AgNoStiC MuSliM
ADVISORS
- Joined
- Jul 11, 2007
- Messages
- 25,259
- Reaction score
- 87
- Country
- Location
S-2 and Solomon:
The army has stated openly that it is in favor of the 'peace deal', though I disagree that the deal itself was championed by the Army and swallowed hook, line and sinker by the ANP. The relationship of the ANP with the Army, the ANP's openly espoused views about the Army, and especially its strong criticism of the Army's relationship with the Taliban do not lend credence to that theory.
This plan was conceived and pushed by the ANP (as was the initial ceasefire when the ANP formed the NWFP Govt.), with support from the military. I do not disagree that the Army's calculus on the situation was as you described, in fact I strongly agree with most of what you stated and it is part of my understanding of what the GoP wishes to accomplish in Swat. But that calculus by the PA too plays a part in the long term strategy towards the region, and I do not see it as ceding borders, nor do I see it as ceding the war.
Let the political process play itself out, for good or bad. Even if it only buys an oppressive peace and time for the PA and FC to finish up elsewhere and strengthen for Swat at a later date, it is worth it. Unless the US/NATO is willing to provide ironclad guarantees that they will act immediately with political and economic sanctions against India, and use all military means at their disposal to ward of Indian aggression against Pakistan, there is no point in asking Pakistan to divert more resources over to the West and leaving ourselves open to Indian aggression.
If the US/NATo cannot provide those ironclad guarantees, then we have to deal with what we have, and it will be a slow process.
By the way, on the whole 'Punjab' thing, you are paying too much attention to the rantings of Greg and some Indians on the WAB . You should know by now that the whole 'protect Punjab', 'Punjab the last bastion' is a creation used to justify the Indian argument that Pakistan is only Punjab, and to push the theory that the Punjabis and the Army care for naught but Punjab. Subtle alienation of other Pakistanis and a continued justification in their mind that destabilizing and breaking apart Pakistan is acceptable and moral. After all, if the guardian of the nation, the military itself, sees Pakistan as Punjab primarily, then who will shed tears for a divided Pakistan?
That particular line of thought will tear to shreds your own credibility in Pakistani circles as well.
The army has stated openly that it is in favor of the 'peace deal', though I disagree that the deal itself was championed by the Army and swallowed hook, line and sinker by the ANP. The relationship of the ANP with the Army, the ANP's openly espoused views about the Army, and especially its strong criticism of the Army's relationship with the Taliban do not lend credence to that theory.
This plan was conceived and pushed by the ANP (as was the initial ceasefire when the ANP formed the NWFP Govt.), with support from the military. I do not disagree that the Army's calculus on the situation was as you described, in fact I strongly agree with most of what you stated and it is part of my understanding of what the GoP wishes to accomplish in Swat. But that calculus by the PA too plays a part in the long term strategy towards the region, and I do not see it as ceding borders, nor do I see it as ceding the war.
Let the political process play itself out, for good or bad. Even if it only buys an oppressive peace and time for the PA and FC to finish up elsewhere and strengthen for Swat at a later date, it is worth it. Unless the US/NATO is willing to provide ironclad guarantees that they will act immediately with political and economic sanctions against India, and use all military means at their disposal to ward of Indian aggression against Pakistan, there is no point in asking Pakistan to divert more resources over to the West and leaving ourselves open to Indian aggression.
If the US/NATo cannot provide those ironclad guarantees, then we have to deal with what we have, and it will be a slow process.
By the way, on the whole 'Punjab' thing, you are paying too much attention to the rantings of Greg and some Indians on the WAB . You should know by now that the whole 'protect Punjab', 'Punjab the last bastion' is a creation used to justify the Indian argument that Pakistan is only Punjab, and to push the theory that the Punjabis and the Army care for naught but Punjab. Subtle alienation of other Pakistanis and a continued justification in their mind that destabilizing and breaking apart Pakistan is acceptable and moral. After all, if the guardian of the nation, the military itself, sees Pakistan as Punjab primarily, then who will shed tears for a divided Pakistan?
That particular line of thought will tear to shreds your own credibility in Pakistani circles as well.