IN a prelude to putting more pressure on Pakistan, President Bush has endorsed questionable intelligence report alleging that Al-Qaeda has established a safe haven in the tribal areas of Pakistan. In his weekly radio address he also claimed that September 5 agreement between the Governor NWFP and tribal elders has failed and offered joint action against so-called safe haven.
On the face of it, the offer of the American President seems to be quite innocent and a simple gesture from a friend. Pointing out that Pakistan Army was in a state of war against militants, Mr Bush pretends to extend a helping hand in dealing with the problem but the proposition has much more to it than the eyes meet. This is part of the long term strategy of the United States that is aimed at pitching Pakistan Army against militants with the ultimate objective of destabilizing the country.
It is now quite evident that the Bush administration is working on a systematic campaign to project Pakistan’s tribal areas as hot bed of terrorism. This is in line with the standard practice of Washington to mount propaganda of this sort to mould public opinion and build up necessary pressure providing excuse for physical intervention in an area anywhere in the world. Release of an intelligence report that has strongly been rejected by Pakistan and its immediate and public endorsement by President Bush speaks volumes about intentions of the United States. Pakistan is already passing through a difficult phase due to its unparalleled support to the American war on terror. The war has been launched by Washington to safeguard American interests the world over but as a consequence Pakistan’s interests are in danger.
To cover up their failure in Afghanistan and to befool the international public opinion Americans are now raising the bogey of Al-Qaeda reorganizing in FATA. They have been urging Pakistan every now and then to do more and in a bid to please them, the authorities in Pakistan have been involving Pakistan Army here and there in operations as a result of which it is openly being targeted by militants. If Pakistan adopts the policy, which Washington is trying to dictate, then there will be further deterioration in the law and order and further tainting of Pakistan’s image. Should that happens, Americans would go for their hidden agenda of depriving Pakistan of its nuclear capability and assets. Therefore, our authorities and strategists should remain on the vigil and must not fall into the American trap.
