Third Strategic Dialogue and Pak-US relationship

If artificial smiles of cordiality, genial and firm handshakes, numerous photo-ops, vows of everlasting friendship and hollow promises for the future are considered the only parameters for success of diplomatic negotiations between high-ranking officials of two countries, then the third round of strategic dialogue between Pakistan and the United States, at Washington DC, has largely been a great achievement. If this round of negotiations between two nations, both playing a decisive role in the fate of terrorism, are evaluated against the facts and practicalities, then finding a ray of hope for peace and stability in the destabilised part of South Asia is little less than a Herculean task.

The latest round of strategic dialogue between America and Pakistan does not offer any hint for constructive change in the violent situation of the region, thus resulting in challenges for Pakistan. We cannot say, in the continuing peace process in Afghanistan (which also includes underground negotiations with the Taliban), what the nature of Pakistan's role will be, and if their legitimate security concerns will be addressed. Before the mid-term elections in the United States, US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton urged Pakistani officials to make 'difficult decisions' and go after the Taliban. Before the US president's official visit to India, the Obama administration remained silent on the question of US role in resolving the Kashmir issue, despite the requests of the Pakistani foreign minister. Absence of any substance, except a $2 billion military package, during the news conference of Hillary Clinton and Shah Mahmood Qureshi, is enough to suggest that a collision of interests and differences in priorities still exists.

Military aid worth $2 billion is intended to enable the Pak Army to purchase indispensable military equipment from the United States, to effectively operate against the Taliban and associates of al-Qaeda, but the timeframe of this aid package makes us wonder if the US really wishes Pakistan to take decisive action against the well-funded and sufficiently-equipped militants. A five year aid package, from 2012 to 2016, by the Obama administration, which has made it very clear on many occasions that it will start to withdraw its troops from Afghanistan by the end of July 2011, poses some new questions. If the United States is really serious about accomplishing its mission by the middle of next year, then allied forces, during the next eight months, will try to hit the Taliban hard, so that the US may reap as many advantages as possible. In the same period, on the other hand, to keep the Pak Army insufficiently equipped against sophisticated al-Qaeda suggests murky developments.

This conception is further empowered by the fact that the US has yet to pay Pakistan its share of $2 billion, a smaller part of operational expenses which the US pays annually as a partner in the war on terror. During the third round of strategic dialogue no reference was made to this by the US administration, despite the fact that the Pakistan Army has paid not only for its own part, but also for that of the US. In addition, the US has linked the humanitarian aid for flood victims with the civilian aid to be delivered under the Karry-Lugar bill. It means the US will not pay any additional amount for the rehabilitation of flood affectees.

The above-mentioned facts make it clear that at a time when war on terror has entered a final and decisive phase, Pakistan is being denied any substantial help to stand firmly. Also, the Pakistan Army, which is basically trained and organised to handle aggression along Eastern borders, is being forced to take decisive action against militants in North Waziristan. A military operation in North Waziristan has the potential to put financially weak Pakistan and an inadequately equipped Pak Army (to fight against Taliban ) directly at war with the Taliban in Afghanistan. This possibility probably best explains the hesitation of the Pak Army, which is always mindful of aggression from Eastern borders, to start operations in North Waziristan.

Kashmir is the main bone of contention between India and Pakistan, and has caused three wars between these neighbouring countries. Until the Kashmir issue is resolved peacefully, neither the Pakistani nation nor Pakistan's armed forces can be at peace from its Eastern borders. An appeal made by Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi that the US plays its role to solve the longstanding issue of Kashmir, actually expresses Pakistan's seriousness towards peace in Afghanistan. The Pakistan Army can take serious action against the Taliban and al-Qaeda when it has well-founded reasons to believe that sacredness of Eastern borders will not be violated. Thus demands made by the Obama administration, which clearly prefers Indian approval, at the expense of Kashmiri people and Pakistan's security concerns, are far from being realistic.

We make mistakes in moments, but we bear their results for years and decades to come. While envisaging new geo-political balance, it will be better for the US administration, regional stability and global peace not to ignore historical facts and geographical factors. Humans have a tendency not to learn from history, so history repeats itself. Barak Obama will be visiting India in November. During his stay in New Delhi, perhaps it will become clearer if he wishes to see history repeated, or prefers to alter its course.

( This article is also published on daily The Statesman on October 27, 2010 )
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Why Pakistani Nation Can Not Progress?

Hssan Nisar, a fierce critic of the government and our political class alike, in his latest column - "Kainat Ka Aakhri Kinara" or the Boundary Line of the Universe, has censured the role of our insensitive politicians who are either engaged in efforts to prolong their rule over the nation or just waiting for their turn to be in the power. He analyses our individual and collective role in running the affairs of the nation and compares it with the role of Western nations for the developement of human kind.

Hassan Nisar, apparently, took the inspiration by a claim made by British scientists to discover the boundary line of our universe. According to their research, the last corner of this universe, whose volume had been unmeasured in our known human history, is at a distance of 131 billion light years from our solar system. In other words, a ray light will take 131 billion years to reach at the outer end of this universe.

He criticise our role in the research and development, and make the reader to look into the mirror, something we as a nation hate to do. After reading I remember the saying of Singapore's minister who said that Pakistanis can never progress in the life.

I feel sorry as I can not remember the exact about the time and place when the foresaid minister opined about the prospect of progress for Pakistani nation. But, it does not matter so much since the basic realities have not been changed yet and still there is no sign they will change in foreseable future. I remember, however, he was visiting Pakistan and someone asked him, "how Pakistan can progress?".

"Pakistan can not progress", replied Singaporean minister and justified his opinion saying that since your real life ( of Pakistani people ) starts after the death, you guys can not be serious about progressing in this world.

One of the many reasons for our backwardness is indeed our a misconception that this world is temporary and fictious. So, we must focus on our success in the life hereafter. This conception is further empowered by the mullahs, who seek the submission of and contributions from ordinary people in the name of religion for their success in this material life.

Majority of the people living in rural areas, Pakistani nation is a hostage to a handful of feudal lords, politcians, pirs, mullahs who exploit them at their will. Contributing their miseries to the fate, the poor man prefers to committ suicide quietly. So called democracy is an excuse for the elite class of our nation to continue ruling the country.

It is my firm belief that to change our outlook and progress in this world, we need to change ourselves first. We have to maintain a subtle balance between our religious and worldly committments. We are an imabalanced nation and it is our unfortunate that we have only a few balanced intellectuals like Hasan Nisar.

Third Round of US-Pak Strategic dialogue October 2010; Hopes and Fears.

At the end of latest round of US-Pakistan strategic dialogue, US Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, with Pakistani Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi at her side, announced a five year $ 2 billion aid package for Pakistan. She hoped that it will reassure Pakistan of the long term US commitment to Pakistan's military needs and will also empower Pakistan to go after Taliban and Al-Qaida affiliates on its territory. Exact terms of the deal are still being negotiated, the goal is to ramp up US military aid to Pakistan incrementally over the five year period. The amount will enable Pakistan to purchase US made arms, ammunition and accessories from 2012 to 2016.


The striking feature of this aid package is that Obama administration will refuse to train or equip those Army units which are believed to have killed unarmed prisoners and civilians during recent offensives against Taliban. New York Times sees this the cutoff of funds as "an unusual rebuke to a wartime ally, and it illustrates the growing tensions with a country that is seen as a pivotal partner, and sometimes impediment, in a campaign to root out and other militant groups". At the moment it is not sure - as process is not over yet, how many Army units will be denied of American equipment and training. However, it is very evident that some of the units, which successfully handled operations against Tliban, will not benefit from latest aid package.




The third round of the US-Pakistan strategic dialogue came as the countries tried to ease tensions after a NATO gunship helicopter killed three Pakistani paramilitary troops and Pakistan retaliated by shutting down a critical supply route to allied troops in Afghanistan. It must have provided an opportunity to the high-level administration on both sides to strengthen the working relationship.


White House, however, preferred to provide only a vague description of the conversations. Most of the strategic dialogue is focused on a range of subjects, including counterterrorism, nuclear security, flood relief and trade. After the announcement of the latest aid package, it becomes very celar that US will expect Pakistan to step up its efforts against those Talibans, which are fighting against allied forces in Afghanistan.

Pervez Musharraf, former Army Chief and president of Pakistan, has criticized American behavior towards Pakistan. While speaking at Chicago University, he said that Pakistanis has offered great sacrifices in the war against terror and they complain that US has failed to play a constructive role to resolve longstanding issues of Kashmir and Palestine. He said that Obama's decision to visit India, but not Pakistan, implies that US is not serious about Pakistan.


It may not be a coincidence that the third round of strategic dialogues happened before the mid-term elections in November 2010. If United States is serious about the war in Afghanistan than Pakistani administration also have serious concerns over its role in negotiating talibans, US role to resolve Kashmir problem, reconstruction of flood affected areas, Indian presence in Afghanistan and openness of American market to Pakistani products etc. The American warmness towards Pakistan, disregarding Pakistan's security interests, may only seem as an effort focused on satisfying disappointed US voters and thus will not be prone to bring any solid results.

French Senate Passes Controversial Reform Bill, At Last.

French Senate has approved President Nicolas Sarkozy's controversial pension reform bill amid mass strikes, fuel blockades and riots. French now will retire at the age of 62, instead of 60. French unions, as their mood suggests, are not willing to give up and have decided to continue their protests and strikes.


Bernard Thibault, leader of the powerful CGT union, called for further days of protest, likely to take place on October 28. “There is no treason at all to stop,” he told RMC Radio. “There is no other alternative while the government remains intransigent.” Even before the passage of the law, French union had asked for the protests on November 6 as well.




Trade Unions in France are considered very powerful. In the recent protests, the unions have been successful in bringing hundreds of thousands of people on the streets. They have demonstrated an ability to mobilize a great number of supporters and some 70 % of the population, according to polls, backs their protests and strikes. Continuous strikes has affected the transport system, supply of fuels and other areas of life in entire France.



Nicolas Sarkozy, President of the French Republic, had vowed to pass the bill at any cost. The bill, no matter how controversial it has been, now is passed from the senate. Now one wonders in what ways the unions are going to respond? Next couple of days, will make it clear.

French Strikes Start to Hit Hard.

French strikes has started to hit the economy hard. With uninterrupted strikes over pension reforms, the situation in France is getting worse. If unions are determined to continue their protests then the government has also decided to move forward with controversial reforms. Government wants to increase the minimum age of retirement from 60 to 62 years. French people, however, are seriously resisting this measure.



The ongoing protests against the pension reforms has hit hard the oil industry. All of the 12 French refineries are shut down causing serious worries of the fuel shortage in the different parts of the country. Out of 12,500 petrol stations of the country, more than 100 petrol stations are finding it harder to maintain a balance between demand and supply.

According to a British media outlet, the strikes has caused main fuel pipeline to the Paris’s main Airport shut off. There are fears that if strikes continue then the nation’s main airport, Charles De Gaule, may run out of fuel next week. Spokesman of the “Aeroports de Paris” said that they are not worried about the fuel shortage, though he did not mention how long the fuel stocks are likely to last.



French public transport is also still on partial strike but France24, a news channel, observes that it has lost its momentum since Tuesday. However, disruptions in public transport are causing congestions in Paris. It takes more time to commute around the city.



With the inclusion of the students in protests against pension reforms, the movement has gained a new momentum. Around 300 secondary schools across the France have been affected by the strikes. In the city of Lyon, the police has to use tear gas and made 16 arrests. Clashes between students and the police, in other parts of France, are also reported.



Tomorrow, on Saturday, 16th October, unions have decided for another major strike in France. Another strike on 19th October has also been announced. Ongoing strikes of public transport has made many people to use bicycles in the Paris city to commute within the city. With strikes tend to continue and government unwilling to back down, it is still not clear how long will it continue.

Misunderstandings Between East And West.

Whenever there is discourse regarding Pakistan's tarnished image in the international world, Pakistani intellectuals, and ordinary people alike, hold Western media responsible for partial and one-sided reporting. It is believed that Western media maliciously emphasizes malevolent occurrences, and intentionally overlooks the true characteristics of the Pakistani nation. Since it is doom and gloom which makes headlines and breaking news, the prevailing conception of our society is just a half-truth. The other half of the truth is that Western media's behaviour is not one-sided; Pakistani media quite fairly reciprocates by ignoring some good news from Europe and America. Otherwise the nation would have been duly informed about the trial of Geert Wilders and the speech of the German president.

Geert Wilders, known for his anti-Islamic rhetoric, is a 47 year old Dutch politician and leader of the Freedom Party in the Netherlands. He considers Islam as a conservative religion which instigates violence amongst its followers. In 2008 he released a 17 minute long film called 'Fitna', in which images of suicide bombings were juxtaposed with the verses of Quran. Dutch television companies refused to air this short film, so it was released on the internet. He supports the banning of Quran, Burqa and the immigration of Muslims into the Netherlands.


In January 2009 Dutch judges decided to try Wilders for inciting hatred and discrimination against Muslims. These judges noted that by attacking religious symbols of Islam he 'insulted Muslim believers," and that "In a democratic system, hate speech is considered to be so serious that it is in the general interest to draw a clear line". On Monday, October 4th, 2010, Wilders was brought into the court where he was charged with five instances of inciting hatred and discrimination against Muslims. The ruling is expected around November 4th. If found guilty, he could receive a prison sentence of up to one year.

Wilders' trial offers a multi-dimensional message to Muslims in general, and Pakistanis in particular. It is a unique example that a prominent Dutch politician, who was enjoying the role of kingmaker in parliament, is held answerable in the court for his hate-mongering activities. This trial reflects Dutch commitment to basic human rights, which includes the right of religion too, and it also indicates prevailing misunderstandings amongst European people about Islam. He successfully perceived public mood and, as a politician, vigorously portrayed their worries. Thus his Freedom Party, which had only nine seats in 2006, scored 24 seats in the 2010 elections, and emerged as the third popular party in the Netherlands.


Another important fact which needs to be noticed is that although many Dutch politicians and social leaders feared that Wilders' words could incite violence in society, no-one considered his thoughts about Islam were unfounded. Not a single voice amongst Dutch people was raised to say that Islam actually promotes love and peace. Whether one agrees or takes refuge from facing the fact, it is true that there exists a long list of misunderstandings and erroneous apprehensions between Muslims and Western people.


Whatever the nature of these misunderstandings regarding Islam and Pakistan, in European minds, we must consciously analyze if our actions are largely responsible for this. After the bloody events of nine-eleven, when Islam's image was slowly being associated with terrorism, our Islamic scholars did not express any serious interest in painting the real picture of the religion. On the other hand, our fellow Muslims, who continuously fail to integrate in host European states, also exhibited the same behaviour, and on occasions provided reasons to make this association permanent.


Two main factors can be held responsible for the ever-growing rift between Muslims and their host Western societies. First of all, most of the Muslim immigrants generally do not take any serious interest in the language and culture of the host society. While they work and live in the West, they behave as if they are still in their own country. The behaviour of our compatriots has made local people assume it is Islam which prohibits Muslim immigrants from integrating. Jose Luis Roberto, president of a relatively small political party in Spain, observes, "We don't want Muslims here who don't integrate and whose religion is incompatible with Spanish culture."


Secondly, in the recent past, large waves of immigrants from Muslim countries have caused a demographic shift, which is a matter of concern for some. This demographic change in European countries, which have low fertility rates, has also created some friction and fears. Islam is also thought to be too conservative to fit into secular European tradition. Some also fear that one day Muslims, who feel uncomfortable in adopting our values, may try to impose their culture. As crime rates are generally higher in areas where the Muslim population is in the majority, some people tend to associate transgression with Islam. Misrepresentation of Islamic teachings - by people like Geert Wilders - also adds fuel to the fire, and makes the common man think that Islam incites violence amongst its followers. Current alerts of terrorist attacks in Europe will not enhance our image in the West.


Amid alerts of terrorist attacks in Europe, Germany's president Christian Wulff warmly accepted Islam as a part of Germany. Speaking at the 20th anniversary of the country's reunification he said that alongside Christianity and Judaism, now 'Islam is also part of Germany'. In return he called for only three things which have nothing to do with the religious affiliations. He demanded that Muslims who prefer to stay aloof from the host society, 'adhere to the country's constitution, respect its way of life and learn the language'.


Dialogue can help to reduce differences. Our intelligentsia, religious leaders and media personalities need to understand that a great communication gap exists between East and West. There are mutual misunderstandings which demand a quick fix. Our religious scholars should play their role in denouncing terrorism, explain the true image of the religion and encourage immigrants living in the West to adjust to Western values. While seeking out the usual doom and gloom, our media should also notice whenever there is a good occurrence in the West. Instead of allowing the gulf to grow, bridging East with West is by far the better option.

Stop Cursing the Darkness and Light a Candle !

An impetuous and hasty nation are we, but over a time span of 63 years we have not yet determined the ingredients of our wish list. Since our independence in 1947 we are still to define our ultimate destination, not to mention mark the way to reaching that goal. We are like the voyager who knows not where he goes, yet travels hurriedly. We do not try to give meaning to our present; planning the future is always at the bottom of our agendas. Precious moments of our lives are passing, without us realizing the challenges of present and approaching times. If myopia dictates our policy makers and political brass, then the same malady is surely suffered by most change-seeking Pakistanis.


With the likely collision of two state institutions, judiciary and the government, lurking on the horizon, rumours of an eventual change are again in the air, which has left both opposition parties and people alike happy. Politicians awaiting their turn to plunder national resources, as a part of current opposition, are feeling more optimistic about having a share in the future government. The change, or demise of the ongoing government - which pushed corruption, inflation and nepotism to new heights - is a silver lining for ordinary people who find it hard to make ends meet.


It is true that the majority of people wish to see the back of an incumbent government, but it is also true that members of any successive democratic government will come from the same pool of leadership which seized and has held parliament since 2008. In simple words, any in-house change, or even fresh election, will return almost all the same faces to parliament. If current by-elections are any guide, then the next parliament is also expected to be a hung parliament. In any case, one thing is for sure, the current change means only a change of faces. The question therefore arises whether or not it is the change of persons in top jobs which we actually need. Will the departure of Zardari-led thugs solve our problems? Is there any guarantee that our future rulers will be any different from our current loathsome, corrupt, hoggishly self-centered, purblind, myopic leaders?


It is a palpable fact, and we must consciously realize it, that we have become hostage to a group of politicians, feudals, industrialists, bureaucrats and military generals. Individuals from this elite group show up in parliament to decide the fate of the nation. Thus, the change in this perspective will only mean that the names of the next pharaohs residing in the Presidential and Prime Ministerial houses will not be Asif Ali Zardari and Yousuf Raza Geelani. If we look at the political arena then it becomes very clear that if the next government is not more corrupt and dishonest, then at least it will equal the present government in looting the national wealth. Is it our fate that we will continue to allow exploitation of our national resources in the name of democracy? Are mothers in Pakistan giving birth to the slaves who will continue to be directed by a few families and their children? How long will we continue to be fooled by the delusion of change?


If the truth is unmasked then its face is extremely poignant and acrid. After six decades of repression we have become masochistic, and we enjoy being taken advantage of. On the eve of elections, we know very well that the politician in front of us is fraudulent and mendacious. His history reminds us that everything he is saying is anything but the truth. Going against our gut feelings, we not only believe him, but honour his mendacity with our valuable votes. When he starts grabbing the loaf of bread from our mouths, roof from our heads, and clothes from our bodies we start crying and accusing him of corruption and plunder. Honestly speaking, our parliamentarians and public representatives are innocent, since they do very honestly what they are made for.

Whether one agrees or not, our current government and members of parliament are the true and real representatives of our nation. Who do you consider a public representative? Someone who is authorised to represent his constituents. When people elect a representative, they actually define their own type of personality and character. For example, we can safely say about a parliamentarian who is elected on the ticket of a religious party, that the majority of his constituents are religious. To complain about our corrupt politicians is our favourite pastime and we never bother to look at our own image in the mirror. Let us ask a few questions about ourselves too. Is it not a fact that most of us prefer individual interests over national interests? And, is the one who puts the national interest first not considered to be an idiot by his fellow compatriots? Most of the people mix water in the milk, sometimes even that of dirty ponds, to increase their earnings. Are they not our Muslim brothers? Are those guys American citizens who deliberately sell expensive, counterfeit, life-saving drugs in our medical stores? Are the clerks, with their open palms, agents of Israel? Are the police, which also work as a personal force for MNAs and MPAs, a branch of villainous Blackwater? Were those mullahs, who provoke sectarian sentiments, trained and educated by Britain?


Literally, Pakistan means "a land of pure," but the decisive majority of its citizens is anything but. We have imprisoned ourselves in individual and personal cells. Our objectives and thoughts get strangled within the boundaries of limited personal space. Consciously or unconsciously, we are not only pulling each other's legs, but also cutting each other's throats. Our politicians and leaders are doing the same. They are just exposing our national character, which we have nurtured over the past six decades. In the presence of such pungent and acrid fact, our current politicians and leaders are the best we can ever have!


In its unit, the biggest ocean is nothing but a drop of salty water. As oceans are formed with the assemblage of lots of tiny drops, so are nations made by the amalgamation of individuals. The character of the majority of people reflects the national character. Simply speaking, change and refinement of a nation starts from our own personality, at a very micro level. If we really wish to change the outlook of Pakistan, we have to change ourselves first. Saying "no" to imposed rules, we have to empower sincere, skilled, and honest people from amongst ourselves, in our towns and cities, and entrust them with the responsibility of solving our social and political problems. The real change will come when the real representatives of the nation will be behind the wheel, steering the country.


It is better to light a candle than curse the darkness. Once one candle is lit the journey of illumination will follow. The everlasting change will only germinate from our streets, towns and cities, materialising the dreams of a prosperous and flourishing Pakistan. Otherwise, be perfectly clear, any change in the current government will only bring in new masters, with their empty coffers!

( This article is also published at The Statesman  http://www.statesman.com.pk/ on October 7, 2010 )

Nuit Blanche Paris 2010; A Time To Say 'No' To Sweet Dreams.

Nuit Blanche is a night which worth saying no to sleep. The festival of Nuit Blanche in 2010 was celebrated on 2nd of October. According to estimates, around one million people participated in different activities and performances to make the white night a merry and cheerful event. Indeed, I am talking about Paris; the city of colors and lights.

Parisians, as citizens of Paris take pleasure to introduce themselves, know very well how to appreciate finer details of life and they are very passionate about art and history. On the eve of Nuit Blanche, the city offered a wide range of performances, shows and activities for its art lovers population and visitors alike!

In very simple words, Nuit Blanche means a white night. However, you can also call it 'sleepless night' or 'light night'. Since most of the performances and programs end after the midnight, one can rightly say it as a 'sleepless night'.



Nuit Blanche is a once-in-year night long extravaganza which offers an opportunity to enjoy the beauty of different forms of art at no price. Entry to most of the museums and art galleries is free. The transport is available is available all the night so there is no problem of commuting in the city.

The idea of this all night festival is a brainchild of Bertrand Belanoe, who started this event in 2002 to provide an opportunity to people to enjoy and have a fun without a price tag. Cinemas and Swimming pools remain open all the night. Since Nuit Blanche fell on Saturday, people did not hesitate to enjoy the offerings of the night as they could sleep next day.

In the museums and art galleries, the festival was celebrated with some special performances. In Pompidou Center, an art gallery and library, performances started from 0800 p.m. and last performance was scheduled to start at 0100 a.m.

When I visited the library section of Pompidou Center, Magali Desbazeille and Siegfried Canto were performing their eye-catching performance , which included interesting demonstrations using books and papers. Didier Aschour was the next artist to perform 'Pendulum Music' at 10 p.m. however I preferred to move out and see what is happening in the neighborhood.



Splendid and majestic building of Hotel de Ville, or Municipality of Paris, was lightened up with pleasant and different colorful lights. On its front, a phrase proclaiming "Love the Differences" was marked in twenty languages to appreciate the value of pluralism. Surprisingly the glorious Cathedral of Notre-Dam was not illuminated. However, in illuminated neighborhood, it gave a very noble and dignified look. In Musée Guimet ( Museum of Guimet ), the work of Chinese artist Chen Zen was under display.

Artists and performers were displaying their talents in the streets, too. At one place I saw a little caravan of three big carts, of the size of normal vans. Designs and structure were quite creative and innovative, which used wood and metallic components to build them up. All performers were dressed in similar dresses. Some of them were sitting, performing, shouting on the vehicles, while others were busy in driving them with manual force. Onlookers, having their lips adorned with smiles and happiness, walking along the carriages and making pictures and movies.

One night was hardly enough to accumulate to appreciate what an enriched city had offered. I realized it around midnight and decided that next time I would be better prepared to explore this 'white night' in a greater detail.

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