Destroying ourselves with a little help from the US
By Dr Shireen M Mazari • Oct 4th, 2009 • Category: Politics, Worth A Second Look • 18 CommentsThe chaos that is spreading within the country is frightening and a result of bad or lack of governance on the one hand and US intrusions and questionable activities in Pakistan on the other. In the first instance, there is no civilian governance infrastructure to take over and govern the “cleared” areas in Malakand – but then there is no governance even in more central parts of the country. That is why we have had the despicable attack on the poor and marginalised Christians in Gojra – once again under the shameful and protective guise of the Blasphemy Law. Never has a Law been so abused to wreak violence on our minorities’ whom the Founder of the Nation, Quaid-i-Azam, declared as equal citizens in the state of Pakistan. Clearly, there is so much hatred, intolerance and violence endemic within us that we do not need any Taliban to kill and harm our less fortunate fellow citizens. And where were the government and the law and order institutions when all this barbarism was being carried out?
As Pakistanis we must hang our heads once again in shame; but the main concern for us should not be simply our image internationally but what we are becoming within our own society. That is what should be of primary concern for the leadership. That is why in many previous columns I have been pointing to the dangers of bringing our marginalised population within the mainstream and delivering justice to the people so that they all have a stake in the system and the state – be they the marginalised Madrassah students or the marginalised minorities’. Otherwise extremism and violence will fester – Taliban or no Taliban – and as a desperate measure sending in the military will only aggravate not resolve the problem. And one has yet to talk of Balochistan where targeted killings continue while politicians continue to talk rather than act despite a seeming political consensus on what needs to be done. Why a beginning towards reconciliation cannot be made by declaring a general amnesty for all political prisoners and exiles only our bizarre ruling elites’ mindsets can understand but we are on a precipice here.
However, the other cause for chaos can be resolved more readily – that of the growing intrusiveness and questionable role of the US within Pakistan. For some time now one has been raising questions about the strange US presence in areas around Tarbela and in Peshawar. Then there was the news of the assassination squads controlled by the US Department of Defence rather than the CIA, of which the new US commander in Afghanistan, General McChrystal was a central actor. This information helped to link up differing pieces of a growing puzzle about the increasing US personnel in Pakistan. A cause for concern, given these developments, is the US plan to spend $1 billion to expand its presence in Islamabad – especially, since central to this plan is the importation of almost 400 Marines with hundreds of APCs. There is absolutely no logic to this, but who will tell our rulers who seem hell-bent on kowtowing before Washington? Incidentally already the US contingent in Pakistan is way over the sanctioned strength of 350 but does anyone in the corridors of power in Pakistan care?
Nor is the US Marines presence restricted to Islamabad. As some of us had been writing much earlier, they had been spotted in and around Tarbela also – where our military’s Special Operation Task Force is located. It now transpires that there are already 300 plus US military personnel in this area – the so-called “trainers”. Of course, given the poor counter insurgency record of the US, heaven knows what training they will impart to our much better trained army! Also, if they were only “trainers” why would the US buy a large plot of land around Tarbela and send twenty large containers there according to an investigative Asia Times Online report (3August 2009).
As if all these US military and undercover officials crawling all over the sensitive parts of the country were not enough, it appears that the US is also using private covert setups to further a dubious and threatening agenda within Pakistan. The centre of these suspicious covert operations is Peshawar, and the central organisation is Creative Associates International Inc. (CAII – as opposed to CIA), which refers to itself as an NGO on its website but on further investigation it transpires that the organisation is registered as a private incorporated company in Washington D.C – not an NGO! A 27 July 2009 report by Sarwar and Yousafzai for Deutsche Presse-Agentur (DPA) reveals that CAII has been terrifying the residents of University Town Peshawar because of its US security guards – ostensibly from that notorious US security contractor Blackwater (now renamed Xe Worldwide) whose employees already face charges of murder, arms smuggling and child prostitution in Iraq.
What is very suspicious is that CAII’s website shows no identification of its owners although its staff is identified. Also, although it is supposed to be a private corporation, all its work around the world is totally funded by USAid and the US government and the projects are all in sensitive areas only – Sri Lanka, Gaza, Angola, Iraq, Afghanistan and Pakistan. CAII is working supposedly on a strange-sounding project in FATA – FATA Development Programme Government to Community. In reality, its staff goes around escorted by the killer Blackwater guards, meeting militants and other suspect people being sought by the Pakistani authorities in FATA and the Peshawar environs. Of the 30 job openings listed on its website presently, at least half are for Pakistan.
During the latter half of July, a US citizen, Craig Davis, was arrested from the CAII house in Peshawar, his visa cancelled and deported. Interestingly, when a journalist sought to verify this information from the US embassy, its spokesperson first declared that Davis had nothing to do with the US embassy but then stated that the embassy knew nothing about this man. So if they knew nothing of the man’s existence, how was it known that he did not work for the US embassy?
The point is, clearly there is a threatening US agenda including seeking out our nuclear sites and assassinating people thereby adding to our chaos and violence. But the question is: who has allowed us to be confronted with such a dubious and large US covert and overt presence in Pakistan? Some believe that during the previous regime, certain segments of certain institutions had orders from the top to allow this dangerous US infiltration into Pakistan but no one else was informed. However, now who is responsible for the continuing presence of these people in sensitive areas where they are also terrorising the local populations?
When we as a society are facing our own problems of violence and terrorism, we can hardly afford to have such a volatile US presence here which will only aggravate our problems of violence and law and order. It is also sad to learn that Blackwater has been able to recruit dozens of retired commandos from the Pakistan army and elite police force through its local subcontractors according to the DPA report. Are Pakistanis so willing to knowingly act against their nation for dollars?
With increasing information about the dangerous US presence in Pakistan, it is not difficult to connect the dots also – with our nuclear assets, the institution of the military and the remaining strands of stability being the targets. Unless someone can stop the rot, it is only a matter of time before the US forces cross over physically on the ground from across Afghanistan. They may not get the triggers they plan on seizing but they can trigger a push towards total anarchy. Our rulers are certainly in self-destruct mode aided and abetted by the US.
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The writer is a defence analyst.
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“So if they knew nothing of the man’s existence, how was it known that he did not work for the US embassy?”
LOL, what idiotic statement. I would definitely know if someone is not working for me and if I did not know of the man’s existence, it’s perfectly valid!
Unless some one is completely out of their minds, it is insane to read what “Dr.Mazari” says. I stopped reading the lunatic queen some 5 years ago.
Doesn’t even have entertainment value. Schizophrenic ramblings of a sick mind.
Dr Shereen Mazari’s concern about the presence of Black water disguised as Xe International or XE World Wide and activities of CAII (Creative Associates International Incorporation) are more than valid that these news are circulating in Media since long and there has been no satisfactory answer ever been given by the government officials on the subject matter.
Rightly so CAII is in operation within Pakistani territories and Xe- International are also in operation and reportedly its services are also being utilised by other American organisations including US embassy.
There is also a wide circulated news that about 300 Hummer Vehicle are sitting at Port Qasim Karachi to which Dr Shereen has described as APCs ( Armed personal Carrier) are awaiting transportation to Islamabad.
There are also reports that some 300 houses have been purchased or hired in Islamabad by US embassy for accommodation and setting up of offices. There also report that some 65 house have been purchased in Hayat Abad a posh locality of Peshawar. These houses have been purchased in cluster forms and erecting of fences around them and closing of some entry roads in order to barricade these areas is also a matter of concern.
The green zone in Iraq that it was later developed into a formidable defended self propelled enclave along Euphrates river in the heart of Baghdad was initially done on the same lines.
There is a dire need that our government issue a clear cut report about this issue.
Miss Jai Ho and Raj;
You are well come here because unlike India; Pakistan cares for the freedom of speech and that you may not dare talking like this in India.
Anyhow please hold your painting brushes there— because being an Indian you please may not have any prerogative to poke your nose in Pakistani affairs. You should be more concerned about the writings of the Great Nana Palkiwala and ask your government about his framed allegations to put the things in order.
Other than this there are more than hundred other separatist organisation but Communist and Socialist- MAO’s movement should be the top concern of India it has taken over some 1/3rd of India and cracks of break of India—- are very much showing there. Pakistan certainly may not like to see its neighbour so badly disintegrated.
@Khokar
“”"You are well come here because unlike India; Pakistan cares for the freedom of speech and that you may not dare talking like this in India.”"”
Yes, we all do see that. I heard that some Christians were burnt alive recently, I seem to forgot the reason.
“”"Other than this there are more than hundred other separatist organisation but Communist and Socialist- MAO’s movement should be the top concern of India it has taken over some 1/3rd of India and cracks of break of India—- are very much showing there. Pakistan certainly may not like to see its neighbour so badly disintegrated.”"”
Yes, we are also waiting to see this happen. Please keep dreaming, don’t give up. I heard Pakistan has no such problems.
Sid,
I said that we don’t want any disintegration of India which seems that under the circumstances is but imminent—But in India there are who are dreaming right from the day that Pakistan came into being—-they have never ever thought that Pakistan will survive another day and history speaks that this has been India intent that where ever it has been possible for her on any international or bi-lateral forum—- she proved to be an hurdle in the way of Pakistan.
But in Indian language I will say: if all the dreams of vultures were to come true——-there would have been no cow moving— live on this planet.
Dr. Shireen, good to see you again. You are the voice of truth.
Good News………..Obama is walking on Zardari’s foot steps !!!!!!!!!!
THE NEWS:
WASHINGTON – President Barack Obama’s failed bid to bring the 2016 Olympic Games to Chicago cost more than a bruised ego.
Taxpayers shelled out probably $1 million or more for the president, his wife and others to fly to Copenhagen and back to woo members of the International Olympic Committee.
A 2006 congressional study pegged the cost of flying Air Force One at $56,518 an hour. The Pentagon recently said it cost $100,219 an hour to fly the huge, reconfigured Boeing 747 without Obama aboard. The Pentagon estimate included more costs for support needs, such as maintenance.
At those rates, the president’s 14-hour trip to Copenhagen and back cost about $790,000 to $1.4 million.
However, presidential travel requires additional spending, especially for security personnel and equipment. Also, first lady Michelle Obama and some administration officials traveled to Copenhagen at public expense ahead of the president.
Dr. Mazari is definitely furthering the interest of her country Pakistan. What has intrigues me is the comments from Jai Ho, Raj and Sid. The tone and content is quite familiar to me when I often see at here at work in New York. These Indians are “logically challenged” and live in a fool’s paradise where they think of themselves as perfect and their country as a Utopia. I have been to Indian, and quite contrary to what you hear is corporate Western media, India is at best a sham democracy. There are so many hurdles and impediments to free speech there. Internet is monitored and censored.
I chucked to myself when I read the diatribes of these Indians scums about violence of Christians and Muslims in Pakistan. Jai, Raj, Sid, Srinivas, … forget about how minorities are treated in India - not just Muslims.
Hey you Indians get the hell out of America !
Fred Schluage
Hahahahaha…….a paki pretending to be an American.
Lol…….such tricks dont work any more baby.
Grow up.
Dear Prof mazhari,
The Americans and XE are in Pakistan with express permission of Pakistani Army.Till Diane Feinstein revelaed that the drones are flying from turbat, Shamshi etc with permission of pakistani army, evryone believed the seminarists like you.
It is the Taliban who are opposing the Americans not only in Afghanistan but also in Pakistan.It is Pakistani army which is killling the Taliban as they are opposing the americans and stopping the NATO SUPPLY LINE. The XE is recruiting recently retired pakistani Army personnel for killing the Taliban who donot toe the line of Americans.
“You are well come here because unlike India; Pakistan cares for the freedom of speech and that you may not dare talking like this in India.”
Khokhar, I wasn’t expecting this form you. Just try calling yourself Muslim and you are liable for a prison sentence of three years and fine. Who are you trying to score points with? These Punjabis have neither any sense in their brains nor any values in their hearts. Do not expect that they will return anything good in kind even if you brought a Noble Prize for them. Stop being a stooge. Won’t help anything.
Here is the latest display of freedom of speech from Lahore for you;
Green Town Police to remove Quranic verses from Ahmadis’ shops
* Community leader says police warned Ahmadis on complaint of business rivals
* Local Ahmadi says police did not act on his complaint of stones thrown at his house
* SHO says verses to be removed in next couple of days
http://tinyurl.com/yeqfeoz
Grow up buddy.
“You are well come here because unlike India; Pakistan cares for the freedom of speech and that you may not dare talking like this in India.”
Khokhar, I wasn’t expecting this form you. Just try calling yourself Muslim and you are liable for a prison sentence of three years and fine. Who are you trying to score points with? These Punjabis have neither any sense in their brains nor any values in their hearts. Do not expect that they will return anything good in kind even if you brought a Noble Prize for them. Stop being a stooge. Won’t help anything.
Here is the latest display of freedom of speech from Lahore for you;
Green Town Police to remove Quranic verses from Ahmadis’ shops
* Community leader says police warned Ahmadis on complaint of business rivals
* Local Ahmadi says police did not act on his complaint of stones thrown at his house
* SHO says verses to be removed in next couple of days
tinyurl.com/yeqfeoz
Grow up buddy.
Please note that comment no.8, has been wrongly attributed to me, by hijacking my identity. Would appreciate if this is read by substituting the word Pakistani for Indians.
Inquiries have revealed the perpetrator to be the janitor, a native of Bhawalpur, Pakistan who has been illegally residing in USA. Presently he has been taken into custody by the Homeland Security department prior to his deportation or more likely, as indications are, a trip to Guantanamo Bay.
A small request, please – readers may take the trouble of notifying his parents and 24 siblings about this.
Reveal his name Mr. Fred?
re: #8
{{ I have been to Indian, and quite contrary to what you hear is corporate Western media, India is at best a sham democracy. There are so many hurdles and impediments to free speech there. Internet is monitored and censored.}}}
ROTFL!
I’ll rate this the craziest I’ve heard from a pak this year! That internet is being censored in India.
err…the Indians and the whole world is waiting to learn from “pakistan” how to practice ahem…ahem… real democracy, and….err….. free speech.
On a different note, it is hilarious to read the outburst of paks about the US aid bill and how it requires them to stop terrorism. As if you have any choice??? Even textile industries are leaving and moving to Bangladesh (ahem …”pakistan” has survived). Economic situation is so grim, and future prospects looking bleaker than ever, you simply have no choice and should be grateful to the gora masters.
Whatever little soverignty you had is further being eroded (for the sake of world peace), Hillary Clinton is the new viceroy of the colony of “pakistan”. LOL!
p.s
If you stop being a terrorist country, Indians will have no interest in you. We don’t care how much you beg as long as you don’t indulge in terrorism in India.
Umair, you pointed out an important aspect, the imposed criteria of being a Muslim. There have been thousands of ways one demonstrated his being as a Muslim and even he doubted in Allah and his existence the way described by the Mullahs and still is free in the same society.. And being an Ahmadi was just another way to stay and stick with Islam.
But Khokhar seemed to defend his “collectivity” as an other patriotic Pakistani that you Umair, doesn’t like to tolerate?? Can you compare it with India’s freedom of speech where Jaswant Singh was fired from the party when he praised Jinnah, the recent example. You can’t print anything in praise of Pakistan in India.. India is full of bigoted minds there is no doubt. This forum is an example. No Indian here accepted Pakistan as an equal party so far. Shame on the devided races of united India.
#10 Johann, Make your mind when you say that…. on the other hand you have been supporting the scenario inwhich it was claimed that ISI and Pak Army have been standing with Taliban.