I cannot advocate a shot in the dark just because I disagree with the religious extremists.
LONDON: This is with reference to the article “From Apologist to Ally” (September 23). It seems that no one will actually be able to do something about the mess that our people are in and bring an end to the problem of terrorism. The war that started from Waziristan has now spread to cities across Pakistan. It has taken more than 40,000 lives and it has cost us an amount in excess of $70 billion and counting. All that people like Mr Ijaz seem to be concerned about are the steps that need to be taken to eradicate the ‘turbanised’ and ‘bearded’ lot from the face of earth.
What an unfortunate nation whose leaders cannot even decide whether they should have a dialogue or persist with the military tactics that have been followed for the past nine years. Thousands of families from Waziristan, Bara, Tirah, Mohmand and Bajaur are still living in camps. Have we been able to restore peace in Swat? If the military operation did restore peace there, then why can’t the army leave Swat? Are we ready to house the IDPs? Are we ready to face an escalated counter backlash from the terrorists? The operation will not be confined to just the mountains.
The questions to be answered are: where to start the operation, against whom, for how long and what are the parameters of success? To find answers to these questions, one will have to get to the table (it’s a war, isn’t it?). Having a dialogue with militants doesn’t mean that you are their ally; it is part of warfare. Ever heard of knowing your enemy? We don’t even know who we are fighting against or where our enemy is located. Do we know how many factions of the enemy are there or how many of these extremists are ready to lay down their weapons? This and all the confusion around the situation will never be resolved without getting to the table; talks cannot be held through press releases and news reporters.
We have been fighting this war for nine years; we can carry on like this for another decade without any resolution of the problems we face. Segregate those who are hell-bent on violence from those who are not and if need be, go through with a military operation against the known enemy. I cannot advocate a shot in the dark just because I disagree with the religious extremists. If any of the above is still beyond someone’s comprehension, then yes, I am an ‘ally’.
Taqveem Ahsan Siddiqui
Published in The Express Tribune, October 3rd, 2013.
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