US Operations Within Pakistan And The US Domestic Political Connection
September 12, 2008, Matthew Good There seems to be little doubt that the United States is going to ignore Pakistani sovereignty and conduct cross-border military operations on militants in Waziristan despite warnings from the US intelligence community. In response, NATO leadership in Afghanistan has released a statement reiterating that its mandate ends at the Afghan border and that NATO forces in Afghanistan will not participate in US-led ground or air incursions across the border.
Meanwhile, in response to unauthorized foreign military incursions into Pakistan, the Pakistani military has been ordered to retaliate against any action taken by foreign forces inside the country, a directive issued directly from Pakistan’s top military echelon.
There is little question that US cross-border operations are being undertaken primarily for domestic political purposes. Given the stagnant state of affairs in Afghanistan, a show of US military ‘progress’ is vital this election season, which has most likely prompted the White House to authorize an increase in cross-border operations without the consent of the Pakistani government. The question now becomes whether Pakistani forces will find themselves engaging US forces that have crossed the frontier before November 4th and the ramifications that such an incident would have.
As it stands now, Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff, General Kayani, has announced that foreign military incursions into Pakistan will not be tolerated, a position that is currently being supported by Prime Minister Raza Gilani.
For the sake of political gravitas at home, the United States is playing a very dangerous game that could very well result in alienating the Pakistanis completely.
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World War III yet?
Matt’s point is very important.
The ineffective nature of the Pakistani government has allowed the Taliban sympathizers to secure more influence making the “tribal leaders” more powerful which is leading to more instability. If this trend is not neutralized then internal problems could flare out of control.
As well, the more civilians the American Military kills with bombs and missiles, the greater the hatred for America grows and the seeds of discord create another generation of fanatical American killers. Having Americans in Pakistani territory killing people would be like American border control agents in the southwest crossing into Mexico to kill probable criminals. How do you think Mexico would respond if no permission was given?
Pakistan is now the most dangerous place in the world and could easily evolve into an anti-American government. Bush has it wrong once again. His hawkish behavior is the opposite of what America should be doing. The world, even with John McCain as President, will be a better place. Nobody America puts into office could be as big an imbecile as Bush, I hope.
Actually, Iraq still holds the distinguished honour of being a more dangerous place.
This is pathetic. They will alienate Pakistan once they
1. stop giving them money - eventually
2. set current process of military intrusion in motion - done
Makes me sick to see the U.S. leaving countries in ruins all over the world after they either have served their purpose or the “mission” went sour. The list is long.
Corruption of the mind and soul - the human condition.
Happy to see the U.S. ambassadors getting kicked out of Venezuela and Bolivia. Persona non-grata.
[quote comment="64836"]Matt’s point is very important.
The ineffective nature of the Pakistani government has allowed the Taliban sympathizers to secure more influence making the “tribal leaders” more powerful which is leading to more instability. If this trend is not neutralized then internal problems could flare out of control.
.[/quote]
I wouldn’t say it is the ineffective nature of Pakistani government that is the problem. It is the pure and innocent idiocy of the U.S. government. First, they armed the Afghans to fight against the Soviet Union. Then they were pumping money into Pakistan like there is no tomorrow - but, tomorrow never dies. The Pakistani government was clearly very careful about where that money went. They are not dumb, they operate for themselves. I feel for the people who are killed everyday by the U.S. bombs - people who are reported as militants but invariably turn out to be women and children.
And, yes, Iraq still has the honor - Friday, Sep. 12 “Suicide bomber kills 28 in attack on Iraq police station”
[quote comment="64837"]Actually, Iraq still holds the distinguished honour of being a more dangerous place.[/quote]
OK, I’m a little ahead of the situation. Pakistan will become the most dangerous place in the near future if the present trend is not corrected.
Anyone else reminded of the opening scene of Team America: World Police, where they completely destroy most of Paris without hesitation in order to kill a few terrorists?
I saw a bumper sticker in Halifax a few days ago that said:
” We are making enemies faster than we can kill them”
We live in an era of flexible sovereignty.
If you cross the border into Georgia after it’s forces initiate combat in a disputed region, you’re guilty of violating international standards and risk becoming a global pariah.
If you invade Afghanistan, Iraq and threaten to invade Iran and Pakistan you’re making the world a safer place. Even if you do end up directly or indirectly causing the deaths of hundreds of thousands and send even more into exile.
I’m just old enough to remember the cynicism of people like LBJ and Tricky Dick. That fact that the highly influencial current VP got his political start in the Nixon White House might explain why truth, respect for the law and any sort of human dignity has taken a back seat to greed and lust for power in the highest office in America.
Two more months to go, I can hardly wait till the Republicans are sent packing.
I’ve been reading in the news over the past couple of weeks of the U.S. strikes into Pakistani territory on the border regions. I was frankly suprised (i guess i shouldn’t be, though). Its quite disgusting for the U.S. military to be doing this, and frankly just as moronic strategically to be slapping one of their biggest allies in the Middle East like this. Never really thought of the electoral politcal connections to the strikes though.
I certainly hope that Canadian forces have absolutely no part of these actions in the future.
Oh, and speaking of U.S. domestic politcal connections, the recent announcement that Bush will pull 8000 US troops out of Iraq and send them to Afghanistan is purely laughable strategic election fodder. I’m sure the Republicans hope this will give them some political ammo against Obama re: bringing troops from from Iraq & focusing on the Afghan mission.
Such b.s.
[quote comment="64936"]I saw a bumper sticker in Halifax a few days ago that said:
” We are making enemies faster than we can kill them”[/quote]
I want to buy said bumper sticker!