Defeating militancy

Gen Musharraf spoke ad nauseam on fighting extremism and terrorism. And the West and many of our fellow citizens, especially amongst the elite, mistakenly believed that he was the leader who could really steer the country from this menace and stabilise Pakistan. In reality the reverse was true. The Taliban and militant forces kept expanding their frontiers and the Talibanisation mindset was creeping in while he played politics and pursued his expedient agenda of self-preservation.

In the last two years with the coming in of the democratic government and the change in military leadership, the country’s policy of counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism has undergone a qualitative change that regrettably due to the prevailing cynicism has not received the credit that it deserves. First it was Swat and the Malakand division where the army, in close cooperation with the air force, launched a highly successful operation in very difficult terrain, cleaning up most of the areas of militants who had deeply entrenched themselves. The operation was carried out with least collateral damage by ensuring evacuation of the population. No doubt it caused considerable hardships to millions of people but the internally displaced were brought back and resettled in less than five months with the army playing a major role in their resettlement.

The operation in South Waziristan — “the mother of all insurgencies,” as it is appropriately characterised — was no mean feat. It was very well planned and remarkably well executed operation that blew away the myth about the invincibility of these rebellious tribes. The success of these operations sharply contrasts with the half-hearted and botched up operations of the earlier period. Of course, it is worrisome that many of the militant leadership did manage to escape but they are in disarray, on the defensive and being chased in their new sanctuaries of Orakzai and other hideouts in the tribal agencies. Fortunately, the US drones took out the two tops leaders, Baitullah and Hakimullah Mehsud, in succession, indicating that there is lot of credible intelligence being shared between the US and Pakistan. The death of these leaders has also to some extent muted the opposition to the drones.

The huge displacement of people from South Waziristan has taken place and they continue to suffer. It is crucial that they be resettled before May this year.

Besides, the military had launched offensives in Bajaur, Mohmand, Kurram and Khyber and is maintaining the pressure to keep the militants unhinged. Although no major offensive has been launched in North Waziristan but it has been contained through limited operations and presence of a division force and through tacit or formal understanding with tribes that they remain peaceful. All this demonstrates that militarily we are making significant progress and when compared with what has been achieved on the other side of the border by US and ISAF forces it come out even better.

Interestingly, the success of these military operations and the inherent advantage that the country now has of a democratic government made it possible to own the war, which until late was branded as the “American war.” As a result of the growing people’s support for the war the dynamics of the conflict has changed. It is encouraging that we are now owning the war and fighting for the future. And this has been possible because the military leadership has a clear-cut military plan which it is executing with professional competence and the civilian government is fully supportive of it.

Great sacrifices are being made by the military, police, intelligence services and civilians for this higher cause. But there are many dangers that lie ahead. Firstly, as the military regains lost territory and creates space the civilian government should start rebuilding the shattered social, political and administrative structures that the militants have destroyed in FATA and Swat to plant their own system. It has to address the basic causes that in the first place gave rise to the phenomena of militancy and Talibanisation. The military has been successful in weakening the militants and the Taliban but more dangerous is the spread of Talibanisation and growing radicalisation of society. Bringing about a change in the mindset would require subtle and sustained application of major elements of national power. Some of the important measures could be economic incentives, use of media and information technologies for moulding public opinion to shun extremism, exposing the retrogressive policies of militants, long-term investment in education and engaging clergy to spread the peaceful message of Islam.

Moreover, hundreds of militants have been captured or surrendered. Trial of hard-core militants, de-radicalisation of these groups and assimilating them back in society is the key to stability and peace. It is disconcerting that one does not see any appreciable progress in these areas.

The role of the US would be a critical factor in bringing peace and stability in the region. First, it has to show more sensitivity and understanding of the enormous sacrifices that Pakistan has made and the tremendous stresses and strains that it is undergoing. Applying undue pressure to do more despite our army’s expanded engagement does not seem logical. Or making public statements about the safety and security of our nuclear weapons, knowing fully well that these are in safe hands vitiates the environment and gives rise to anti-Americanism. A true alliance will only develop if both sides are able to reconcile and harmonise their diverging national interests. Pakistan would like US to use its influence on India to adopt a more positive and flexible attitude and move toward resolution of issues. India’s latest move to reengage Pakistan is largely result of American nudging, but Washington has to maintain the friendly but forceful persuasion. Improvement in relations with India will allow greater resources to be diverted to the Western front and remove Pakistan’s fears of encirclement.

The US should release payment of our dues that are frequently delayed either because of bureaucratic inertia or as a pressure tactic. Similarly supply of specialised counter-insurgency weapons and equipment should be expedited. In view of the heavy monetary and human losses that the country has suffered multilateral agencies should seriously consider writing off of Pakistan loans. United States and other “Friends of Pakistan” being the key contributors to these organizations can influence the decision making in this regard.

Relationship between the US and the Pakistan military is improving and again the credit goes largely to the way Gen Kayani has been able to put across Pakistan’s position at major international forums and during his frequent meetings with top military brass of US and NATO forces.

The future would be more reassuring if we continue to strengthen the civilian institutions of the war-ravaged areas of FATA and NWFP with equal zeal and determination.

The writer is a retired lieutenant-general. Email: talat@comsats.net.pk

Source: The News

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