pakistan at Risk

The tragedy of the Pakistani rulers and leaders is that while in power they say something and after being ousted from power they go abroad and their rhetoric undergoes a change. When Benazir Bhutto was the prime minister, she often issued "anti-India" statements and like her father, Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto, she had been harping on the Kashmir issue.

While in power she never uttered a world against hardliners and fanatic elements that dominated the whole of Pakistan. After losing power, she lived abroad on deportation. She would tell the media in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Dubai that normalization of relations between India and Pakistan was extremely imperative for peace in South Asia. Prior to the last elections in Pakistan when she returned home, she addressed foreign journalists and said she was extremely critical of militants, describing them as fatal for the region.

Present Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari, during his foreign tours, made similar statements against the Taliban and other extremists. But when back in his country, he gives "anti-India" statements and blames India for terrorist activities and gives a clean chit to the main conspirator of the Mumbai attack, Hafiz Mohammad Saeed.

Former Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif is the only Pakistani ruler who perceived the ground realities and took practical steps to improve relations between India and Pakistan and invited former Indian Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee to Lahore. A resolve was taken to settle the Kashmir problem and other bilateral issues through talks. But Musharraf, who was the Pakistani Army chief, started the Kargil war and upset the peace efforts.

Support to Militant Organizations
Former Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf captured power through a military coup. He instigated the Taliban government in Afghanistan and extended patronage to Al-Qa'ida and other anti-India organizations during his term as Pakistan president. The attacks on the Jammu and Kashmir legislative assembly and the Indian Parliament were carried out during his term.

The Pakistani intelligence agency, Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), extended full support to militant organizations and the Taliban in Afghanistan were provided directions by the Pakistani military officers. Then, Musharraf's intention was to achieve access to the Middle East via Afghanistan. Yet, his game was spoiled due to the 11 September 2001 terrorist attacks in New York and Washington. He was constrained to join the global war on terror when Bush reprimanded him. Under the UN pressure, he had to rein in militant outfits. But, even thereafter, Musharraf continued to play double games.

While the ISI and the Pakistani military bolstered the Taliban, organizations such as the Lashkar-e-Taiyiba went on with their activities by changing their names. Musharraf remained in a mode of denial of the existence of militant training camps on the Pakistani soil and the infiltration along the border with India, but simultaneously went ahead with bolstering militants. So far so, Musharraf received US aid to the tune of billions of dollars. It was during his term that the leaders of the United States and other countries of the world termed Pakistan as a nursery of terrorism.
Change of Power in Pakistan
Finally, in the wake of change in power in Pakistan, Musharraf had to flee to the United Kingdom and now the possibility of his return to Pakistan is ruled out. After meeting journalists in foreign countries, Musharraf has now realized the stark reality and in a statement in Washington recently, he said, "President Obama Barack administration has reportedly planned to withdraw forces from Afghanistan within a year but there is no truth in that.

For peace and stability in the region it is imperative to defeat the Taliban and the continued presence of the US forces is extremely essential to crush the Taliban there." It is the first time that Musharraf has spoken the right thing in no uncertain terms.

Taliban suicide attacks in Afghanistan are causing huge loss of life and property. If the US and North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) forces withdraw from Afghanistan without the elimination of the Taliban and Al-Qa'ida, the very survival of Pakistan and Afghanistan will be jeopardized and peace and stability in the region will be shattered, thereby creating a serious threat to the whole world.

Anticipated Failure of Helmand Military Operation

The international and Afghan media reported that a large number of civilian were killed in the military operation, Mushtarak, launched in the Helmand province of the country. The international organizations say that the coalition forces were not letting their medical teams to look after the wounded civilians in the war-zone. Due to lack of emergency cover, many civilians succumbed to injuries in the Helmand area.

The international media also reported that the North Atlantic treaty Organization (NATO) led troops were facing stiff resistance in the Taliban strong hold of Marjah. Because of this resistance, the NATO forces have slowed down their advance in the area.

Operation Mushtarak
If media reports are to be believed then so far the Taliban are successful in their military strategy and there is a fear of Operation Mushtarak failure in Helmand. In this scenario, the US president has called a meeting of his military advisers.

On February 13, the Coalition forces started its military operation in the Southern Afghan province of Helmand and this offensive was code named Operation Mushtarak. In this operation, the districts of Helmand including Lashkar Gah, Nadali and Marjah town were the focused targets.

The mentioned areas were said to be the strongholds of Taliban while Marjah is such a place where NATO and US troops so far could not make any success against the Taliban since the country was attacked in 2001. The international troops were frightened to wage war in this dangerous area.

Targeting Innocent People
It must be noted that in the ongoing operation, in addition to the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF), American Mariners and 15,000 other troops of various US Army units were taking part. The military action was also one of the largest operations since 2001 in Afghanistan. However, innocent people were targeted on large scale in this military operation as the civilian populated areas were frequently attacked. These killing of civilians are reported in the international media regularly. One such report was recently compiled by the reputed The New York Times.

Rockets fired by the coalition troops hit a residential compound in Helmand and 12 civilians were killed on the spot in this incident. The slain persons included five kids and 5 women and all the deceased belonged were from the same family. While in this connection, by killing innocent civilians, the operation would hardly contribute to its success.

The local population hate against the US-NATO led forces was on rise in the area and the benefit directly goes to the Taliban. The Taliban staged a defensive deliberate retreat in the area to provide safety to the civilian population.

The civilian population was strongly alienating and they were becoming deadly against the international troops way of war. The matter turned so serious that even the Afghan President Hamid Karzai expressed his displeasure were the killing of the Afghan civilians.

The Amnesty International also expressed serious concerns over the killing of innocent Afghan citizens despite the commitment of the ISAF and US to avoid collateral damages. The civil population in the conflict-hit area could not shift to safer places due to a number of reasons and resultantly the losses of the civilians were on the rise in the military action.

Medical Supplies and Treatment
The Italian relief organization, Emergency disclosed that many a civilians could not be treated as most of the roads in the area were blocked by the Coalition Troops and the death-toll was on the rise owing to the blockade.

The organization has expressed its concern over the rising killings of the innocents and termed it a war-crime. The same apprehensions were voiced by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). The ICRC said that the civilian population stuck in the war-zone needed urgent medical supplies and treatment but the roads were closed by the NATO and US forces. There was no access to the injured and the ailing, the ICRC reported. The ICRC further said that 40 km away from Marjah is a hospital; however, it lacked proper medical facilities.

The claim of the ISAF to have brought under control 70 percent area in Helmand is baseless. The Afghan citizens were expressing intense concern over the killing of civilians in Helmand. They said the Taliban were staging rigorous resistance to the US and NATO forces. The Wall Street Journal said the same thing also.

Its report said the progress and advance of the forces in Marjah and Nadali was very slow and the biggest challenge was the Taliban Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), which were planted in the whole region by the Taliban before the operation in the areas. The Taliban even planted IED on trees branches and inside walls in addition to the roads.

A commander of the Afghan military Brigade One, Sherin Shah said the coalition troops were suffering increasing human losses due to the IEDs.

Gulbudin Hekmatyar Proposes New Afghan Peace Plan

Hizb-e Islami Afghanistan Chief, Gulbudin Hekmatyar has announced a plan for the resolution of the Afghan crisis in which it is proposed that foreign forces should withdraw from Afghanistan by July. It has further been suggested that the military withdrawal should be completed within six months, and the security responsibilities should be assigned to the Afghan Army, and police. The present government should continue to work until a new government comes to power through elections.

However, a seven member national council, comprising of representatives from all the Afghan nations' ethnic groups should be set up, which may have the powers to take certain decisions. The presidential and provincial elections should be held on the same day.

US Exit Plan
Gulbudin Hekmatyar had repeatedly offered the US an honorable exit, but the US neither paid heed to his offer nor took into account the counsel of the people like the US Security Advisor, James Jones. James Jones had made it clear some months ago that Afghanistan can become the graveyard of hundreds of thousands of Americans, but it is not possible to defeat the Afghans.

At last, US itself realized its position by licking a rock like a fish and expressed its willingness to leave Afghanistan with bag and luggage. After all, what was the use of this adventurism in which blood of hundreds of thousands of Muslims was spilled. It not only got thousands of its sons killed, but thousands of mothers in North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) countries lost their dear sons while thousands of other women became widows.

Interest of Other Countries
US had come to Afghanistan in the 1980s to apparently assist the Afghan people after the end of the Soviet occupation. When its desire was fulfilled, it abandoned the area, and left the Afghan people in a lurch, and in a state of civil war either to kill or to get killed. There was bloodshed and killings. However, the Afghan people were fortunate that Taliban took over the helm of affairs, and peace prevailed in a larger part of Afghanistan.

At the end, the US ruined Afghanistan under the pretext of arresting Osama Bin Laden, and during all this Pakistan was also adversely affected. The war on terror is being fought in Afghanistan but it is Pakistan who has to pay the price. Now that the US is ready to hold talks with Taliban, and willing to withdraw from Afghanistan, the proposals presented by Gulbudin Hekmatyar are in the best interest of Afghanistan.

There is apparently no likelihood that any reservations would be put forward by the United States, Hamid Karzai regime, and other Afghan groups about these proposals. Implementation on these proposals will lead to the establishment of sustainable peace in Afghanistan in the wake of the US withdrawal, that is certainly in the best interest of other countries in the region as well, Pakistan in particular.

Is Regional Scenario Changing?

Iran has said China would soon join Iran gas pipeline project. It must be clear that Iran, Pakistan and India were in this gas pipeline agreement earlier. However, the changing regional scenario and in the wake of Indian North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) type ties with the United States, India has apparently separated itself from this agreement.
The US rulers pressed upon Pakistan to suspend this agreement and statement regarding US displeasure continued coming into the newspapers. However, Pakistan demonstrated perseverance regarding this agreement. Now the Iranian disclosure of the Chinese inclusion in this project is highly significant in the current circumstances of US clout. Another issue of Iranian Government facing from Pakistan is that the organization Jundullah active against Iranian interests in Iranian Baluchistan allegedly operates from Pakistan.

Operatives of Jundullah
Iranian officials are of the position that either Pakistan should take action against Jundullah or Pakistan and Iran should take joint actions against it. It is a general perception that the US agency CIA is supporting and backing up Jundullah. Now the latest information is that Pakistan has apprehended some key operatives of Jundullah and handed them over to Iran.
Iranian Ambassador in Pakistan has met Pakistani National Assembly Speaker Fahmida Mirza in this regard and appreciated this Pakistani move. It is pertinent to mention here that Iran is the neighboring country that took initiative in recognizing newly state of Pakistan and good brotherly ties between both countries have always been important for both countries.
It is correct that due to Iranian anti-imperial policy after Imam Khomeini and particularly due to Pak-US ties, warmness between conventional friendly ties did not remain like before. Iran has already invited Pakistan repeatedly to join anti-US block in the region. However, Pakistan has its own strategy and this is that reason that this Iranian strategy could not be matured.

US Invasion of Afghanistan
The US invasion of Afghanistan, then the arrival of NATO forces in Afghanistan and particularly increasing Indian clout over there changed the situation and this created a room for flexibility in Pakistani strategy. Countries of this region have no difference with Pakistan's position over the issue of war on terror.
However, there could be different opinions over US interests. Pakistan and China has always been at good terms. China has always extended meaningful and conclusive cooperation for Pakistan's progress and defense. Perhaps no Pakistani Government can afford to adopt anti-China policy. However, it is not in the power of our ruling elite due to its luxurious life style and vested interests to spoil ties with the west and particularly with the United States.

Balance of Power
The balance of power in the world tilting to only one side is not favorable for the world itself. Moreover, the global capitalist economy is facing the worst crisis. It is quite a miracle that the economy of People's Republic of China is making progress at fast pace. The countries of this region are making efforts to end US clout in this region. The increase in Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) in this regard has turned the situation quite explosive.
President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani have welcomed the inclusion of Frigate in Pakistan Navy manufactured by the cooperation of Pakistan and China. Another latest information is that US training of the police in Sihala Training School has been stopped. This picture of alliance between Pakistan, Iran and China is engendering this question, "Is Regional Scenario Changing?"

Afghan Problem Lies in Jirga

Reconciliation is an established way and tradition in the collective Islamic and Afghan life. In the whole Afghan history, whenever differences appeared between different tribes, the heads of tribes and elders, who were honored by people due to their services, got together; called Jirga and endeavored to find solutions to the problems.

New Communist System

The supporters of the new communist system after the Soviet attack on Afghanistan, and similarly the leaders of Pakistani jihadist organizations dishonored this Islamic and Pashtuns-based sacred tradition of our collective life. Leader having roots in common people were either martyred or forced to migrate.
As a result of this cruelty, the foundation of Jirga was weakened in the country. People lost trust in the laws made by the government. Trust deficit and insecurity engendered among people. Government officials were unable to solve people's problems and maintain peace by enforcing laws.

Basic Human Rights

Our people have been burning in the flames of fire for the last 30 long years. The whole world can see with wide open eyes that the miseries of Afghan people have increased manifold and innocent Afghans have been sacrificed contrary to their basic human rights.
The first hard time for Afghanistan was the Soviet aggression in 1979 which was the culmination of all those communist interventions against the countries around the world. The Russians and their supporters tried to introduce a new communism-based system and structure against the Islamic and Afghan culture of Afghanistan.
They wanted to shape a new human being and a new Afghan who would work for the communists. Not only the plans and conspiracies of the communists failed in Afghanistan due to the sacrifices of Afghan Muslim mujahidin but the whole communist system and its political structure and sovereignty inside Russia was shattered into pieces by the sacred blood of the Afghan Muslim mujahidin.

Changing Afghan and Pashtun Culture

When jihad in Afghanistan got victory, Pakistan brought into the political field of Afghanistan those jihadist organizations which had been organized by Pakistan for achieving its political and strategic goals. The heads of these jihadist organizations, who were trapped and who had been sold out, were incited to be move ahead in order to be stake holders in Afghanistan and establish such government that may entertain the political and strategic interests of Pakistan. Pakistan wanted to change Afghan and Pashtun culture into Punjabi and Pakistani culture and tradition.
In fact, the goal of the Pakistani groups was to make Afghanistan a pet state and find a solution to Kashmir issue with the blood of the Afghans. Pakistan-tailored groups could neither establish peace, reconciliation and security in Afghanistan nor could they present a national leader before the Afghans. Thus differences appeared among these groups on the basis of share in the government.

Supporting Afghan Jihad

Right from the day of its inception, Pakistan has never wanted that a sovereign government having mandate of the oppressed Afghans be established in Afghanistan. Pashtuns living on eastern part of the false, illegal and the so-called Durand Line, do not accept the Pakistani system and they build their lives according to their Pashtun standards and wishes. They solve their problems by Jirga instead of bowing their heads before the Pakistani authorities.
On the one hand, Pakistan wants to beat Pashtuns with the might of the US and North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) troops, and wants to break the nation wide resistance, while on the other hand, it sends its troops to its tribal areas, kills the tribal elders, religious clerics, and in return gets money, weapons and sophisticated technology from the US. Pakistani people detest this twofold policy of the rulers which is why they express their anger for the government by supporting the Afghan jihad openly and secretly.

Pashtuns Code of Conduct

The Americans attacked Afghanistan for taking revenge for the 9/11 attacks. It empowered the gunmen and warlords against the will of Afghan people. They tried to finish terrorism, establish democracy, and work for reconstruction with the support of these warlords. Just like the Russians, they appointed those Afghans on key posts in Afghanistan who had grown up in the US, who could not talk in their own national languages, and who were unaware of the Afghan culture and code of conduct.
The Americans expected them to spread in and impose American culture on the Afghan people. They also tried that the new human being and the new Afghan should be in accordance with the American culture and standard. They failed to achieve their targets because they were unable to understand the problems of the Afghan people. They could not make a way into their hearts and minds. Reaching these goals and achieving these targets can only be possible through the Afghan Jirga. Troops surge and sophisticated weapons can only broadens the Afghan problems and it increases the uprising and national resistance. No matter how much the Afghan casualties increase and the blood of innocent Muslims is shed, the extent of enmity and rivalry increases and the sentiments of revenge strengthen to the same extent, just in accordance with the Pashtuns Code of Conduct. If the Americans call for reconciliation with complete sincerity, sit with the Afghan elders whose hands are not stained with blood of anyone and who did not dishonor anyone, and make a way towards the fighters, and get ready to solve problems through Jirga and beg pardon, only then it is possible that the war my be stopped and a way to reconciliation may be found out.

Preventing Repeat of Militancy in Punjab

Conditions in the neighboring country, Pakistan, is are from bad to worse and fear of revival of terrorism in Punjab is a matter of concern. Given the recent arrests and recovery of arms and ammunition, the apprehension expressed by the state police chief over such incidents is not entirely baseless. With a view to prove their continued existence and put weight in their plea for political asylum in foreign countries before host governments, militants taking shelter abroad have been engaged in reviving their activities since long.
By issuing provocative statements and feelers from time-to-time, they have made attempts to have a measure of support in Punjab. Despite not receiving much response, certain elements are still trying to revive militancy in Punjab.

Taliban-ISI Nexus
The Taliban and Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), amid the ongoing civil war in Pakistan and increasing contribution by India in rehabilitation and reconstruction works in Afghanistan, are exposing the country to threat. In order to oust Indian entrepreneurs from Afghanistan, the Indian Embassy in Kabul was attacked on two occasions. The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) forces held the Taliban-ISI nexus responsible for both attacks.
In wake of the US shift toward India on the Kashmir issue, militant organizations and the ISI intend to project Kashmir as a pivotal point for peace in the region. After their failure in Kashmir, they now find Punjab as a suitable region for revival of militancy. From the activities of militants living under Pakistan's protection, it appears that pressure on them is mounting to do "something." This pressure is reflected in statements of the Punjab police chief.

Pangs of Terrorism
Punjab suffered pangs of terrorism for one-and-half decades. Thousands of people were killed in the game of bloodshed. A large number of innocent people were subjected to excesses. Memories of false police encounters, unclaimed dead bodies, and ruthless violence carried out by terrorists are still fresh in people's minds. All Punjabi and other political systems should learn a lesson from the atrocities committed during that period of militancy in the state.
Those who displayed sympathy toward terrorists at that time became victim of violence from both sides. They had to face violence of ungrateful militants and police excesses.

Lessons From Past Mistakes
This time around, Punjabis should make it a point not to repeat their earlier mistake. The state government should give timely advice to the police department and issue necessary directions accordingly. The government should direct the police department to conduct themselves with a sense of responsibility. Exercising adequate vigilance, policemen should ensure that innocent people do not suffer again at their hands. It is the responsibility of the Punjab police to block all avenues of monetary support to militants, and sources of supply of arms and ammunition and training.
The drive against smugglers, who supply arms to militants, should also be intensified. After all, prevention is better than cure, and vital. There is, therefore, need for close coordination between the union and state government. The government should explore constitutional remedies to all these issues, which militants can think in terms of their narrow politicizing game. The earnestness on the part of government departments and politicians can save Punjab from the heat of militancy by proving apprehensions of revival of militancy in Punjab baseless.

Pathetic Economic Situation in Pakistan

According to a report, the electricity rates are expected to be increased by 40 percent during the year. According to a report by an English journalist, this is necessary due to the agreements done with the International Monetary Fund (IMF). It has been further stated in this regard that an agreement took place between the Pakistan government and the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) on 21 May 2009 that the electricity rates will be increased by 26 percent. While, according to the country report published by the IMF in August 2009, Pakistan Electric Power Company (PEPCO) has suggested an increase of 17.5-41.5 percent in the electricity rates.

Increase in Electricity Rates
In addition, it is being stated in this regard that because of the rental power plants, an increase of 41.5 in electricity rates is necessary instead of a 26 percent increase. In addition, a subsidy worth 55 billion will be removed and the electricity rates will be increased in three different phases. Whereas, Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani has said that price determination of electricity and gas rates is the job of the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) and Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA). He further stated that the government is providing a subsidy of 55 billion rupees on electricity. In the future, will these subsidies stay or not? This decision will depend on the conditions.

According to a second report, there was fighting between the ministers on the issue of increase in electricity rates. State Minister for Finance Hina Rabanni Khar said that because of an agreement with the IMF, it is important to increase the electricity rates. Whereas, Interior Minister Rehman Malik believed that if the electricity rates are increased it would create a law and order problem.

Providing Public Service
These are the reports of the institutions which have been entrusted with the task of providing public service. The basic purpose of presenting these reports was to present the situation in front of the public regarding the state of these national institutions and the people who are at the helm of affairs in these institutions. In addition, what are these people entrusted with the responsibility of running the affairs of the company doing to resolve the problems facing their respective companies and the way in which they are handling the affairs of the company. Also, what is their vision regarding their respective companies and how have the companies changed as a result of the implementation of their policies. If we take the example of the electricity companies, we can easily see how serious our rulers are in addressing the electricity problems. In addition, what policies have they made to address the problem of electricity.

From this situation, it has become evident that the masses or the public are not the real stakeholders in this scenario, instead all these things are being decided on the recommendations and suggestions of the World Bank, ADB and IMF. In reality, these are not recommendations or suggestions, they are the orders given by these economic institutions. What are the conditions of these agreements and are these suitable for the Pakistani people and our nation. The answer to this should be given to the nation by the president and the prime minister. In addition, they should also tell the benefits that will accrue to the masses from this or is this a program to snatch all the benefits or luxuries available to the masses.

On 18 February, the public elected this present government into power so that they at least hold/cease the country in the situation that was created during the Pervez Musharraf and Shaukat Aziz regime. Lawlessness, inflation, unemployment, closure of businesses, worsening of the economic situation, and the continuous load shedding problem and as a result of all this is a continuous pattern of difficulties and problems. In addition, the news that there will be a meteoric rise in the rates of electricity and gas coupled with this news that the prices of petroleum products will be increased after an average of 15 days.

Grim Political Situation
These are certain highlights of the performance of the present government. Leave the political situation in the country aside, which includes the continuous presence of 40 NATO troops on the Pak-Afghan border and the continuous series of suicide attacks, bomb attacks and drone attacks and the general helpless of the government in this regard. This includes the preparations by India of a civil war in the country. This situation has been prevalent in the country since the Musharraf rule, which the public was expecting that the newly elected government will pay attention to these matters upfront. Now after an experiment of two years, the only change or addition that has taken place in front of the eyes of the nation is that there has been an increase in the number of foreign visits. This gives an impression that they have been elected for foreign visits and their lottery has come out in this regard. A debate on other issues is not going to be fruitful.

Various groups of people on this situation comment that the only change that has taken place in Pakistan is that instead of Musharraf and Shuakat Aziz, Asif Zardari and Gilani have taken their place. Otherwise, if the performance of the government is analyzed in the above given categories then one can easily say that no significant change has taken place even the first step towards development and progress has not been taken in these respective sectors. The only difference that has taken place is that notable people like General (retired) Aslam Beg have started saying that drones responsible for carrying out attacks in Pakistan are taking off from the Pakistani soil.

Whereas, in other matters, the pattern of "increases" is taking place whether it is an increase in the prices of daily necessity commodities, increase in the prices of petroleum products or in the rates of electricity and gas. As if the only work given to the incumbent and the past government was to increase the prices of the daily commodities for the common man. We can talk to the president in this regard when he would prefer to come back to his home country. The Prime Minister has already clearly stated that determination of rates for electricity and gas is the job of NEPRA and OGRA.

Declining Industrial Output
It should be remembered that the Prime Minister Gilani had given an indication to the public to prepare themselves about impending electricity, gas and other crisis. Is not this the job of the government to stop this meteoric rise in prices? The electricity has become so expensive that every person from an ordinary citizen to an industrialist is fed up with it. The 40 percent increase in electricity rates is done in one go or in three phases, the impact will be the same in both these cases. The Rental Power Plants (RPPs) are being purchased on rent at the same cost as if they had been formally acquired in one go. Then, why are they being purchased on rent? The Prime Minister should tell the nation about it. In addition, the electricity that will be produced from these rental power plants will be available at the rate of 30 rupees per unit, which will also be a burden to bear for the industrialists and as a result the remaining industries will also be forced to close down. In answer to this Madam Hina Rabbani Khar is saying that due to the agreements with the IMF this increase is necessary. This proves that our rulers are more concerned about IMF and ADB, while they are not even concerned about the general public.

While presenting the current budget, she criticized the previous government which she was a part of. The economic and financial policies of the current government, recently presented by her, are also in front of us. Being the state minister for finance, her statements cannot be considered to be her personal opinion; in fact her statement was a representation of the official stance on this issue.

Increase in the Inflation Rates
From this situation, it is pretty clear that no change that has taken between the past and the present government except that it is a mere change of face, increase in the inflation rates, and the surrender of the nation and the public in front of the IMF and the World Bank. In addition, those groups that say that the present government is merely a continuation of the past government, and the present government like the past one are the commission agents of the IMF and the World Bank, their point of view is quickly turning into a reality in the light of these facts. Whether it is the president, prime minister or the economic advisors of the government, all seem to act as the spokespersons of the IMF and the World Bank. This is also pretty evident that the nation and the public will be on the losing end as a result of these deals and agreements. These people are the persons assigned with the task of protecting the national interests and it is their duty of providing the public with the basic necessities of life. So, whom should we complain in this scenario?

At least, the increasing inflation in the country and the general worsening situation in the country should be addressed; otherwise, analysts say that if the government persists with such policies for another one and a half year then such a civil uprising and unrest will take place in the country which the government will be unable to control. The place in history that our current rulers shall have will be determined by their own decisions.