Pakistan still in the "eye of the storm"

Pakistan in the ‘eye of storm’: Mushahid
By Khalid Hasan
Daily Times, February 1, 2007

WASHINGTON: Senator Mushahid Hussain told a community meeting here on Tuesday that one must not lose sight of the fact that Pakistan has been in the “eye of the storm” for the last quarter century, having fought the last battle of the 20th century Cold War and the first war of the 21at century against terrorism.

Pakistan, he emphasised, is playing the pivotal role in the war against radical and extremist forces and ideas. The trading of charges must end and the blame game being played today should come to a stop. Failures of others should not be dumped at Pakistan’s door, nor should Pakistan be held responsible for the inadequacies of others, he added. He said those involved in the present conflict must not repeat the mistakes of the past, though that was what appeared to be happening. He was of the view that the United States has “outsourced” the war in Afghanistan to those who do not have their heart in it, nor the determination to win.

Mushahid rejected charges that Pakistan is backing the Taliban. “Why should we back the Taliban? How is it in our national interest to do so? Is it logical that Pakistan should be on the side of those who have tried to kill President Musharrf more than once – and very nearly succeeded – and Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz at least once? There have been three suicide bombings, including one in the heart of Islamabad.” He said.

Referring to the bill just passed by the US House of Representatives and sent to the Senate, asking for sanctions against Pakistan in case it does not comply with certain US wishes, he said it is time the United States decides who its friends are and who its friends are not. He added, “I hope Mr Negraponte does not hold Pakistan responsible for the return of the Sandanistas in Nicaragua.”

Mushahid, who is chairman of the Senate foreign relations committee, referring to the oft-repeated demand from Washington that Pakistan should “do more” to block the Taliban and scotch their resurgence, said, “I think the US needs to ‘do more’. It should review its policy, make course corrections and understand that the three basic recommendations of the Iraq Study Group apply in equal measure to Afghanistan. They are: there can be no military solution; neighbouring countries like Iran and Syria should be involved in the peace process; and Washington should talk to the resistance.” He disagreed with a member of the audience, who claimed that Pakistan is “subservient” to the US.

Mushahid asserted that Pakistan has always acted in its national interest and on numerous occasions it has refused to go along with Washington’s wishes. He added, “It is the US that treats Pakistan as a girl friend for a rainy day.” To another question, his reply was, “Generals, journalists and politicians do not retire”.