Many a good Pakistani is weary of the US, which is seen as engaging in massively twisting Pakistan’s arm. American media reports on Pakistan’s military and nuclear programme anger many beyond imagination. Extreme rightwing forces such as the Jamaat-e-Islami and the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) are keen to sever relations with the US. Although seemingly representing the interests of the middle class, these two parties use an extremely feudal method for assessing relationships. The divide between friend and foe in the context of state relations follows an extremely feudal ethos. Whoever is not my friend is my enemy. Such a notion defies the main principle for state relations, which is that states have permanent interests, not friends or foes.
However, since Khan sahib is getting popular by the day I am willing to stick to his feudal ethos of seeing states from the prism of friend or foe. The next indication of my support is to endorse his idea of dumping the US. Yee-haw, let’s break ties! We will not have any more of American bullying and as a show of our indignation let’s begin by boycotting American goods. Does that mean that I will have to now stand in front of the newly opened American fast-food joint in Islamabad, convincing the long queues of Pakistanis to not support the American economy? I am sure we will be able to convince them because the majority of people in the queue outside the place are probably not only PTI fans but are anti-US as well. My only fear is that someone will argue that the joint is actually supporting the local economy.
Or there will be those like the gent with the long beard and five children that I once tried to stop from going into Pizza Hut. He smiled and gestured towards his stomach, reminding me of his real needs and interests. This was an incident from 2004/05 when numerous liberals from Islamabad would lineup in front of American eateries in the city and convince people to boycott American products in protest against Washington’s attack on Iraq. The idea of economic sanctions did work temporarily and we could see replacements for Coke and Pepsi. But then it all died down. It seems that, like the rest of the Muslim world, we could not get rid of our dependence on these drinks.
Historically, one of the most effective forms of protest is economic boycott. Gandhi’s movement against the British or Mandela’s movement against apartheid in South Africa could not have taken off had they not used the method of economic boycott. Nothing hurts even a big state than what has an impact on its economy. Seems tough not to have a chilled can of Coke or Pepsi after standing in the sun in an anti-US protest?
We can certainly break ties with the US and stop asking Washington or European capitals for trade quotas and also ask our great Chinese friends to stop dumping their goods into our market. After all, nothing will work better in weaning us off of American money than improving our earning capacity, especially our trade balance. It will also make a lot of sense for Islamabad to convince Beijing to start giving us grants instead of soft loans. We don’t want the treatment given by the US. We have honour and we won’t accept any free goodies from enemies, only from friends.
In a future meeting with the Chinese government, our officials should insist on Chinese companies not adding the huge fat into the cost of their military equipment. It is only infidel enemies from the West that get into the business of offering kickbacks. Last but not the least, we will insist on Beijing breaking off from India. Since China has a rivalry with India and so do we, it makes perfect sense for Beijing to disengage with India. An enemy is an enemy. It’s true that India is a huge market and China is keen to have a share of this market, including India’s expanding civil-nuclear market. But then what is money in face of honour? An enemy, after all, is an enemy and should be treated as one. We, in fact, promise to expand our economic potential so that the Chinese business and industry don’t miss what they have lost in the Indian market.
Did I just hear someone say Pakistan should improve trade ties with India to escape American arm-twisting? What blasphemy!
Published in The Express Tribune, July 17th, 2011.
COMMENTS (104)
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I have always been a fan of your unique perspective on things..But this article is extremely disappointing. You have over simplified Imran Khan's stand on relations with US.
@MH: Spoken like a true Imperialist. Good going.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/jul/17/us-drone-strikes-pakistan-waziristan US drone strikes in Pakistan claiming many civilian victims, says campaigner One man in Waziristan is documenting casualties – and says destruction has been radicalising locals
I think the more appropriate questions should be "Let's Dump The Corrupt Leadership of Pakistan" the real solution to the ills of current situation in Pakistan. By the way, I am not a Pakistani, however, my heart goes out to the people of Pakistan for their daily sufferings under the current leadership and the lack of Law in the Beautiful Land of Pakistan.
@Moi:
Standing on your feet is easier said than done. It will take Pakistan decades to achieve it. Too many things are wrong in Pakistan for that to happen any time soon.
@Adnan Khan:
. Nonsense: Around the time of Pakistan's 2008 General Elections Imran Khan visited the US and went straight to meet with anyone in the US Congressional offices inside the beltway who would see him and give him the time of the day. Specially since the PTI's one man show at that time had been politically outwitted by his allies into rejecting participation in elections. The high point of his visit was a speech at the Council on Foreign Relations, a think tank that offers unsolicited foreign policy advice to any adminstration be it Republican or Democratic and would be in American terms regarded as clearly part of the Beltway. I remmember meeting him at a fundraiser for his PTI and talking to him, the truth is he knows how to reach out to the US adminstration and make it work to his advantage. If the Pakistani Army decides to do away with the present set up. Imran Khan would still be able to keep the conduit for US aid open depending on how much cooperation the Pakistan Army would be willing to provide to the US in Afghanistan.
@ Ayesha Siddiqa
Ayesha ji.....If you are wooing Indian readers to this site by ur clever-foolish articles,then it is Ok. But If you really understand what you write,then there is no foolish other than you in this world.Sorry for that. reasons below.
1>Perhaps for china,there is no bigger enemy except USA.But china still engages with USA.Why ??? If trade disputes occur, it is the export oriented china who will be affected more.
2>Have you recently heard of Huawei telecom story which promts chinese ministry to interfere? We have trade imbalance of 30 billion with china. China can't afford to lose India.
3>China can't disengage with India and USA for the sake of Pak .Needless to explain.
4>What you said was right from moral point of view,but please don't expect moral lessons from china.
If Pak doesn't care about USA,then why did there was so much hallabol when USA stoped aid.Really a hillarious and refreshing article.
We have been dumped by America decades ago, only we dont realize that, but we are not fully dumped yet as some blood still remains and our Government has been sub-contracted to finish the job..........but we shall rise.
@ Hassan PTI wala, You want to know what feels more liberating than getting up from knees? Getting outside of a bubble. Slave mentality? So you want a "relationship" on equal terms with USA? dude! 'kabhi apni shakal dekhi hai'. A relationship on equal terms is possible between parties with are already on equal level. Not between a parasite and a host organism. Pakistan needs US and its support than the other way around. May be 10 years back USA desperately need Pakistan more, but things have changed, and now its Pak which need USA. In 1990's We didn't survive, we were living our last days then. We didn't have the media to know what was going on, PTV feeded false and fake "good news" every night at 9 pm and austere people like yourself still think everything was fine in 1990's. Moreover, you cannot compare today globalized world with 1990's. Trade embargo's and economic sanctions will not turn America's life miserable, they can go on with it. They can get same services from alternative parties. We do not offer anything to USA that is exclusively ours, except the "migraine" we give not only to them, but to the world. In 2001, USA called Islamabad and gave two options: (a) Stone Age (b) American Ally. Today, USA will not go to that extend, but the point I am making is, they can launch an economic war against which we have no chances of survival. Our savoir bomb is not going to be of much use. Just for a change, study the economic figures between USA and Pakistan. You wanting a "relationship on equal terms with USA" is like a small shopkeeper wanting a relationship on equal terms with his richest and biggest customer, whose monthly buying alone equals half of that shop's sales. It is true the richest customer needs the shop keeper to buy his stuff, but it is the shopkeeper who has to swallow the pill called "pride" and make some compromises.
From the comments you can see the Imran khan supporters can not even think of giving up McD and Coke :)
I don't know how opening of McD can be treated as investment in Pakistan? McDonald works on frenchise concept, all the money and resources are from the local owner of the frenchise, the owner has to pay McDonald royalties for using their name and logo. McDonald in return gives the recepie and training, thats all. It is pity that in a country like Pakistan which has so much variety of food, people are thinking that this training and recepie from McDonald is worth wasting foreign exchange.
Imranophobia !
@Moise: Yep. God help you if the terrorists get a chance to get organized under a complacent government turning a blind eye in denial.
"The West won the world not by the superiority of its ideas or values or religion, but rather by its superiority in applying organized violence. Westerners often forget this fact, non-Westerners never do." — Samuel P. Huntington
Let's further embrace America! America Zindabad, Pakistani Liberals zindabad! This report is published by the Guardian on drone strikes in Pakistan. http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/jul/17/us-drone-strikes-pakistan-waziristan
This whole op-ed is based on the premise that 'Extreme' right wing which PTI (though I didn't know that) and other such parties in public cry "anti-Americanism" yet use American goods like iPhone.
I'm afraid to say that writer failed to grasp the real 'bone of contention' which atleast I can say is true for PTI.
This bone of contention is not Americans but their policies in the region where for their own "national interest" they facilitate NRO in Pakistan to have their choice of politicians, no matter how corrupt they are or organise a Military Coup in mineral rich Congo to oust a democratically elected govt.
This policy of self interest, where loans or aid has been "used" to twist arm even if it will lead to the destruction of institutions or democracy in a country, which is true for Pakistan.
US used Ayub Khan to reach out to China, Zia ul Haq to oust Bhutto and then wage "Jihad" against Soviets and then Musharraf to wage war against "Jihad".
This constant support of mly. regimes to serve their interests which destroyed institutions in Pakistan and we have become morally, politically and financially "aid dependent" and corrupt. This is what PTI stood for and against those policies not what writer is emotionally trying to suggest.
PTI stands for relationship on equal grounds with everybody even with US.
I'm afraid to say, learned writer started her whole argument on a false premise thus making it bit overdone.
Dumping America is a great plan
Ever wondered why no other nations talks about boycott? Boycott works tit-for-tat. You boycott me...I boycott you. Pakistan produces nothing and nobody can boycott Pakistani products. Sure you can boycott our rice and towels but many countries produce them. Pakistan has the honor to use the term "BOYCOTT"!
I have been hearing this for the last 40 years. It has never worked and never will (Gandhi and Apartheid were very different circumstances). It is an honor for USA/Europe/West we use the word "Boycott" because they produce everything and we produce towel and rice. As Pakistanis and Muslims we should be ashamed to use the word "Boycott". I hope and pray the readers understand my comment.
One of the best articles from Ayesha - brilliant one. But it misses a point: many Paks support Imran Khan's demand of having a national pride and some show of dignity.
How India reacted when USA tried to humiliate her Lok Sabha speaker on America airport, and how Pak reacted when USA humiliated a high power delegation consisting of core ministers of Musharraf that had accompanied Musharraf on a state visit to USA?
India gave same treatment to American dignitaries. Pak closed down Geo New for a few days for airing the footage.
Imran Khan and PTI is not against common citizen of USA. PTI is not against the whole American Nation. PTI only demands the end of war. The war is not in anyway in interests of Pakistan. We all know how this war is destroyed our economy and how people of KPK is suffering from mental illness due to war. In short, PTI is never been ANTI-USA. PTI is against the current foreign policy of USA.
@BruteForce:
I sincerely hope your concern from across the border is genuine.
Those of us that advocate 'dumping' the US only mean that Pakistan should move away from foreign dependence and stand up on its own two feet. No one is advocating that we pick up a fight with the world's sole superpower, neither that we isolate ourselves diplomatically and neither that we jump onto China's lap instead.
Its the elite of this country whose personal interests are served with perpetuation of foreign dependence. And the poor proletariat are left in the lurch.
Adeel759
haha...you cannot be serious? What's your (burger boy) definition of 'popular feeling' in Pakistan? Brunchers at the Serena or Marriot hotels? haha
@Dr Priyanka: Ever heard of a term satire?
@Max:
valid points, but to play devils advocate if i can, you could argue that the trade that was occurring was being done in a relatively stable and peaceful environment. the americans are creating a war on our western front, and inside our borders which is not what the deal was. pakistan did not sign up for that. diplomacy and foreign relations are certainly very important, and i agree to your points. imran khan misses a lot of these nuances unfortunately, despite his oxford education. those PTI jiyalas who are arguing that slavery is different than breaking off ties, i would argue that with the advent of our 2008 'democracy', the americans have been much more comfortable dealing with zardari and co than they were with musharraf and co, there are a lot more 'yes sirs' now than before 2008. but that doesnt mean that the army and establishment is not saying no. remember pakistan has closed the supply routes twice, and the americans came beggging to have us reopen it. who did that? zardari? i doubt it. that was the army and specifically ashfaq kayani. there are still people in the army who can stand up to the US. imran should understand that he isnt the only one who can redefine the pakistan-US relations.
@Moi:
Its a nice thought but impractical. Pakistan being a middle-level power has to integrate into the World Economy to prosper, it cannot defy big powers like USA and hope to survive.
Prudence asks that we should rebuild friendly relations with America. It is not the good idea to incite the enmity of Uncle Sam.
Dr Priyanka: read again. The author is not spewing venom against India but trying to say how anti-Indiaism and anti-Americanism are not sustainable.
@Dr Priyanka
Thank you for your comments. Refreshing voice like yours reminds me that peace between two countries is a possibility no matter how remote the chances are.
I fully endorse the views expressed by PTI supported above.
@Ayesha All Imran Khan says is that while Americans try to protect their own interests, our leaders don't try to do the same and he laments them for that. He is not anti-American. I live in US. There may be millions of Americans who have same stance as IK. Are these Americans anti-Americans too. What an oxymoron !!! Disagreeing with some country's policies does not make you anti-state . I don't consider you anti-Pakistan or anti-Pakistan army !!!!
@Hassan Sadiq: Hear hear Hassan. This sounds more like the truth about PTI's stance.
@Sherry: It is about $34.9 billion ie this is the amount pilfered over the last 3 yrs by the current govt according to transparency international.
Muslims never use trade as a weapon so boycott is out of the question. As for hating USSA it is only reserved for foreign policy makers which control the strings to US politicians.
@Dr Priyanka: when an academic tries her hand at satire and makes her point admirably, I for one, found that amusing. But then I am on the authors side of the boarder and possibly see things somewhat differently from you.
@ Sajid Barcha, maybe you should get up from your knees every once in a while it is truly liberating.
I know it is difficult for slave mentalitities to fathom relationships based on equal terms but it should not be impossible in this day and age, we did not get any military and civilian aid during the 1990's due to the pressler amendments yet we survived. You talk about embargos and trade sanctions it is not in the US interests to do that they are not stupid. They want their interests and we should demand ours, slave mentalities usually use fear as a proponent to strengthen their case but rest assured all your fear mongering cannot add credence to this argument of the US cutting off all ties because we refuse to support the war on terror.
@ PTI inqillabis, Stop trying to justify Imran's stance using your wishful thinking. No matter how subtle the difference between anti-America and anti-drone is, the USA is going to not like it, and when Imam Khan does come into power and cuts off supply lanes, USA has the option to cut off your supply lanes in form of economic embargo's and trade sanctions. Once US and it's allies (UK, EU, Australia) stop purchasing stuff from you, you will realize how much we were dependent on them (you call it 'slavery'). But the fact remains that a majority of our export revenue comes from these countries. Our higher-than-Himalayas-and-deeper-than-Arabian-sea friend doesn't buy st from us thought sells even st to us, we are destined to be doomed if Imran Khan is brought into power.
Very well said. A practical approach. Simply the best. Well done, Ayesha.
This article shows Ayesha Siddiqa at her best. Throwing indicators for the reader to assess and judge is a difficult narration. Siddiqa has said what she wanted to and readers may make their own estimates. Boycott is a boycott which means escape from reality, denial from resolution of issues. Boycott is obstinacy. It means accept my way or the highway. Boycott negate the very concept of going to the table with ideas. It shows an emptiness in the upper story and an absence of cerebral activity that could help move forward in a line that's appropriate. Boycott is a surrender. It means I have no ideas. Boycott means no give and take, no leniency, no adjustment. Boycott means you are wrong and I am right without thinking and without introspection. Boycott also means I can't bring you round, I have no power of reasoning. Boycott is a blot on the thinking faculties of human civilization. Imran Khan or Jamat e Islami obviously fall in in this group.
@All-Aid-Lovers: Little fact checking, America has given Pakistan a total of US$4.8 billion in economic assistance since 9/11.Of the total US$20 billion dollars, 8.9 billion was in the form of reimbursements. I am sure you know what reimbursement means. We buy stuff for you (i.e. fuel, food, transportation costs, military gear, water, troop housing and other expenses/procurements), which you go on and use, in this case in the war in Afghanistan. The thing with reimbursement is that we are paid for what have spent – and if we are paid back, this doesn’t mean US has gifted us the money, it just means we are square. In fact out of the US$20 billion that has been paid, 14 billion is related to the war on terror (including the US$8.9 billion mentioned above). First, our losses far exceed any aid benefit. Second, we need reform not aid, our GDP $180 bn, tax-to-GDP 9.1%, if we double, we make $18 bn in revenues per year - without aid- kaboomm!! Transparency International said corruption in our country since democratic govt has been to the tune of Rs 3,000 billion (do the math how many $$ is that again?) Lastly, I'm not for severing ties, I am for trade, aid is welcome too, but war is not. And NO you're wrong when you say if you stand up to American policies they will totally destroy you. They won't, they are also reasonable people, we just have to tell them that we will be fighting terrorism a different way, through schools and employment, through knowledge and education, and that is a war we are ready to fight and win, for all of us. Stop seeing things in black and white, either we are lackeys or we're foes.
The writer reminds me of the Urdu saying dug a mountain and found a dead rat. Just like her book the Military Inc. which should have been named Military Kiryana Store the article is a poor exercise in satire but good one in spreading disinformation.
so beggars can be chisers. Since when?????
I enjoyed the article and hope you pen a few more like this.
the author surely lives in her own world.
@BruteForce:
It seems, BruteForce, you want Pakistan to remain shackled in chains of slavery. Of course you would want that, wouldn't you?
It's time we Pakistani's finally stood on our own two feet. Lets doff them, I say!
I am disheartened to find that you have not done your homework on what Imran Khan has actually said about PTI's stance on Pakistan's relationship with the USA before writing this piece. It appears that facts are not sacred even with someone of your caliber. Sad.
This article should be read along with another great piece by Khaled Ahmed titled -Can Pakistan understand China?, in today's Tribune.
Many readers are of the opinion that PTI never advocated severing relationship with USA. But, I do not think the author too is so ignorant about this fact, she must have done thorough research before writing this article. This only shows how major issues are handled in Pakistan mostly only around perceptions without any stated or committed policy. Imran Khan may here and there mentioned about "not severing" relation with USA, but he is always with the mass who's popular demand is to dump or worst crush USA. One would find such double talk or ambiguous stand everywhere in Pakistan, which when enters statecraft creates huge problem for it.
Author is as usual brilliant.
In begining of 1960s India went thru hell. A famine that threatened to kill a good portion of the population, and a war with china was crippling the nation. Most of Indian leaders were ideologically opposed to USA (Ghora Imperialist, afterall). But, they were intelligent enough to graciously accept the crutches offeed by US, and US-AID and the technology USA provided changed the landscape of India. For much of two decades "Roti, Kapda aur Makhan" was the battle cry in most of India.
India emerged much stronger from exercise even though India was aligned with USSR, and wasn't exactly a friend of USA. That's what state craft is about. Putting your ideology behind to make progress in economic & social welfare sphere.
One thing I am glad about the venally corrupt politicians of India - They are not fools.
Only PPP is the true left wing party in Pakistan. there are no feudals in PPP i swear.
Dear Ayesha, your book Military Inc. was just amazing. I didn't know that Indian Army was such a massive corporate entity and it's stranglehold on Indian economy so broad and complete. Just like I didn't know that Imran Khan was so reactionary and right wing! I thought I followed him quiet diligently but I obviously missed the part about severing all ties with America and boycotting all American goods. Thank you so much for bringing that to my attention.
Its people's choice if they want to boycott America or not but Pakistani government must realize that relationship with US served nothing to Pakistan except pain,misery and more jihadis who too are countering us and this is something Ayesha siddiqa wont ever realize who apparently still is hell bent on considering PTI being america's foe and i being a secular dont even buy that.
Though Though we must have great relationship with India,our future lies with them and not these western imperialist goons. The day we shall befriend India in its true sense would be the day when peace will normalize in this region otherwise because of western imperialism,not only Afghanistan,Pakistan suffers but tomorrow India too will suffer. The cracks are already present.
No one is arguing breaking off with US. In the modern day world it is not possible. What PTI and the likes of us are saying is that there are red lines beyond which we should not accept US's or anyone's dictates.
Perhaps the author missed the point herself.
@ahmed: They don't simply criticize anything. They completely condemn it and demonize it lacking any reason for doing so beyond narrow-minded "I say things should be this way and if you argue with me you're 'one of them' which automatically makes your opinion worthless." I've never seen PTI debate or have conversation over anything. Just floods of condemnations with ironically broken fixes.
Now everyone will vent about this article as you have dared to question Imran Khan and the PTI. This venting will take place on various forums including Twitter (US based), Facebook (US Based), Google+ (US Based), Wordpress (US Based), Blogger (US Based).......
Mr. XYZ, On the contrary to statements as Imran make every week against US and other external forces. But actually he need their support, this desgise in not different as other politicians do. Please enjoy his one of interviews to western media. Please see between the lines.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T0rtqTdI4qk
Exactly! If you go against American you are not only making sure it will not give you aid, but America will make sure none of the EU powers, Japan will give Pakistan Aid.
US has tremendous influence in IMF and WB, too. And, you can be damn sure that the loans that Pakistan gets will not be available if America wills.
Look at Iran and North Korea They are really progressing, aren't they?
@parvez: What's so funny ?
its funny but not relevant to "khan sahib".because we need to come out from this rightwing leftwing terms.these are gone ideas.now we young people need an honest leader no matter he is liberal,secular or religious.Only khan has this qualification
With due respect to the lady Siddiqa, the change has never happened from without, it always happens from within. You refer to the situation at the time of British Raj, Gandhi transformed his way of doing it first, practiced it and than went to the masses and the masses believed in him. Show me a leader or a party that has the ability to implement changes within, if there was such a thing than you do not need to look outside or not be able to convince the people to follow.
Reminds me of Marvi Memon's tweet about having a Big Mac after a long day at PTI dharna. Kia ye khula tizaad nahi hai?
Nice article. You showed us the mirror. & those who show us the mirror is always a CIA agent to the ghairatmand. Time for a dharna in front of Ayesha's home followed by a coke!
Please go ahead.
You are very negative and donot have a funny side. The author is spewing venom like a snake. Is that what you are going to teach your coming generation. To hate India ? I am an Indian living in the UK and my solicitor is Pakistani. Madam ! please donot destroy Pakistan! We all want a strong Pakistani economy. At home in India my sister craves the Pakistani spices and when she travels to the US she buys them there. Why not start trade between India and Pakistan and you see how Pakistani economy will boom. I dream of the day when we have Pakistani restaurants, plays, theatre, clothes, tailors etc etc in India. Hope it happens one day !
// But then what is money in face of honour? An enemy, after all, is an enemy and should be treated as one. // reminds me of the greatest quote of 2011: We will not sacrifice our honor & dignity for the sake of prosperity (Gen Kiyani) :p
Thank you Author, couldn't be explained better than these words. We are full of contradictions as we want every thing from USA and in exchange we can give only, "all the ills are due to America". Our beloved donors like China, Saudi Arabia and European Union combined all together do not match USA aid we receive every year and still USA is our greatest enemy. This is due to magic of Military and Civil (due to guidelines) propaganda to keep the people informed negatively and hiding better part to play political game to stay in charge. Recent temporary block of $ 800 million military aid made the high brass worried to death but propagated as if they even do not need US military aid although they reversed all actions taken against Americans while begging not to penalize military this way. According to our military terms this is called surrendering with hidden apology. Our words are entirely different than the deeds.
AS, America used to be a can do nation but no more. Iraq spent $109 billion to fix their electric supply system and after years of effort it is still not up and running. Pakistan has similar need, who should be contracted to build it? Don't tell me it is Chinese.
Right now we are fighting "war on terror" and nobody has time for what people need. We will keep "Coke vs Pepsi" wars for rainy days.
Who do you think is best to administer peace in Afghanistan? I say India but I have trouble making their case. Could you help.
You have distorted Imran Khan and PTI's stance on relations with the USA. Imran Khan has never argued for a war or confrontation with the Americans. His, is a very wise and principled position, that Pakistan should do whatever is in Pakistan's interest. Where US and Pakistani interests diverge, we should part ways as well. His most often example is of Turkey, which refused to give passage, when offered $30 Billion for the Iraq invasion. . We should wean ourselves off of the measly US aid and mounting high interest loans, and start on the road of self-sufficiency and ultimately self-respect. Who can argue with that ?. . Imran Khan, on his last dharna in Peshawar, reiterated on-stage that he thought that the American public was fair and when presented with the ghastly details of drone attacks, that they too would join the "ghairat-brigade" in condemning their own Govt. That's how much faith he has, in the inherent goodness of the American people, outside the beltway. . For you to lie outright like this, making blanket generalizations about parties on the right, is pretty dumb and makes you look silly, which is not what a self-proclaimed "academic" ought to be striving for. . . Adnan Khan
Wow, I’m not sure if I am more disappointed than surprised. I had high regard for Ayesha Saddiqa after I read her book. One thing I love about Tribune is that it lets everybody and nobody write op-eds and blogs, and in doing so, people expose themselves. By putting words in another’s mouth, it makes it so much easier to twist around and impose your own logic, the good old fashioned sophistry practiced by many second-rated writers. First, PTI has never talked about severing relations with anyone, least of all the US. Getting out of a war which we ill-afford, and refusing aid money (btw we should know aid is not charity, its foreign policy tool with a foreign policy objective, so declining war has a natural corollary of aid cutoff/refusal) does not qualify as severing relationship. And since what you allege is not true, your allegation that follows, that PTI follows a friend/foe approach, also lacks any sense. Spare us your ill-reasoned satire, please, we respect you, at least live up to your image. Boycotting American food? Where did that come from? Way to twist something (which was never said in the first place) out of proportion to prove a point which has no ground. Blegh blegh, anyone want a free copy of Military Inc., I think I’m tossing mine out.
I don't have words to elaborate this splendid piece from one of our most honest and bold scholars.
Thanks to your newspaper for a terrific writer.Fantastic article and great writer.Keep it up.
Cheap at best!
Probably Madam is trying a lighter side to convince some tough heads. China knows how to be the time tested friend by giving timely sympathy whenever some one criticize Pakistan It doesn't cost any money to China. On the other hand America finds itself becoming an enemy in spite of being biggest donor. India will be there to entertain their people. Oh, when I think of banning Coke, sweet memories of 1977 comes when George banned them in India and introduced a drink called " 77 " only to remain a souvenir now.
Not a small funny side. A rather great one I would say!
I wish I happen to read your say on what's the right things to be done.
So the madam has a small funny side as well.
This witty piece of Dr.Ayesha Siddiqa is just to laugh on our policy makers,who are still living in a fools paradise.They are not able to understand wht is happening around us so fast.and we are just waiting allah for every need to be fulfilled.
The most persistent feeling in Pakistan is the dislike -- even hatred -- of America and India. The most penetrating process in Pakistan is the imitation of America and India. Kow-towing to China and giving it a tribute (nazrana) is a great emotional and political convenience -- it does not involve liking the Chinese or imitating them.
Wow in Pakistan a party (PTI) can be extreme right wing just because they criticize the US military policy .. when in some parts of the world it can be a very liberal thing to do.. we live in a world where everything is relative after all
excellentt article..such a slap on the faces of these hypocrites we have...infact this one american basher i know was boasting about her i-phone and degrading me for my sasta chinese phone
I believe you should take an american visa and most probably you already have one, just go there and please for God's sake (if you believe in one) leave us poor Pakistanis alone. We will be thankful to you. God bless you and have a happy time in America.
Your analysis is always realistic. But instead of begging from one country then going to the other party, if the first party does not respond according to our wishes, will never give good results. How long shall we continue to beg either from America or from China and cultivate a culture of hatred against one or another as suits us. We should start living within our means and start from rulers. Chinese public and rulers we using bycycles and hand driven rickshaws till recent years while they had started making cars independently. This was due to saving of expences on petroleum and money required to purchase cars. We should increase our production, particularly for agricultural products and industry. We should close many of our embassies, those are doing nothing but heavy expenditures on staff, socialising....dinners, lunches etc and providing no help to countrymen. We should also examine if we are not over staffed in all type of services. We should not make splendid Islamabad and palaces therein, airconditioned/well furnished bungelows, luxury airports, Motorways, no more atom bombs and Missiles etc etc. Instead we should provide employment, water, health facilities,electricity, roads to each village. We should make friendship with all our neighbours. We should seal our borders for illegal entries and smuggling. We should comb the whole country to get rid of all illegal residents, arms manufacturing and selling. We should declare ourselves as a neutral country and make friendship with all countries, prticularly our neighbours. I repeat again we should learn to live within our own means very strictly---rulers and public together.
And I agree its time we be friends with India. Rivalry has cost us dearly without any reward including kashmir dispute. Lets try the other thing. Friendship and strong diplomacy
No Miss Ayesha! Its an extreme thinking to boycott everything at first. Prepare yourself to COMPETE. Brave men do not fall back. They fight. Thats what we should and will do.
I dont own a media who can fight against their media. I dont own a president/leaders who is as blunt and fearless as they have I dont have a resturaunt/food chain that can compete theirs. I dont have a political party whom I can proudly say, belongs to the real educated Pakistanis I dont have any cultural awareness that they have and lastly we love Pakistan at individual level but HATE her at collective level
Its time we give up the idea of boycotting. Its for those who fear. We do not belong to such people. You will soon see countless souls like me will change the scenario. Atleast we will be able to be the reason for change. ATLEAST :)
Ayesha cola anyone?
See the next story just after this op-ed piece: http://tribune.com.pk/story/209549/official-reaction-gilani-concerned-over-us-aid-cuts/. Says it all!
Ayesha Siddiqua makes an interesting tongue in cheek poke at the puerile posturing of the likes of PTI & JI in terms of cutting off ties with the US, or West in general.In a global economy our interests are all inextricably linked and to pursue a policy of economic isolation is a recipe for economic suicide.
During the great Denmark cartoon debate/scandal I was working in the middle east and I read of the deaths of protesters in Kabul & Pakistan and increasingly shrill cries of a boycott of Danish goods.One of the biggest Danish exports is Lurpak butter and to my surprise I found that airlines,hotels,restauarnts in the middle east, all stocked the butter,Owners/managers would shrug in surprise when I would ask whether they felt it was wrong to stock the butter in view of the Danish cartoons.They all thought I was mad!!
Pakistani's are adept at making these pointless and meaningless gestures.Not one single protest took place throughout the middle east at the Danish cartoon's, but instead poor Pakistani's protested and died.
For the Arabs, feedng your child,housing your family,and creating a stable society was more important than empty gestures.The politics of PTI & JI are cartoon politics of gestures and empty posturing without any substance and meaning.Their leaders will holiday in London/Dubai and their followers will shout empty slogans, and become cannon fodder on the streets!!
Parochialism does not take one very far but makes the life difficult. Same goes for isolationism. It does not work for larger or smaller nations given the nature of global interdependence. So talking in a parochial language but with hawkish phrases will not take any religious outfit or Barray Khan Sahib anywhere. Ms. Siddiqa has covered quite a few details in a professional manner and I appreciate her efforts. Those who are very proud of their Islamic lineage should know that diplomacy is not new and did not emerge on the world scene with the signing of Treaty of Westphalia in 1648. The ambassador were dispatched and received before the formation of nation-state and that is also true of Arabian tribes (before or after the advent of Islam). Prophet, himself dispatched and received emissaries during the tribal wars to settle disputes or economic matters with other tribes (Pagan, Christian, and Jewish), and his largest trade partners were Jewish tribes. But the myopic vision of Khan Sahib or right wing establishment does not leave much room for them to read history. Populism works when masses are what Pakistan has to offer. Ms. Siddiqa: I will respectfully request to not to worry or give a damn to these right-wing or Barray or Chottay Khan Sahib’s proclamations. Zamin junbad na junbad Gul Muhammad na Junbad (Gul Muhammad is not going to move, come what may). Gul Muhammad is Gul Muhammad, so she or the readers should not expect any change in his attitude). The emotional proponents of Pak-China relations should also know, nations pursue their own policy objective. Depth of oceans or tallness of hill-peaks does not help much.
I don't have words to elaborate this fantastic piece by one of our most honest and brave scholars.
The point? Boycotting American goods = no access to American and European markets = is not going to do a whole lot of good. I do not want American aid, I want free trade between economies so that there is mutual prosperity. If only people had decent jobs and other things to do perhaps they may not be straying to violent paths.
Nice to read the sarcasm from Siddiqa, is it true that Imran Special Interests Khan is getting popular by the day, god help the common man
Great satire ayesha however my biggest fear is that a lot of people wont get you and actually take the article literally since brainwashing doesnt leave any room for critical thinking.
American drinks and products are sweet but their policies are not!
Why do people like this writer think our relationship with USA is a minus one formula. Apparently if you like American fast food, you have to like drones attacks aswel... Our relationship with USA has always been take aid be our slave, or dont take it be our foe and face sanctions.
With access to friends like Chinese, Iranians, Syrians, Saudis who needs the USA. .....
who needs the USA ---- they show up with genuine help in the form of money, investment, life and arms. Worse yet, they allow Pakistani's to go to their country for world class education and opportunity. Anyone that does that is either too dumb or clever.
Dump USA!
Good sarcastic article about Ghairat Brigade which wants to banish america from Pakistan but has no substitute for America.
No, our masters - the Army - will not give up their dependence on America. Khan sahib, when he comes to power, will be told by the generals to keep his nose out of foreign policy and out of Pak-US relations. US aid directly raises the standard of living of our generals, they will never let anything or anyone stand between them and the good life of plots, BMW 7's, and well supplied swiss bank accounts.
The internet brigade that will attack Ayesha for this article should first boycott Facebook which is owned by an American Jew. Imran’s 100 day plan includes blockage of NATO supplies but offers no alternative for our 50 percent exports that go to US and EU or the IMF and World Bank loans which can’t be taken without US approval.
i dont understand from where the author got the idea that PTI considers US as a foe. The only point PTI makes is not to lay in front of the US but to put forward our own point of view on various issues including the WOT in line with our national interest. In other words the conflict lies with the US policies. Is there no line between being a slave or a foe? An honest leadership having the true support of the people can convince the US to review its policies. This is what PTI stands for.
Simply brilliant. Ayesha, you're one of the few sane voices left in Pakistan. Please keep writing. Always a fan, Rehan