Cyr - Subtle Progress in Afghanistan, Pakistan
July 28, 2016 at 4:25 p.m.
By Arthur Cyr-
Thus, our top military official poured emotional gasoline on an already raging fire of American political criticism of the pivotal South Asia nation. White House Press Secretary Jay quickly poured soothing watery words on the situation, to little or no effect.
This disturbing development occurs in the context of continuing grim news from South Asia over the past year. Ahmed Wali Karzai, powerful half-brother of President Afghanistan Hamid Karzai, was assassinated in July.
In the fall of 2010, a Defense Department spokesman anticipating Mullen stated that elements of Pakistan government intelligence have been actively aiding terrorist groups. During the same period, a U.S. helicopter inadvertently killed Pakistani soldiers, and in retaliation Pakistan halted supply trucks from entering Afghanistan.
Prolific political reporter Bob Woodward has produced his first book on the military involvements of the Obama administration, following no less than four volumes on our military conflicts during the two terms of Pres. George W. Bush. ‘Obama’s Wars’ describes significant policy divisions over Afghanistan, with considerable attendant bickering and political sniping.
A former UN official and others have described President Karzai as emotionally unstable, with manic-depressive mood swings. Complicated relations with this touchy leader of a nation in long-term turmoil cannot be helped by publicizing such personal opinions.
There is no doubt that corruption and subversion plague national leadership elements in both Afghanistan and Pakistan. The former is not really a conventional nation-state at all, but rather a collection of literally feudal baronies only loosely affiliated with the capital city of Kabul. Both countries have been flagged by global watchdog Transparency International as particularly plagued with government corruption.
Nevertheless, beneath such headlines there are also simultaneous encouraging developments. These are generally long-term in nature and potential.
First, the Pakistan military is notably pro-western, with strong historic ties to Britain as well as the U.S., and the intelligence service has demonstrated effectiveness in combating terrorists. Bilateral Islamabad-Washington collaboration is particularly strong regarding the security of Pakistan nuclear weapons.
Early last year, the Taliban’s Afghanistan leaders Mullah Abdul Salam and Mullah Mir Mohammed, along with top Taliban military commander Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, were all arrested in Pakistan, where intelligence professionals played a crucial role.
Second, the military efforts in both countries are truly international, and have been since they began immediately after the 9/11 terrorist attacks on the United States. Both the United Nations and NATO are committed.
Third, there is substantial long-term emphasis on the economic and humanitarian dimensions of Afghanistan. A G-8 coordinating body oversees approximately four billion dollars in aid
Fourth, the Taliban inspires great fear but not support among the wider population. This contrasts markedly with success of the revolutionary insurgent organizations during the French and American Indochina wars.
Fifth, Afghanistan elections represent tremendous progress in a feudal society. In particular, the new engagement of women is extremely important. Other developing nations demonstrate dramatically that the direct involvement of women as organizers, voters and candidates brings a wealth of positive changes.
Progress in the future requires placing South Asia in wider context. Turkey is increasingly influential, and should be a priority partner for U.S. officials.
We are still a long way from defeat in Afghanistan or Pakistan.[[In-content Ad]]
Thus, our top military official poured emotional gasoline on an already raging fire of American political criticism of the pivotal South Asia nation. White House Press Secretary Jay quickly poured soothing watery words on the situation, to little or no effect.
This disturbing development occurs in the context of continuing grim news from South Asia over the past year. Ahmed Wali Karzai, powerful half-brother of President Afghanistan Hamid Karzai, was assassinated in July.
In the fall of 2010, a Defense Department spokesman anticipating Mullen stated that elements of Pakistan government intelligence have been actively aiding terrorist groups. During the same period, a U.S. helicopter inadvertently killed Pakistani soldiers, and in retaliation Pakistan halted supply trucks from entering Afghanistan.
Prolific political reporter Bob Woodward has produced his first book on the military involvements of the Obama administration, following no less than four volumes on our military conflicts during the two terms of Pres. George W. Bush. ‘Obama’s Wars’ describes significant policy divisions over Afghanistan, with considerable attendant bickering and political sniping.
A former UN official and others have described President Karzai as emotionally unstable, with manic-depressive mood swings. Complicated relations with this touchy leader of a nation in long-term turmoil cannot be helped by publicizing such personal opinions.
There is no doubt that corruption and subversion plague national leadership elements in both Afghanistan and Pakistan. The former is not really a conventional nation-state at all, but rather a collection of literally feudal baronies only loosely affiliated with the capital city of Kabul. Both countries have been flagged by global watchdog Transparency International as particularly plagued with government corruption.
Nevertheless, beneath such headlines there are also simultaneous encouraging developments. These are generally long-term in nature and potential.
First, the Pakistan military is notably pro-western, with strong historic ties to Britain as well as the U.S., and the intelligence service has demonstrated effectiveness in combating terrorists. Bilateral Islamabad-Washington collaboration is particularly strong regarding the security of Pakistan nuclear weapons.
Early last year, the Taliban’s Afghanistan leaders Mullah Abdul Salam and Mullah Mir Mohammed, along with top Taliban military commander Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, were all arrested in Pakistan, where intelligence professionals played a crucial role.
Second, the military efforts in both countries are truly international, and have been since they began immediately after the 9/11 terrorist attacks on the United States. Both the United Nations and NATO are committed.
Third, there is substantial long-term emphasis on the economic and humanitarian dimensions of Afghanistan. A G-8 coordinating body oversees approximately four billion dollars in aid
Fourth, the Taliban inspires great fear but not support among the wider population. This contrasts markedly with success of the revolutionary insurgent organizations during the French and American Indochina wars.
Fifth, Afghanistan elections represent tremendous progress in a feudal society. In particular, the new engagement of women is extremely important. Other developing nations demonstrate dramatically that the direct involvement of women as organizers, voters and candidates brings a wealth of positive changes.
Progress in the future requires placing South Asia in wider context. Turkey is increasingly influential, and should be a priority partner for U.S. officials.
We are still a long way from defeat in Afghanistan or Pakistan.[[In-content Ad]]
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