Politicking?: ‘Resolution for operation a non-starter’
As a nation, we have lost the spine to go ahead with this operation, says defence analyst Ayesha Siddiqa.
KARACHI:
Author and defence and security analyst Ayesha Siddiqa said that a resolution being tabled in the National Assembly for the approval of a military operation in North Waziristan was always going to be a “non-starter”.
“The government has the same options as it did in before the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) decided to oppose the resolution. Nothing,” said Siddiqa. “As a nation, we have lost the spine to go ahead with this operation,” said Siddiqa, adding that, instead of a tabling a resolution on a military operation, a definitive and unanimous stand must be taken in the National Assembly against terrorism.
“A decisive message must be sent to extremist elements in the country by parliament,” she said, adding that once such a step is taken, it could translate into a military operation in North Waziristan.
Asked what is preventing political parties from agreeing on the military operation in NWA, Siddiqa said the army itself was not keen on an operation in North Waziristan, pointing towards a nearing withdrawal date of US/Isaf troops in Afghanistan. “I don’t think the military wants an operation in Waziristan and political parties must play the symphony being conducted by the establishment.”
Published in The Express Tribune, October 17th, 2012.
Author and defence and security analyst Ayesha Siddiqa said that a resolution being tabled in the National Assembly for the approval of a military operation in North Waziristan was always going to be a “non-starter”.
“The government has the same options as it did in before the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) decided to oppose the resolution. Nothing,” said Siddiqa. “As a nation, we have lost the spine to go ahead with this operation,” said Siddiqa, adding that, instead of a tabling a resolution on a military operation, a definitive and unanimous stand must be taken in the National Assembly against terrorism.
“A decisive message must be sent to extremist elements in the country by parliament,” she said, adding that once such a step is taken, it could translate into a military operation in North Waziristan.
Asked what is preventing political parties from agreeing on the military operation in NWA, Siddiqa said the army itself was not keen on an operation in North Waziristan, pointing towards a nearing withdrawal date of US/Isaf troops in Afghanistan. “I don’t think the military wants an operation in Waziristan and political parties must play the symphony being conducted by the establishment.”
Published in The Express Tribune, October 17th, 2012.