In the first drone attack since Imran Khan’s rally, five suspected militants were killed in North Waziristan. For the US to carry out this attack serves to confirm that domestic opposition is not going to trump American security concerns and even the worldwide publicity generated by the march will do nothing to sway policy. The only possible alternative to drone attacks is a full-scale operation by the military in North Waziristan, targeting the Haqqani network. For a while, that option seemed to be on the table, although the military has cooled on the idea since then and with winter now approaching, it is unlikely to happen for many months now.
This is the primary conundrum Pakistan faces as it officially condemns drone attacks. The only reason the US relies so heavily on drones is because our military has not stepped up and fought the Afghan Taliban and its allies. So, we end up playing what many perceive as a double game where our public words do not match our private actions. We are active colluders with the US on drone attacks, giving them intelligence and tacit approval. For public consumption, we play dumb. This approach is going to end up blowing up in our faces as it encourages anti-American populism rather than forcing us to look inwards. Our failures in the war against militancy are being projected onto the US, thereby delaying a final reckoning.
The best route the government and the military can now take is that of public honesty. Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar came close to doing so when she said that her problem with drone attacks was their legality and that she supported the killing of militants. We need to go a step further and admit our collusion in the drone programme. It may increase short-term pressure on the government but would ultimately make the fight against militancy easier. It would also expose those elements that are trying to appease all sides and in doing so, are making peace more unlikely, as pernicious actors. It is time for the drone war to be calmly scrutinised.
Published in The Express Tribune, October 12th, 2012.
COMMENTS (8)
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A concept which seem to elude many in Pakistan. You simply don't have a sovereign right to allow terrorist to use your territory to launch attacks on your neighbors and allies - many would argue that allowing terrorist sanctuary is an act of war.
Thoughtful:
Yes, US should rename drones "Non State Devices" and stop owning up their bombings.
That way Pakistan can gladly accept them without problem. Pakistan has always expected other states not to blame it for 'non state' bombers from Pakistan, so, it won't have problems with 'non state device' bombing Pakistan either!
Brilliant!
I thought the drone were non-state actors of US. Atleast pakistanis can take it that way so that their BP does not rise, ulcers do not form in the stomach and generally a good health is maintained!
Exactly,it is the need of the hour.
Here is an idea. US declares drones illegal. A short wait later, a blink of an eyelid really, it starts callin these airborn warriors Just-Everyday-Devices. Bombing resumes, drone problem over. Sounds familiar?
if they are droning waziristan then wait for ur turn
Just some numbers to think about. According to Wikipedia, the Pakistani army has around 550,000 active duty personnel, with another 500,000 active reserves! Now consider that the overwhelming bulk of these forces are placed on the border with India, where exactly how many Pakistanis have been killed by Indian forces over the last 10 years? Now consider the some 40,000 Pakistanis killed by various militant faction INSIDE PAKISTAN over the same 10 year years, and ask yourself why the ARMY can't come to the Waziristans AND STAY THERE, ELIMINATING THESE SAFE HAVENS WHERE THE TTP/MILITANTS FREELY ROAM! You want "sovereignty", then do something about it! There would be no drone attacks if there were no "safe havens" for terrorists/militants" where the government has no control!
The Taliban fear only one thing in this world and its the drones. If drones are not used we dont know how many more tragic and horrific episodes like Malala we would see,