A clarion call for Trump's peace
The writer offers his analysis of socio-political and global currents; X @Agha_M_Saleh
The world watches as you, President Trump, meet with Israel's Benjamin Netanyahu and India's Narendra Modi, navigating a path to peace that resonates with Pakistani-Americans. The US remains a beacon of hope, with 83% of Americans prioritising freedom over security. Yet, Gaza's bloodshed and Kashmir's unrest demand your leadership. Pakistani-Americans, part of America's vibrant tapestry, urge you to wield your influence for justice, not chaos. Your "America First" vision can bridge divides, but only if it honours the sacrifices of allies like Pakistan and the aspirations of oppressed communities. The time for fearless diplomacy is now, before more lives are lost.
Gaza bleeds under Israel's assault. The ICC's warrants against Netanyahu and Yoav Gallant signal accountability for war crimes, yet the blockade persists, causing 90% unemployment and 80% food insecurity. Your campaign promise of "No More Wars" inspired millions, but silence on Gaza darkens that hope. Pakistani-Americans, many in Blue states, voted for you, believing in your resolve. Engage Netanyahu to secure a ceasefire, aligning with America's commitment to justice and halting this humanitarian catastrophe before it fuels further global unrest.
For 77 years, Kashmiris have endured a denied UN plebiscite, rejected by India in 1949 under US-nominated Admiral Chester Nimitz, while Gaza mourns more than 57,000 deaths from Israel's ICC-indicted war crimes. Modi's 2019 Kashmir clampdown, with 900,000 troops, and 2025 IWT suspension, attacking Pakistan's water lifeline, align with Netanyahu's airstrikes on Iran and Lebanon, shunning diplomacy. Bill Clinton warned in 2025, "Netanyahu wants to fight Iran to stay in office forever Trump should defuse the situation and end civilian deaths." Their collaboration fuels anguish, with Modi's Nepal and Bangladesh tensions mirroring Netanyahu's regional conflicts. America must bolster US-Pakistan cooperation to broker dialogue, easing Kashmiris' and Palestinians' cries.
Modi's legacy as Gujarat's CM during the 2002 riots, where over 1,000 died, mostly Muslims, stains his record. His ties to RSS, a Hindu nationalist group, embolden destabilising policies, from Kashmir's lockdown to laws targeting minorities. Your meetings with Modi, President Trump, overlook this history, risking America's commitment to justice. Pakistani-Americans urge you to challenge Modi's actions, particularly his defiance of US mediation offers. A principled stance can prevent further escalation, ensuring South Asia's stability and honouring the values of fairness you championed in 2016.
In 1979, Pakistan, America's Cold War ally, suffered 80,000 terrorism deaths, 3.5 million refugees and a drug surge. Hillary Clinton noted in 2010, "We trained and funded the mujahideen, then left a vacuum that fueled al-Qaeda and extremism in Pakistan." Yet, its fifth-largest population is scapegoated, fueling anguish. Over one million Pakistani-Americans, including 50,000 professionals25,000 doctors, professors, IT experts - enrich the US, their loyalty shining through Blue-state "America First" support via Pakistanis For Trump. German Chancellor Merz's June 2025 gift of Trump's grandfather's birth certificate symbolised shared roots. Recognising Pakistan's sacrifices can rebuild US-Pakistan trust, fostering peace for scarred communities.
Your 2016 pledge of "No More Wars" resonated with 62% of Americans wary of foreign entanglements. Yet, your alignment with Netanyahu and Modi, despite their aggressive policies, betrays that promise. The "deep state" rhetoric, echoed in 2025 campaign ads, divides rather than unites. Pakistani-Americans, who supported you in Blue states, feel sidelined as Gaza and Kashmir burn. Your leadership can reclaim America's moral high ground by rejecting divisive tactics and engaging allies like Pakistan to broker peace.
President Trump, your meetings with Netanyahu and Modi offer a chance to transcend partisan divides. The DSA's radical rainbow hues, as seen in 2025 protests, cannot dictate policy, but neither should unchecked aggression. America must lead with principle, not expediency. Pakistani-Americans and allies urge you to champion diplomacy in Gaza and Kashmir, honouring the Founding Fathers' vision of justice. Your "America First" mandate can forge a legacy of peace, uniting nations and restoring trust in a fractured world.