President of the Palestinian Authority Mahmoud Abbas. PHOTO: AFP/ FILE
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas’s three-day visit to Pakistan is not, on the surface, any different to the dozens of other routine visits made by foreign heads of state. But, while the meetings between Abbas and his Pakistani counterpart President Asif Ali Zardari may not have produced anything more than the usual exchange of pleasantries and promises of cooperation; any interaction between Pakistan and Palestine is fraught with symbolism. First, there is the fact that Pakistan’s relations with the Palestinian Authority (PA) are not as warm as would be expected between two Muslim-majority countries. Former leader, Yasser Arafat, always blamed Pakistan for assisting Jordan in the expulsion of Palestinian refugees from the country in the 1970s. Then, we have had a complicated relationship with Israel. During the fight against the Soviets in Afghanistan, there were always suspicions that US arms were being routed through the Jewish state. And while we don’t officially recognise Israel, former president Pervez Musharraf did make overtures in that direction.
An added wrinkle is the emergence of Hamas in the Gaza Strip. With the PA’s influence now limited to the West Bank, Abbas’ trip shows that we have decided to cast our lot against Hamas. This is in line with the rest of the international community, which considers Hamas a terrorist organisation and does not accept its electoral victories.
While expressions of support for Palestinians are appropriate, we should avoid getting entangled in the intractable Israel-Palestine issue. The problems we face at home, specifically that of terrorists who share many ideological beliefs with Hamas, are far more pressing and there is very little we can contribute to revive the moribund peace process. This matter is best left to Palestine’s neighbours, who have far more at stake in the matter. All we can do is continue voting in favour of pro-Palestine resolutions at the UN General Assembly and keep relations with the PA as warm as possible.
Published in The Express Tribune, February 19th, 2013.
COMMENTS (12)
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It's incredible, that even given that we have complex sectarian issues within our own country, completely ignoring that factor, we are dying to show solidarity to other nations and their issues.
@Khan Bhai: If Israelis were in your backyard you would be fighting for Lahore instead of Kashmir.
I have many Palestenian friends .. they are great, fun loving and well educated people. they deserve much better life at their home. supporting the two states formula is the best we can offer diplomatically. President Abbas has done great job recently at UN to earn the status of "non member observer state". As pakistani I expect that we always support the peaceful co-existance of the state of Palestine and Israel. Prime Minister Natanyahoo and President Abbas are a very good combination to de-escalate the violence from both sides.
I agree we should keep away from Palestine Israel conflict. For Jews it is matter of survival, wheras India will still exist without Kashmir. Radical Islamists like hamas only give bad name to Palestineian struggle.
A righteous cause deserves support even if it may bring some inconveniences.
Palestine region has great Islamic value anyways. Masjid Aqsa and Israel resistance in makin Temple of Soleman makes it a focus for all Islamic world.
Pakistan stance against Israel is fairly the most strongest among all Muslim state anways..
As if we don't have enough problems at home!
Did I read this right that it was Pakistan forces (I believe under the leadership of a certain Zia ul Haq) that played a leading role in expelling Palestinians from Jordan? Shame, shame!!
@Khan Bhai: Please explain how the "Israelis are coming in our backyard in Kashmir"!!
I agree. Pakistan is a weak country anyway that has just watched as the Palestinians' rights disappear. Watch as Pakistan falls further and further into isolation and turmoil, because of their inability to stand up against terrorists domestically and demand the peaceful application of Islam. This article is reflective of that national weakness to stand up for principles and against the threat of violence. If eliminating domestic terrorism is the goal, any intelligence analyst worth his or her salt knows that solving this conflict is one of the most helpful measures the world can undertake to fight terrorism. Terrorists use Palestine as a rallying cry. Shouldn't we be encouraging a peaceful resolution to this conflict, not only because it is the right thing to do, but because of how it will lead to great strides in the war against extremism and terrorists?
The people of Palestine have courage and character that Pakistan's leadership lacks. It is probably best for the Palestinian cause that Pakistan continue to do the lackluster job of not being a leader among Muslim countries, especially with respect to Palestine. At the end of the day, it is not like Pakistan can do anything anyway.
If Israelis are coming in our backyard in Kashmir. I don't see why we should stay out of theirs. I say Pakistan get more involved with Palestine.
States do get entangled in many of the affairs at same time. Withdrawing support for Palestinian is ur suggestion?? Sorry Mr. Editorial writer! A state should always be having a stance on some particular issue, as Pakistan have on Palestinian question. Pakistan's Support towards Palestine throughout the history was remarkable. One can not just withdraw, or suggest to withdraw support or change policies on the pressing issue. Pakistan no doubt has many internal problems, but these problems are not hindering Pakistan from supporting the Palestinian cause. Pakistan should stick to its policies on Palestinian support.