The vote in Pakistan’s parliament to allow a traditional judicial system based on Islam in the Taliban-infested Swat Valley has raised questions in both Pakistan and around the world. President Asif Zardari clarified the situation when he said Tuesday that the agreement to allow Nizam-e-Adl (or traditional judicial system) does not amount to imposition of Sharia rule in Swat and that the agreement would be reviewed if it fails to bring peace and secure disarmament of the valley’s Islamic vigilantes.
Pakistan stands as a crossroad in choices, futures and destinies. Developments in the Swat valley should not detract us from the greater battle against extremist ideology and terrorism in Pakistan and the greater Middle East. Several western and Muslim countries, supported by the World Bank, met Thursday in Tokyo to express the international community’s support for Pakistan’s security, stability and prosperity.
The more than $4 billion in economic assistance expected to be pledged as a result of the Tokyo meeting would enable Pakistan to provide for its people so that the appeal of radicalism in the name of Islam can be reduced. Once the Pakistani government is able to extend effective law enforcement, education and justice to all parts of the country, it would be in a stronger position to wedge the more rational elements away from fanatic militants.
Pakistan’s conditioned pragmatism in Swat should be seen together with the fundamental commitment to confronting the terrorism that eats away at Pakistan in the words of President Zardari, "like a cancer." Pakistan’s elected leadership considers the struggle against violent extremism as our war. It is our women, children and soldiers who are dying in far greater numbers than anywhere else in the world. More than advice or lectures on the need to confront terrorism, we need the support, training and advanced technology to confront and defeat the terrorists. The question is not whether we are willing to confront terrorism. We are. The question is if we are able, and to answer this we need the support of the community of nations.
The people of Pakistan have emerged from the darkness of a decade of dictatorship, putting their faith and the future of their children not only in the values of democracy, but in the ability of democratic governance to improve the quality of their families' lives. The warped priorities of dictatorship have left our economy under pressure with our social, educational, health and housing sectors lagging behind much of the developing world. Our once vibrant energy and food sectors are now marked by shortages and blackouts.
At this critical time, the people of Pakistan need assurance from the rest of the world that the community of nations is committed to supporting us as a frontline in defense of modern civilization. Pakistanis are increasingly threatened by the callous intimidation of militancy, not just in our tribal areas but more and more in other parts of our federation. The people of Pakistan are in the trenches of a brutal and decisive battle that could very well determine the future of civilization.
The political and economic problems of Pakistan were not created overnight and certainly will not be solved overnight. Pakistanis appear weary and impatient with the west and with our own government. After the return of democracy, the Pakistani people seemed to have come to expect instant redress from the myriad of problems that plague us. We are making progress but solutions are not instantaneous.
We have taken some important steps forward but unfortunately there have been occasional steps back. But the viability of a political system cannot be judged minute by minute by the ups and down of domestic politics and day-to-day swings in poll numbers. It can only be judged by its long term sustainability. A government elected for a five year term only months ago needs the time and support to build a national consensus in the war against terrorism and fanaticism that will determine our very existence and threatens our soul.
Patience and a willingness to listen to Pakistani solutions could be the greatest strength of the Obama-Biden-Clinton-Kerry-Holbrooke approach for Pakistan. The new American Administration’s actions must reflect the understanding that bullets alone will not determine the course of the war. Only an economically viable Pakistan can build the political stability that cannot only contain the terrorists, but defeat them.
For its part, Pakistan is committed to raising a well-trained police force, counter-insurgency troops and special operations units that can roll back the insurgency that threaten our country. The international community must provide the resources to do so in a short period of time. The lack of trust about our security services often voiced in the U.S. media must be overcome and shed aside. After all, the very institutions of the Pakistani state that bear the brunt of fighting terrorists cannot remain effective if they constantly face a barrage of condemnation.
The Taliban and Al-Qaeda like nothing better than the talk about the weakness of the Pakistani state. Instead of adding to their delight, the west led by the United States must help Pakistan’s leaders turn the tide.
Husain Haqqani is Pakistan's ambassador to the United States.
Comment:
Posted April 17, 2009
The vote in Pakistan’s parliament to allow a traditional judicial system based on Islam in the Taliban-infested Swat Valley has raised questions in both Pakistan and around the world. President Asif Zardari clarified the situation when he said Tuesday that the agreement to allow Nizam-e-Adl (or traditional judicial system) does not amount to imposition of Sharia rule in Swat and that the agreement would be reviewed if it fails to bring peace and secure disarmament of the valley’s Islamic vigilantes.
Pakistan stands as a crossroad in choices, futures and destinies. Developments in the Swat valley should not detract us from the greater battle against extremist ideology and terrorism in Pakistan and the greater Middle East. Several western and Muslim countries, supported by the World Bank, met Thursday in Tokyo to express the international community’s support for Pakistan’s security, stability and prosperity.
The more than $4 billion in economic assistance expected to be pledged as a result of the Tokyo meeting would enable Pakistan to provide for its people so that the appeal of radicalism in the name of Islam can be reduced. Once the Pakistani government is able to extend effective law enforcement, education and justice to all parts of the country, it would be in a stronger position to wedge the more rational elements away from fanatic militants.
Pakistan’s conditioned pragmatism in Swat should be seen together with the fundamental commitment to confronting the terrorism that eats away at Pakistan in the words of President Zardari, "like a cancer." Pakistan’s elected leadership considers the struggle against violent extremism as our war. It is our women, children and soldiers who are dying in far greater numbers than anywhere else in the world. More than advice or lectures on the need to confront terrorism, we need the support, training and advanced technology to confront and defeat the terrorists. The question is not whether we are willing to confront terrorism. We are. The question is if we are able, and to answer this we need the support of the community of nations.
The people of Pakistan have emerged from the darkness of a decade of dictatorship, putting their faith and the future of their children not only in the values of democracy, but in the ability of democratic governance to improve the quality of their families' lives. The warped priorities of dictatorship have left our economy under pressure with our social, educational, health and housing sectors lagging behind much of the developing world. Our once vibrant energy and food sectors are now marked by shortages and blackouts.
At this critical time, the people of Pakistan need assurance from the rest of the world that the community of nations is committed to supporting us as a frontline in defense of modern civilization. Pakistanis are increasingly threatened by the callous intimidation of militancy, not just in our tribal areas but more and more in other parts of our federation. The people of Pakistan are in the trenches of a brutal and decisive battle that could very well determine the future of civilization.
The political and economic problems of Pakistan were not created overnight and certainly will not be solved overnight. Pakistanis appear weary and impatient with the west and with our own government. After the return of democracy, the Pakistani people seemed to have come to expect instant redress from the myriad of problems that plague us. We are making progress but solutions are not instantaneous.
We have taken some important steps forward but unfortunately there have been occasional steps back. But the viability of a political system cannot be judged minute by minute by the ups and down of domestic politics and day-to-day swings in poll numbers. It can only be judged by its long term sustainability. A government elected for a five year term only months ago needs the time and support to build a national consensus in the war against terrorism and fanaticism that will determine our very existence and threatens our soul.
Patience and a willingness to listen to Pakistani solutions could be the greatest strength of the Obama-Biden-Clinton-Kerry-Holbrooke approach for Pakistan. The new American Administration’s actions must reflect the understanding that bullets alone will not determine the course of the war. Only an economically viable Pakistan can build the political stability that cannot only contain the terrorists, but defeat them.
For its part, Pakistan is committed to raising a well-trained police force, counter-insurgency troops and special operations units that can roll back the insurgency that threaten our country. The international community must provide the resources to do so in a short period of time. The lack of trust about our security services often voiced in the U.S. media must be overcome and shed aside. After all, the very institutions of the Pakistani state that bear the brunt of fighting terrorists cannot remain effective if they constantly face a barrage of condemnation.
The Taliban and Al-Qaeda like nothing better than the talk about the weakness of the Pakistani state. Instead of adding to their delight, the west led by the United States must help Pakistan’s leaders turn the tide.
Husain Haqqani is Pakistan's ambassador to the United States.
Comment:
Posted April 17, 2009
The vote in Pakistan’s parliament to allow a traditional judicial system based on Islam in the Taliban-infested Swat Valley has raised questions in both Pakistan and around the world. President Asif Zardari clarified the situation when he said Tuesday that the agreement to allow Nizam-e-Adl (or traditional judicial system) does not amount to imposition of Sharia rule in Swat and that the agreement would be reviewed if it fails to bring peace and secure disarmament of the valley’s Islamic vigilantes.
Pakistan stands as a crossroad in choices, futures and destinies. Developments in the Swat valley should not detract us from the greater battle against extremist ideology and terrorism in Pakistan and the greater Middle East. Several western and Muslim countries, supported by the World Bank, met Thursday in Tokyo to express the international community’s support for Pakistan’s security, stability and prosperity.
The more than $4 billion in economic assistance expected to be pledged as a result of the Tokyo meeting would enable Pakistan to provide for its people so that the appeal of radicalism in the name of Islam can be reduced. Once the Pakistani government is able to extend effective law enforcement, education and justice to all parts of the country, it would be in a stronger position to wedge the more rational elements away from fanatic militants.
Pakistan’s conditioned pragmatism in Swat should be seen together with the fundamental commitment to confronting the terrorism that eats away at Pakistan in the words of President Zardari, "like a cancer." Pakistan’s elected leadership considers the struggle against violent extremism as our war. It is our women, children and soldiers who are dying in far greater numbers than anywhere else in the world. More than advice or lectures on the need to confront terrorism, we need the support, training and advanced technology to confront and defeat the terrorists. The question is not whether we are willing to confront terrorism. We are. The question is if we are able, and to answer this we need the support of the community of nations.
The people of Pakistan have emerged from the darkness of a decade of dictatorship, putting their faith and the future of their children not only in the values of democracy, but in the ability of democratic governance to improve the quality of their families' lives. The warped priorities of dictatorship have left our economy under pressure with our social, educational, health and housing sectors lagging behind much of the developing world. Our once vibrant energy and food sectors are now marked by shortages and blackouts.
At this critical time, the people of Pakistan need assurance from the rest of the world that the community of nations is committed to supporting us as a frontline in defense of modern civilization. Pakistanis are increasingly threatened by the callous intimidation of militancy, not just in our tribal areas but more and more in other parts of our federation. The people of Pakistan are in the trenches of a brutal and decisive battle that could very well determine the future of civilization.
The political and economic problems of Pakistan were not created overnight and certainly will not be solved overnight. Pakistanis appear weary and impatient with the west and with our own government. After the return of democracy, the Pakistani people seemed to have come to expect instant redress from the myriad of problems that plague us. We are making progress but solutions are not instantaneous.
We have taken some important steps forward but unfortunately there have been occasional steps back. But the viability of a political system cannot be judged minute by minute by the ups and down of domestic politics and day-to-day swings in poll numbers. It can only be judged by its long term sustainability. A government elected for a five year term only months ago needs the time and support to build a national consensus in the war against terrorism and fanaticism that will determine our very existence and threatens our soul.
Patience and a willingness to listen to Pakistani solutions could be the greatest strength of the Obama-Biden-Clinton-Kerry-Holbrooke approach for Pakistan. The new American Administration’s actions must reflect the understanding that bullets alone will not determine the course of the war. Only an economically viable Pakistan can build the political stability that cannot only contain the terrorists, but defeat them.
For its part, Pakistan is committed to raising a well-trained police force, counter-insurgency troops and special operations units that can roll back the insurgency that threaten our country. The international community must provide the resources to do so in a short period of time. The lack of trust about our security services often voiced in the U.S. media must be overcome and shed aside. After all, the very institutions of the Pakistani state that bear the brunt of fighting terrorists cannot remain effective if they constantly face a barrage of condemnation.
The Taliban and Al-Qaeda like nothing better than the talk about the weakness of the Pakistani state. Instead of adding to their delight, the west led by the United States must help Pakistan’s leaders turn the tide.
Husain Haqqani is Pakistan's ambassador to the United States.
Comment:
Posted April 17, 2009
The vote in Pakistan’s parliament to allow a traditional judicial system based on Islam in the Taliban-infested Swat Valley has raised questions in both Pakistan and around the world. President Asif Zardari clarified the situation when he said Tuesday that the agreement to allow Nizam-e-Adl (or traditional judicial system) does not amount to imposition of Sharia rule in Swat and that the agreement would be reviewed if it fails to bring peace and secure disarmament of the valley’s Islamic vigilantes.
Pakistan stands as a crossroad in choices, futures and destinies. Developments in the Swat valley should not detract us from the greater battle against extremist ideology and terrorism in Pakistan and the greater Middle East. Several western and Muslim countries, supported by the World Bank, met Thursday in Tokyo to express the international community’s support for Pakistan’s security, stability and prosperity.
The more than $4 billion in economic assistance expected to be pledged as a result of the Tokyo meeting would enable Pakistan to provide for its people so that the appeal of radicalism in the name of Islam can be reduced. Once the Pakistani government is able to extend effective law enforcement, education and justice to all parts of the country, it would be in a stronger position to wedge the more rational elements away from fanatic militants.
Pakistan’s conditioned pragmatism in Swat should be seen together with the fundamental commitment to confronting the terrorism that eats away at Pakistan in the words of President Zardari, "like a cancer." Pakistan’s elected leadership considers the struggle against violent extremism as our war. It is our women, children and soldiers who are dying in far greater numbers than anywhere else in the world. More than advice or lectures on the need to confront terrorism, we need the support, training and advanced technology to confront and defeat the terrorists. The question is not whether we are willing to confront terrorism. We are. The question is if we are able, and to answer this we need the support of the community of nations.
The people of Pakistan have emerged from the darkness of a decade of dictatorship, putting their faith and the future of their children not only in the values of democracy, but in the ability of democratic governance to improve the quality of their families' lives. The warped priorities of dictatorship have left our economy under pressure with our social, educational, health and housing sectors lagging behind much of the developing world. Our once vibrant energy and food sectors are now marked by shortages and blackouts.
At this critical time, the people of Pakistan need assurance from the rest of the world that the community of nations is committed to supporting us as a frontline in defense of modern civilization. Pakistanis are increasingly threatened by the callous intimidation of militancy, not just in our tribal areas but more and more in other parts of our federation. The people of Pakistan are in the trenches of a brutal and decisive battle that could very well determine the future of civilization.
The political and economic problems of Pakistan were not created overnight and certainly will not be solved overnight. Pakistanis appear weary and impatient with the west and with our own government. After the return of democracy, the Pakistani people seemed to have come to expect instant redress from the myriad of problems that plague us. We are making progress but solutions are not instantaneous.
We have taken some important steps forward but unfortunately there have been occasional steps back. But the viability of a political system cannot be judged minute by minute by the ups and down of domestic politics and day-to-day swings in poll numbers. It can only be judged by its long term sustainability. A government elected for a five year term only months ago needs the time and support to build a national consensus in the war against terrorism and fanaticism that will determine our very existence and threatens our soul.
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