Yemen conundrum: Govt weighs options on troop deployment in KSA

[Zibago]

Yemen conundrum: Govt weighs options on troop deployment in KSA

Yemeni supporters of the separatist Southern Movement stand guard at the entrance of the port in the southern city of Aden on March 29, 2015. PHOTO: AFP

ISLAMABAD:
The government is studying different options on how to support the Saudi-led military coalition in its campaign against the Houthi rebels in strife-torn Yemen. And sources told The Express Tribune that a high-level delegation will apprise the prime minister of the modalities before leaving for Riyadh.

One option, according to sources, is for Pakistan to commit troops only for the territorial security of Saudi Arabia. The second option is putting Pakistani troops at the disposal of Riyadh for use both within the oil-rich kingdom and for special tasks in Yemen.

Saudi Arabia is said to have requested for one corps for three to four years. Sources, however, said that modalities were being worked out for sending a few brigades or divisions. One option under consideration is using the reservist cadre because the Pakistan Army is already stretched thin in the fight against homegrown terrorists.

According to their calculation, the army reservists, including troops, JCOs and commissioned officers, will make up a brigade-plus force, sources said. All these reservists are well trained and combat-tested. They can be sent to Saudi Arabia for a period of 3-4 years and the kingdom could equip them with arms.

The high-level delegation, which is set to leave for Riyadh anytime to assess the situation and discuss modalities, could offer Pakistani commandos for special missions in Yemen. Riyadh has already favoured the proposal. For this purpose, sources said, necessary paperwork has already been done and a detailed study was being conducted.

The delegation would apprise the prime minister of the outcome of their discussions in Saudi Arabia and only then the government would negotiate a formal agreement with the Saudi authorities.

Pakistan’s Foreign Secretary Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry confirmed in his Saturday night’s news briefing that the delegation, comprising Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, PM’s Adviser on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz and senior military officers, would visit the kingdom most likely on Monday (today).

Some political analysts believe that Pakistan cannot reject outright the Saudi request for help due to economic, religious and social reasons. According to the foreign ministry’s figures the Pakistani community in Saudi Arabia is 2.1 million-strong, including 1.7 million on work visas. The government believes its refusal to help the kingdom would put the economic future of 2.1 million Pakistani families at risk, source added.

http://i1.tribune.com.pk/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/861074-image-1427692847-463-640x480.jpg

 

[Zibago]

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[OrionHunter]

Two words. Bad Idea.

 

[Psychic]

Two words. Bad Idea.

Helping a trusted ally a bad idea? I don't think so as long as lives of our soldiers are not in danger.
Who cares about relations with Iran. They are already in your camp and are not trustworthy to us

 

[OrionHunter]

Helping a trusted ally a bad idea? I don't think so as long as lives of our soldiers are not in danger.
Who cares about relations with Iran. They are already in your camp and are not trustworthy to us

You said: 'As long as lives of our soldiers are not in danger'? It's obvious the lives of soldiers would be in danger! Or what the heck are they being sent there for? A picnic with the House of Saud?

It's amazing that you guys are putting the lives of your soldiers on the line to fight another country's war!

But then seeing the responses by our Pakistani friends on previous threads that they would 'rather fight for Islam' than Pakistan, should I be surprised?

 

[Gufi]

Some political analysts believe that Pakistan cannot reject outright the Saudi request for help due to economic, religious and social reasons. According to the foreign ministry’s figures the Pakistani community in Saudi Arabia is 2.1 million-strong, including 1.7 million on work visas. The government believes its refusal to help the kingdom would put the economic future of 2.1 million Pakistani families at risk, source added.

Finally what I have been saying all along...

According to their calculation, the army reservists, including troops, JCOs and commissioned officers, will make up a brigade-plus force, sources said. All these reservists are well trained and combat-tested. They can be sent to Saudi Arabia for a period of 3-4 years and the kingdom could equip them with arms.

again something i have saying... a good rounded article based on ground realities

 

[Zibago]

Finally what I have been saying all along...

again something i have saying... a good rounded article based on ground realities

This might increase our defence exports to the GCC countries as well

 

[Psychic]

You said: 'As long as lives of our soldiers are not in danger'? It's obvious the lives of soldiers would be in danger! Or what the heck are they being sent there for? A picnic with the House of Saud?

It's amazing that you guys are putting the lives of your soldiers on the line to fight another country's war!

But then seeing the responses by our Pakistani friends on previous threads that they would 'rather fight for Islam' than Pakistan, should I be surprised?

We are NOT putting lives of our soldiers in danger. They will be there in support and advisory roles. NOT combat roles.
And Pak and Saudia are ALLIES.
Look what NATO does. look how alliances in WW1 and WW2 were formed. Look what Cuba did for Soviets. Mutual interests should not be confused with slavery or " fighting for someone else".

 

[Zibago]

You said: 'As long as lives of our soldiers are not in danger'? It's obvious the lives of soldiers would be in danger! Or what the heck are they being sent there for? A picnic with the House of Saud?

It's amazing that you guys are putting the lives of your soldiers on the line to fight another country's war!

But then seeing the responses by our Pakistani friends on previous threads that they would 'rather fight for Islam' than Pakistan, should I be surprised?

Maybe the f22p frigates could aid a blockade so Pakistan would participate without having boots on ground

 

[Psychic]

Pakistan deployed troops many times before in Saudi Arabia in large numbers. e.g Iraq Kuwait war. Not a single Pakistani soldier died. They will form the second layer of defence which is a sort of support role. Gain trust and Saudis will also help us in future like they always did.

 

[timetravel]

Pakistan digging its own grave.. always fighting for KSA whether against Israel or Iran or Yemen or anyone else.

Pakistan made too many enemies. What it got in return is babba ji ka thulla in reality.

this is exactly what happens when you have weak leaders, who would rather be stooges of another country, then think of their own country.

The only purpose of Pakistan is to be the hired Mercenary for KSA.

 

[root]

Pakistan digging its own grave.. always fighting for KSA whether against Israel or Iran or Yemen or anyone else.

Pakistan made too many enemies. What it got in return is babba ji ka thulla in reality.

this is exactly what happens when you have weak leaders, who would rather be stooges of another country, then think of their own country.

The only purpose of Pakistan is to be the hired Mercenary for KSA.

Saudi arabia is our ally so helping ally is not a problem look at Nato they do the same thing. Pakistan has a long history of deploying troops in saudia arabia also saudia arabia also helped pakistan alot.

 

[timetravel]

Saudi arabia is our ally so helping ally is not a problem look at Nato they do the same thing. Pakistan has a long history of deploying troops in saudia arabia also saudia arabia also helped pakistan alot.

KSA is not your ally. KSA has Pak on its payroll.

Apart from Wahabi/Extremist Mullahs and Madrassas funded by KSA money, what else have you got from them.

But in return your corrupt govt. has sold Pakistan people life to KSA. Your leaders think more for the welfare of KSA royal family then for the welfare of their own countrymen.

Pak would have gained far far more by being friends with Iran, Israel etc and NOT allowing radicalisation of their country by KSA.

The relation is not that of an ally, but one where the Pakistani leaders have sold their country to the whims of the royal family of KSA.

 

[root]

KSA is not your ally. KSA has Pak on its payroll.

Apart from Wahabi/Extremist Mullahs and Madrassas funded by KSA money, what else have you got from them.

But in return your corrupt govt. has sold Pakistan people life to KSA. Your leaders think more for the welfare of KSA royal family then for the welfare of their own countrymen.

Pak would have gained far far more by being friends with Iran, Israel etc and NOT allowing radicalisation of their country by KSA.

The relation is not that of an ally, but one where the Pakistani leaders have sold their country to the whims of the royal family of KSA.

First of all india is funding terrorism in pakistan not ksa. And alot of pakistan live in ksa and earn living. So stop this propoganda of ksa funding terror inside pakistan.

 

[WAJsal]

Finally what I have been saying all along...

We can't let them bully us into helping them.

Some political analysts believe that Pakistan cannot reject outright the Saudi request for help due to economic, religious and social reasons.

What is this some sort of a remainder that KSA has an edge on us.We should see what's in our best interest and follow that.
We should help them in any way we can.But we should stay out of this war.What do you think will be Pakistans next move ?