Opinion

The reason we hate America

Asad Munir July 22, 2010

US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, in her visit to Pakistan last week, announced new aid projects worth $500 million. The US first established diplomatic relations with Pakistan in October 1947. In 1955 Pakistan joined the US-led organisation Cento, aimed at the containment of communism. In 1957, the US used the Badaber air base in Peshawar to operate U-2 spy planes to reconnoitre sites in the USSR. Since the US had armed Pakistani forces for the containment of USSR, in the 1965 war military assistance to both India and Pakistan was suspended. This was the first time that US action generated a widespread feeling in Pakistan that they were not a reliable ally.

In 1975, the sale of arms to Pakistan was renewed. By then Pakistan had initiated its nuclear programme. In 1976 the Symington Amendment was approved, which recommended a ban on military assistance to countries acquiring nuclear enrichment technology and in April 1979 the US cut off economic assistance to Pakistan, except food assistance. Soviet forces invaded Afghanistan in 1979 and in 1981 Pakistan and the US agreed on a $3.2 billion military and economic assistance programme. With US assistance, the ISI armed and trained the mujahideen. During this period the PPP and leftist parties were against US policies of supporting a dictator and interfering in Afghanistan, whilst right-wing political parties and much of the print media supported the US.

The Soviets withdrew from Afghanistan in February 1989. In 1990 the US suspended all aid to Pakistan under the Pressler Amendment, which also required the Pakistani president to certify annually that Pakistan "does not possess a nuclear explosive device”. Feelings about the US being an unreliable ally were reinforced. Pakistan's nuclear explosion in 1998 brought Pak-US relations to its lowest ebb with provision of credit, military sales and loans suspended. The October 1999 overthrow of the democratically elected government by General Musharraf triggered additional sanctions, perceived by many Pakistanis as a tilt by the US in favour of India.

Pakistan became a frontline state in the war on terror. In return for the support, sanctions were lifted and the US officially wrote off a debt of $1 billion. President Bush designated Pakistan as a major non-Nato ally, making it eligible, among other things, to purchase advanced American military technology. In the coming years, the US expects to spend more than $1.5 billion a year, as authorised by the Kerry-Lugar bill.

The US is clearly the largest source of bilateral aid to Pakistan. Why then do most Pakistanis hate America? As shown above, Pakistanis perceive the US as an unreliable ally. Also, whilst the US preaches democracy it has always supported dictators. Pakistanis doubt US intentions regarding their nuclear assets. Another reason is that Muslims tend to blame other powers for the failure of their states and these are coupled with the fact that Muslims do not view US support of Israel favourably.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 23^rd, 2010.

COMMENTS (37)

Khan | 14 years ago | Reply The reason why i don't think its a waste of time is that it's the single most important thing that will effect Pakistan massively in the near future, when America leaves Afghanistan. Also it's the one thing that makes Pakistan's involvement in the present internal conflict so controversial. The people simply hate america and we need to know why. If this hatred and mistrust wasn't there, how different the scenario would have been. The democratic government after Musharraf's had to launch a media campaign to win the peoples support before the Swat Campaign. The did the very thing Musharaf's government had been hesitant in doing for fear of the people's reaction. Look at Lal Masjid, we all know weapons and ammunition were stacked there and for what puprose, but the media and the people made such a controversy out of it. What people think really matters. Shortsighted people have often thought an important issue to be a waste of time. Infact the real value of the writings of most of the famous thinkers came to light after they left this world.

asim munir | 14 years ago | Reply I agree with max-pyne's assessment of the article.A total waste of time

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Yusuf | 14 years ago | Reply The US is holding Pak Army by its balls. They thought the mullahs could be used for fighting in Kashmir; trying to dupe the US and getting duped instead. Very smart! :p Pakistanis are habitual to getting pwned; by the street thugs, by the politicians and elites, by Pak Army, and eventually by foreign powers.

Tajdar Mirza | 14 years ago | Reply We keep forgetting that Mogul Empire collapsed long ago. That's why! We really need a revised version of Sir Syed Ahmed Khan.

Saeed Islahi | 14 years ago | Reply We should face realities of geo-politics.US is a super power and that too the only one so far.Pakistanis should learn to live with this fact.We should also ralise that so called Arab and Islamic nations exist on papers and are incapble to deliver any thing of substance on their own. But sadly have spread their evil renegades on our soil fighting for causes that are not ours.Let us revive our old understandings and relationship with US to our mutual advantage.It was our PM Suharwardy whod had once dubbed above countries as zero-plus-zero.He knew the truth well.

shy | 14 years ago | Reply Don,t blame America,We should change ourselves and flexible.

Hamza Malik | 14 years ago | Reply The article sheds great light on our mishaps with America in chronological detail. The fact however remains that if America was to cut off our aid, we would go down on our knees. It is also imperative to note that whilst our politico religious parties proclaim their eternal hatred for the US, the children of these parties' leaders are found living in the US. http://www.thetrueperspective.com/2010/07/hillary-clintons-visit-to-pakistan.html This article sheds great light on what our problem with America is.

Farah Ahmed. | 14 years ago | Reply WHY we hate America.The writer has written very informative and good aricle with full reasons.United stats made a top priority it overlooked the regular intervention of its milittery into politics Pakistan became its frontline state in the war on terror. iIn return for the support sanctions were lifted. and given many militery tecnology.America is unreliable ally according to pakistan America preaches democracy,butsupports militery also Pakistan doubts us intentions regarding their nuclear assets. The most common favors Israel. America is trying hard to change the minds but all efforts have hardly any effect.Pakistan elite hates the united stats , because its dependent on it.Now the drone attacks innocent citizens are dying . Pakistan should get this tecnology.President Obama trying his bestto bridge therelationship between America and Muslim world .A merica imposes their values on other nation and very arrogant. They uses there media to spread the idea and maintain monopoly status..If they want they can solve many important issues.but where there interest are.????.

salma khan | 14 years ago | Reply Well written article. WHY we hate America.IF we ask a common and uneducated person . answer would be because of Israel . And America favors them.we are Muslim nation. but not thinking that we deal with many other nations to,not only muslims. When in crises we needthe support of americans. we are to be blamed ourself. what have we done since the creation of pakistan nothing but fighting among ourself .there is not a single politicle party who is sincere to the nation.o yes we are nuclear power . we are great nation ,we dont need any one.SO to be agreat nation we have to prove. by educating . economically and military . And how will we do it , only God knows We will be the greatest nation and no time to hate .but when?

tahir hamid | 14 years ago | Reply I feel that Pakistanis are their own worst enemies. After the death of the founder, Muhammad Ali Jinnah, Pakistan has been going through turbulent times. Much of it can be attributed to the illiterate and literate feudal lords that sit in the corridors of power. There has never been a goal and aim to make Pakistan a strong and powerful nation. We have been used to living off foreign remittances and foreign aid. Much of our budgets allocated for public spending are misused and siphoned off to the personal accounts of different politicians and bureaucrats. Nations such as Singapore and South Korea gained independence roughly at the same time that Pakistan did and yet they are developed nations. There has been little or no focus upon educating the population or on empowering the people of the nation. We have a corrupt system in place that is manned by corrupt men and women. There is little moral or social conscience. All the Commandments laid down in the Quran have been set aside. As a consequence, Pakistan is slowly and steadily on the verge of social and economic collapse. The justice system serves the rich and not the poor. This is a country where women are murdered in the name of honor. Men and women who marry of their own accord are often hunted down and murdered. What form and type of Islam is this for Islam does not allow all of this. Today Pakistan is a country where 5 percent of the population possesses the entire wealth of the nation; the rest remain in abject poverty. 40 million children aged 5-19 years dont go to school for their parents cant afford to send them to schools. These children are employed in various menial forms of labor forever to be stuck in a system that affords no unemployment compensation or social security. The poor are treated worse than dogs in a European nation. These people have little access to nutrition, health, sanitation and justice. What sort of an ISLAMIC country is it where the ideals are non islamic? We have a system of banking that is based on interest. And yet Islam does not allow usury. Moreover the Quran mentions that those that charge interest and those that feed of interest are the enemies of ISLAM.

Abu Bakr | 14 years ago | Reply America is opportunistic and no saint. But one country that has done more mischief and is never blamed in MASS media is Saudi Arabia Take a look at http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=201035\story5-3-2010pg3_4 http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2009/mar/08/islam-pakistan-rahman-baba

Asad Munir | 14 years ago | Reply Dear Mr.Stephen,Pakistan was a liberal country till 1977.Mr.Bhutto was overthrown by Zia,and ultimately judicially murdered,with perceived,consent of the US.Offensive jihad, preached by Syed Maududi,Syed Qutb,Abdullah Azzam and others in theory,was implemented practically on ground by the Americans.The then US leadership,with limited vision,Wanted to defeat spread of Communism through Jihad,not visualizing the negative long term implications of this ill conceived strategy.Americans have contributed,may be indirectly,to the rise of religious extremism in Pakistan.Reportedly Haqqani was referred to as "GOODNESS PERSONIFIED"by Charlie Wilson.He has been living in North Waziristan since 1979.He was the main recipient of CIA aid,throughout the Afghan Jihad.In post 9/11 environment,his Madrassa in North was raided thrice, on information of his presence.A raid was conducted in 2002, for his apprehension, in D I Khan, on a compound. What exactly do you mean by "HAQQANI NETWORK"?Pakistan never supported him ,in post 9/11 scenario.The US never visualized the Pakistan sensitivities, about Indian presence in Afghanistan.Once US President announces about withdrawal of forces from Afghanistan in 2011,and Karzai wants to talk to Taliban,in your opinion how should Pakistan respond to these developments?

Nasir Mustafa | 14 years ago | Reply We hate America but long for green card. Hatred and anger are not the solutions. We should take the resposibility of our failure and fiasco on our own sholders. Stop blaming others and admit mistakes and review the policy of violence and hatred. Failure of a nation is actually failure of intelligensia both religious and profane.

Stephen Real | 14 years ago | Reply Dear Mr. Munir Asad, another thought provoking article. I’m starting to rely on you to speak the truth to all, whether I like it or not. Your last sentence was the real kicker for me. “Another reason is that Muslims tend to blame other powers for the failure of their states and these are coupled with the fact that Muslims do not view US support of Israel favourably.” Wow! That seems pretty bold to me. Dear Mr. Munir I have an honest question for you. How does the Pakistanni Army and Intelligence community view the Haqqanni network? Some have suggested to me that “you” (the Pakistanni Army) fear to tread on their territory. What’s the real story Mr. Munir behind that situation?

Sajid | 14 years ago | Reply Bush, as a presidential candidate, did not know the name of Musharaf,who was then President of Pakistan.This is where our country stands.We are at least 100 years behind the Western countries.What difference does it make to Americans ,whether we love or hate them?We should compete with Somalia,Rawanda and other underdeveloped countries. India is too far ahead of us economically.If we do not change our mindset,do not separate religion from state,do not stop dreaming about renaissance,we are likely to see worse times in the future.The people of Central Punjab have to change their mind set, to save this country.

Stephen Real | 14 years ago | Reply Dear Mr. Munir Asad, another thought provoking article. I'm starting to rely on you to speak the truth to all, whether I like it or not. Your last sentence was the real kicker for me. "Another reason is that Muslims tend to blame other powers for the failure of their states and these are coupled with the fact that Muslims do not view US support of Israel favourably." Wow! That seems pretty bold to me. Dear Mr. Munir I have an honest question for you. How does the Pakistanni Army and Intelligence community view the Haqqanni network? Some have suggested to me that "you" (the Pakistanni Army) fear to tread on their terrority. What's the real story Mr. Munir behind that situation?

Sultan Ahmed. | 14 years ago | Reply It is an open fact, Pakistan is already nuclear power and have nuclear technology so no need of nuclear technology. Pakistan is needful of civil nuclear technology for removing power crisis deal with china in this connection is no violation of any international law but may be against the USA global policy. agreement with Iran regarding gas , being opposed, deal with china regarding the civil technology is also being opposed, please leave us alone on our own.

Khan | 14 years ago | Reply It has always been about the system of government. Hitler hated bolshevism so he attacked russia, the allies hated the national socialists and backed capitalism. The cold war meant that there was a global conflict at every front between the socialists and the democrats. Vietnam, korea, Cuba, Afghanistan are all examples of two world powers trying to impose their own world order. In fact during the cold war america realised that a frail democracy is better replaced with a dictatorship. So they supported one in Pakistan (Ayub Khan)perhaps one in Argentina and some other countries. Then they realised that they could get anything done through a dictator, so it was convenient for them to have Zia and Musharraf both times when they needed to interfere in Afghanistan. When did the people of Pakistan ever have a choice in how to run their own country. US does talk of democracy yet has always deprived us of it. I think this is a very important article. Max Payne cannot understand the importance of the subject for Pakistanis. Think about it. The US dropped sanctions only when they needed us as an ally and as soon as there was no need, they imposed the sanctions again. So the question is, now that there is talk of starting withdrawl of troops from Afghanistan by 2014, will we have to bear more sanctions? Will this warlike atmosphere of insurgency continue being fueled by a stronger India, backed by the US and an unfriendly Afghan government? The hatred for the US is a result of a uni-polar world where the US can do anything. Perhaps the French hate the Americans as much as a Pakistani if the element of religion is taken away. I grew up reading superman comics and always loved the red, blue and yellow colours of his costume. Today when I see the flag, I can't help but think, what have they done to their reputation.

Angleos | 14 years ago | Reply Author of the article shows lack of common sense. Anyone reading dat article can clearly see dat all usa care about is their own interests. They cast us aside when their purpose is fulfilled. Why us people not hate them?

Think therefore | 14 years ago | Reply Washington's Farewell Address 1796 It is our true policy to steer clear of permanent alliances with any portion of the foreign world...an attachment of a small or weak towards a great and powerful nation dooms the former to be the satellite of the latter... The strong might have interests and objectives that could be of little real importance to the weak; but once the latter submitted to acting the role of a satellite, it would find it no easy task to avoid being used as a tool by the strong". It is folly in one nation, to look for disinterested favours from another…it must pay with a portion of its independence and its sovereignty for whatever it may accept under that character.

temporal | 14 years ago | Reply hate america? i beg to disagree let us differentiate america, americans and and american policy largely, we love america and americans as witnessed by the propensity of visa applications and eagerness to visit america by every avenue available it is the american foreign policy that we, along with a large majority of other nations, are in disagreement with...but here again i would insert caution....a nation's foreign policy is dictated by its interests...the us is the new raj...correction...the new fading raj...if and when the bric nations over take...then we can perhaps look forward to a new world order...until then we have to deal with the elephant in the dark room best we can

Shaukat | 14 years ago | Reply If another non-Muslim country, replaces US as Super Power,we would hate them.We should know that our hatred is of no significance to US.Do not blame other for our own failures.They are spending Billions in the field of research,they invent/manufacture and we just consume and then abuse them.

Asfandyar Munir | 14 years ago | Reply A very informative article well written.Kudos to the writer. During times such as these, we do need the support of the Americans. Having said that, I am totally against their policy of Imperialism . Am against their crusade for capitalism and believe that a lot happens behind closed doors that we do not get to see. I would not be surprised if the US govt. and the Intelligence services have been involved in the "convenient" riddance of some of our greatest democratic leaders. I dont hate "America". I just want justice for my slain leaders.

Syed Yousaf | 14 years ago | Reply Why Pakistanis hate the US. Simple and straight- @ The Americans pose to be our friends when they are in need of their strategic gains and kick us when their needs fulfilled. @ They always treat us with a lollypop in shape of Musharraf or Zardari. @ They treat our strategic projects through the eyes of Indian Government e.g. Basha Dam, CivilNuclear agreement etc etc @ They will help alleviate our energy probllem by constructing Satpara Dam with generating capacity of only 17 megawat. Whom are they kidding.They better treat us with respect and we will respond positively

Yousaf Gul | 14 years ago | Reply Well a nice article indeed, even though I did not know most of the support that was given to us earlier by the US. As far as the reason for hating America is concerned, it would still remain the way it is because of the lack of education. And even for those educated ones I m sure most of them are not the ones having a caliber to understand the entire situation. They all follow what is being taught to them by their elders suggesting that we should hate US no matter what. The Mullas teach the Holy Book and besides that state their students to Hate US and go to heaven; not realizing the US people follow the series of Holy Book that was sent (meaning to say that they believe in God and are not Kaffir) On the contrary we tend to take China as our best friend and i don't think they are near to us with regards to Religion; i don't recall any heavy duty aid provided to us from them as well (and please guide me someone why China is our friend) @ Max_Payne ; I would request you to write an article for the elders next time you get a chance.

Hira Shah | 14 years ago | Reply what is the new thing in this article? we knew all of this

SHERAZ | 14 years ago | Reply Blame some one is easy, but there is need to change ourselves

Ben | 14 years ago | Reply We justifiably hate america for all the right reasons yet each one of us, even venom-spitting mullahs, is dying to go there and live there in spite of the fact that we are now prime suspect and are condemned to the status of a second grade citizen. Is it hypocrisy or what?

Awan | 14 years ago | Reply *Very informative Article*

mussarat ahmedzeb swat | 14 years ago | Reply The title of the article should have been(The reason we hate the Americans cause they are rich)

SYED AGHA ALI MOOSAVI | 14 years ago | Reply A Through and informative analysis of the true history of uncle TOM-PAKI RELATIONSHIP , however i think these relationships will improve as "who is paying our bills"...

Jaffar Khan | 14 years ago | Reply The role US played in Bhutto's hanging,and the support provided to Zia,are the two acts, which the masses did not like.Media,Mullah,elite and urban middle class of Punjab are against the Americans.The poor people,who are in majority,are not Anti US ,but their views are never projected.

Riaz | 14 years ago | Reply We love conspiracy theories.Mullah,media,chattering and Urban middle class are churning out different theories about US imperial designs on almost daily basis.The clergy was the main supporter of US,during Afghan Jihad.Now once their interests are at stack,they see a conspiracy,in every move/statement of the US.The media is influencing the people,through anti American propaganda.If it was not for US,the Taliban by now would have taken over control of FATA and KP.

brigadier pakistan | 14 years ago | Reply As stated in your article, US-Pak relations were instigated in 1947 with the very inception of our country. The article then proceeded on providing the most two-dimensional of history rundowns known to any quasi-educated individual. So much like my friend, Mark Wahlberg fan #1 - max payne - i must congratulate you on having deflected the blame to some external source (that too, America? Real original...), sentiments shared and supported by the majority of this country living in denial. It is important to note that we neglect to validate one recurring theme. Through the decades spanning the inception of Pakistan to the present day, the US has and will continue to to use Pakistan for its selfish national profit. You mention this yourself throughout the article. Only, you call it an injustice to Pakistanis while I would deem it as service of American government to their people. So lets call a spade a spade: Is this hatred a mere product of injustice bestowed upon our citizens due to some external forces. Or are we, as Pakistanis, merely jealous that America has found a way to consistently prioritize their national interests with a cunning articulation only deserving of an establishment fit to serve their people. Moreover, this "hatred" is a side-effect of a deep-rooted grudge held by Pakistanis towards US citizens world-over. The catalyst? The US political arena has delivered for its people, while our institutional infrastructures continue to grapple for the poor man's penny.

max_payne | 14 years ago | Reply Nice history lesson. Don't see what the point of this article was though. Was this written for elementary school children?

pervez khan | 14 years ago | Reply Even after losing thousands of lives & injuries to thousands more,the hold of religous bigotry & intolerance is as strong amongst the "educated elite" as it was before this whole thing began. It's shocking beyond belief that the students in elite universities in pakistan having the same insular,myopic world view as the students of 2,3 decades ago. The acceptance of the oppression of women in the name of religion is still very strong.I think ours has to be the only society in the world where even after losing so many ppl,no open,rational debate or discussion has taken place amongst the masses. Our staunch refusal to debate religous dogma is what will allow these fanatics to continue their violent campaign.

muhammad amjad | 14 years ago | Reply We love to blame others because that is the easiest thing to do. Blame the results of your own decisions,actions on others & then play the victim card . We have "experts" on tv,screaming ad nauseum that we've suffered a lot finacially & physically fighting another's war.Wake up ppl,we're fighting our own war,one of our own creation:the religous bigotry,religous intolerance our society encouraged in each other under the garb of appearing more religous & therefore 'good'. We have a staggering level of a sense of denial.We see the hatemongers preaching hatred from the pulpit,we see "educated" ppl on the tv spewing excuses,ratioanlizations for our society's love of religous fanaticism.

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