Pakistan-US Relations: An open letter to the US Congress

The US - Pakistan relations have never been easy and have remained tense most of the time since the creation of Pakistan. The changing geo-political situation around Pakistan has been the major contributing factor. But despite Pakistan's efforts to side with the US and try its best to continue to be its best ally, the US has always views its relations with Pakistan with uneasiness.

While Pakistan sided with US and was the major US partner to defeat the Russians when the invaded Afghanistan in the 1980, Pakistan was abandoned soon after the Russians left.  The Americans again returned to Pakistan for help when they invaded Afghanistan after 9/11, but soon suspicion returned and as of today, the US Congress is mouthful of mistrust and showing visible signs of breaking away from Pakistan yet again.

Recently the US congress was seen spewing venom against Pakistan and asking to declare Pakistan as an enemy state. The comments seem to portray the bitterness in US about Pakistan's closing in to China and opening a corridor of friendship from deep seaport of Gwader on the Arabian Sea to China, the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

Lieutenant General Tariq Khan, a well read and respected Pakistan army retired officer, who has been awarded the coveted Legion of Merit by the US for his services to bridge gap between US and Pakistan, has written an open letter to the US Congress, airing his very candid and bold views about the US policies and stance against Pakistan in his Facebook page. The letter is herein shared for general reading and showing his perspective:

To the US Congress:

I was amazed to hear your one sided debate where your Congressmen were foaming at the mouth to declare Pakistan an enemy state. They sounded so committed that one could be forgiven for believing that they meant it and knew what they were talking about. Most of the speakers, heavily sponsored by India would not be able to find Pakistan on a map let alone make an intelligent comment on the regional environment. I shall not stoop to respond to the meaningless charge-sheet bandied about by this anti Pakistani lobby, a bunch of stooges who not only do a great disservice to democracy and the US image but are responsible for the very foreign policy blunders the US is suffering the consequences of today. So here are some points that need to be understood, considered and explained:

1. The US and it's Coalition partners have lost the war in Afghanistan. It will be recognised as one of the greatest military defeats in history when all the dust and debris settles down.

2. This loss has affected Pakistan the most. Barring the political rhetoric we hear about the situation and viewing it more from a State's perspective, only a fool would see a benefit for Pakistan in this US defeat.

3. It is natural for those responsible for this disaster to invent reasons for their failing and look for an appropriate whipping boy. That the narrative that needs to be manufactured for both is a product of this military defeat.

4. That India is exploiting the situation and working herself into a position where She can promote the US agenda and defame Pakistan is a no-brainer.

5. That Pakistan has made mistakes and bad choices is not contested but to define these decisions as State Policy intended to come in the way of a US victory is not only childish but ludicrous.

6. That the US has a bad precedence of letting down its allies is very well recorded and documented in history. Some US-PAK experiences illustrating this are: The Somalia case where after entering with all the pomp and panoply the US ran unilaterally and returned home. The US left Pakistan on the beaches and withdrew under its protection. That Hollywood was encouraged to screen, 'Black Hawk Down', depicting Pakistani soldiers as cowards whereas it was a Pakistani squadron of 19 lancers that fought it's way in and rescued the besieged Americans. This small truth was conveniently forgotten in making up of the narrative. Also, how after the Soviet withdrawal from Afghanistan the US abandoned Pakistan with 3 million refugees, drugs and heavily armed Mujahidin Camps. One of the major causes of militancy all along the border today and one that apparently plagues the US security spectrum.

7. If there is an iota of truth where some of your Congressmen bravely shoot their mouth off in a one-sided harangue, they should look forward to a public debate on the matter also. I am sure we can produce someone to give them a run for their money if they are up to it. Is the US willing to hold a public enquiry to determine the causes of the American failure in Afghanistan? It will probably be a better road to take than to conveniently blame every tactical and operational defeat on Pakistan.

8. Can anyone amongst the US Congress explain the following:

- The US Strategy in Afghanistan? 

- The desired End State?

- The political and military objectives?

- The causes of a military defeat?

- The reasons for a political failure? 

- Was Pakistan your undoing?

9. I have personally been involved in US-Pak operations for years along this border and I know we could have resolved this conflict easily. However, we were played and influenced by factors, people and institutions that did not want such a resolution. Pakistan was not one of these but do the US and it's people even want to hear Pakistan's story? Do they have the stomach to grapple with reality? Can truth be given a chance?

10. For Pakistan: we have had enough. Let's move on. Being a US ally over the years has been a painful experience. We have now been declared an enemy state. 

Let our future relations with the US be governed by this fact first and foremost. 

In other words when we speak to the US again on any and every occasion, remember you are speaking to the enemy.

Answering to the questions on his post, the general elaborates his view point as under:

1. We must revisit our policies but for now sanctions or otherwise let's just breakaway. The fallout will effect every Pakistani and I would like to hear what these people have to say then? It may bring reality to the political rhetoric which would be a good thing. On the other hand, we need to confront these sell-out Congressmen on their own turf. This challenge must be widely publicized and repeated everywhere.

2. The USA is like a large river where the people on the banks benefit as long as the river stays the course. The moment the river changes course it leaves those people in the middle of a desert. Rivers do change course just as national interests and such changes are natural, normal and predictable. It's only us who think relationships are governed by moral values, honour, commitment and trust. Today, the US is a stranger in the region having lost the war in Afghanistan and has aligned itself with India, Afghanistan and Iran in a very overt manouevre which cannot escape anyone's attention. It is an attempt to reassert Herself and establish relevance. It is not working for them so far. 

3. Those who wish to remain in the US camp today must understand that it would involve compromising on CPEC, developing a friendly relationship with India as a product of Indian demands, assisting the US in containing the Chinese and giving up on the strategic deterrence, i.e. nukes. Today, without these compromises there is no question of bettering relations with the US even if we bend over backwards, hire a the best PR team and lobby on every hill outside the White House. The alternative is, get aggressive with Afghanistan, put India under moral and physical pressure, ignore Iran and expand the nuclear capacity in terms of range and second strike. Announce these as policy measures and hope that the world in general and the US in particular try and wean us away from possible confrontation and conflict. This may lead to a better relationship or even total annihilation, however, in my unqualified opinion, it is a calculated risk that will lead to a better relationship. Beggars cannot be choosers but destiny can be shaped so that a beggar does not remain a beggar. We feel that our foreign policy must be about pleasing everyone and disagreeing with no one. We also feel that dialogue and diplomatic initiatives can take off from a position of weakness. We think we can talk ourselves out of a difficult situation. 

We are always in search of something for nothing. We are never ready to show our strength and resolve.

Read more about Lieutenant General Tariq Khan at Wikipedia

Pak-US flags: Photo Credit

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The Slipping US Influence in the Middle East [Interview]

Nadir Mir's interview with Voice of Russia (published in The Nation 1 October 2012)

America’s image and influence has taken more of a beating within the Middle East, credit goes to the anti-Islam film. The movie, which appeared on YouTube has yet to be taken down. Meanwhile, both Iran and Israel are becoming increasing defiant of America’s calls for peace. Retired Pakistani General and author of the book ‘Gwadar on the Global Chessboard’, Nadir Mir, told The Voice of Russia that Russia is the only player that might be able to help.

YouTube, which is owned by Google, has refused to take down the video. Instead it decided merely to block the video from being accessed in the countries where protests have turned violent.

YouTube released a statement saying; “This video, which is widely available on the web, is clearly within our guidelines and so will stay on YouTube. However, given the very difficult situation in Libya and Egypt we have temporarily restricted access in both countries.”

While the film will still be shown around the world, because of YouTube’s refusal to take it down, some countries are planning to filter out the video or ban the website completely.

One of those countries is Russia; it has been talking about blocking the video to help prevent the damage it has already caused from spreading further. Retired Pakistani General and author of the book ‘Gwadar on the Global Chessboard’, Nadir Mir told The Voice of Russia “as Russia plans on banning sites hosting this film, they are heading in the right direction. Russia is rightly sensitive to its Muslim population’s sentiments and also those in Central Asia.”

As other countries are currently looking into these bans, American interests have suffered because of the film, but it seems America may still be able to pick up the pieces and salvage its image.

America will need to start promoting peace and, according to Nadir Mir, “America can make its embassies safe, not by adding walls and layers of security but by getting back to pure diplomatic work. The American embassies should be the abode of the State Department and not infested with every kind of special force and military contractor. In addition, America needs to respect Islam and Muslims instead of demonising them”.

This will be a gigantic task for America to take on; Nadir Mir also added that the film was just one more nail in the coffin of America’s good relations in the Middle East, where there is ever-increasing anti-US sentiment. “The American image was already tarnished over decades of wars and empty promises. In fact, the film was one more catalyst of hate and there may be more to come”, he added.

The fact that America’s influence is slipping in the Middle East can be shown by the fact that both Iran and Israel are becoming increasingly defiant of America’s calls for peace. Nadir Mir also hinted at the fact that the only player that might help is Russia. “This potential war will not only become a regional conflict quickly, but might even possibly lead to a World War III situation. Moscow’s efforts for peace must be appreciated, more than ever before.”

The short-term damage that the blasphemous film has inflicted on the American image seems to be expanding into longer-term problems. Nadir Mir believes that America needs start backing off and should not provoke Muslim feelings any further. He also stated that President Obama has done a good job so far at just that. “It would not be prudent for America to provoke things further. In fact, President Obama’s restraint is seen as a prudent act as things begin to boil over.” He told The Voice of Russia.

The road to recovery will be a massive undertaking for America, which is now faced with a huge damage control exercise. The challenge of regaining a certain influence in the Middle East might be harder than it sounds. America’s decisions will not only be essential on the path to peace but may also prove to be too much to take on. –Voice of Russia

About the author: Nadir Mir is a retired brigadier of Pakistan Army and is a specialst in the geopolitics. He specially writes about Balochistan and influence it radiates in the surrounding areas, with special reference to American presence in the regioin and its projected aims and objectives.

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Interview with Pakistani Brigadier Nadir Mir (R)

By D.S. Hurrell
Dallas College

Q1: Your book ‘Gwadar on the Global Chessboard’ outlined the economic and strategic potential this port has for Pakistan. For those who have not read your book, could you elaborate on this strategic port?

A1: A vision of the planet’s pivotal geography in fusion with Pakistan is the concept– a geo-economical concept, potentially becoming one of the most important city in the world. “Gwadar is the next Dubai”. Many think-tanks are of the opinion that the imminent control of the Chinese spells the creation of a new Dubai in Pakistan. Or as the American author Robert D Kaplan writes, “At the intersection of Empires, the Port City of Gwadar could become the new silk route nexus”. My aims of writing this book: ‘Gwadar on the Global Chessboard’ are Firstly

•To project Gwadar’s great potential – a major economic alternative, to begging for funds.

•Gwadar Concept is not limited to the Mekran Coast. It is in fact an Economy Changer for all of Pakistan. A Bonanza for Baluchistan.

Secondly

•China the world’s second biggest economy needs to be fully linked to Gwadar.

•Pakistan needs an economic and cultural bonding with multi-regions. This includes China, Central Asian States, Russia, West Asia- Iran, Saudi Arabia – Gulf States, Turkey and Africa.

Thirdly
•Gwadar though vital has been neglected – victim of negative politics and hostile Geopolitics.
•Baluchistan’s problems (Exploited by India and foreign powers) demand attention and resolution.
•The Geo-Political indicators favour Gwadar Development.
The Gwadar Concept
•The Global Chessboard is dynamic and evolving. Global economic balance is shifting. Pakistan should initiate a pro-active Geo-economic policy.
•Optimize Pakistan’s Multiregional Geography for Geo-economics gains. Pakistan’s economic bonding with China, Central Asian States – Russia, West Asia – Iran, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Gulf States and Africa.
•Gwadar Port is concept based. The concept is to synergize Pakistan’s multiregional (Geo-Strategic) location, Open Sea Board for Oil – Gas Pipelines, Energy Centre, Transshipment, Transit, Trade, and Finance Generation.
•Gwadar is the Future of Pakistan.

Q2: Is there a link between unrest in Balochistan, the Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline and the Gwadar Port?

A2: There is a clear Geopolitical link between unrest in Balochistan, the Iran Pakistan gas pipeline and the Gwadar Port.
Firstly, the Balochistan unrest is Pakistan’s internal problem. This issue must be solved as per Pakistani (including Baloch) aspirations but without foreign meddling. Secondly, reportedly, USA is chiseling a West Asian Strategy. This includes war against Iran and destabilizing Pakistani Balochistan and Irani Seastan. In my article ‘Balochistan and Geopolitics’ published in Pravda ru (Moscow) and Nation (Pakistan), I had highlighted some of these aspects. The Americans want to sever Pakistan Iran (including gas pipeline), block China from reaching Indian Ocean at Gwadar. With Pakistan’s new friendship with Russia, even curtail Moscow’s influence at Gwadar in future. Recent American writings betray their Geo strategic designs. One article is quoted below:
‘To counter what China is doing in Pakistan, the United States should play hardball by supporting the movement for an independent Baluchistan along the Arabian Sea and working with Baluch insurgents to oust the Chinese from their budding naval base at Gwadar. Beijing wants its inroads into Gilgit and Baltistan to be the first step on its way to an Arabian Sea outlet at Gwadar.’

Selig S. Harrison “Chinese Cozy Up to the Pakistanis”
The Indians have been trying to destabilize Balochistan for ages. If India was not so hostile, it would have remained in the Iran – Pakistan – India (IPI) gas pipeline project, despite American pressure. A quote below is self-evident; Stable Pakistan Not in India’s Interest

“Baluchistan will achieve independence. For New Delhi this opens a window of opportunity to ensure that Gwadar Port does not fall into the hands of the Chinese. In this there is synergy between the political objective of the Americans and the Indians. Our goodwill existing in Baluchistan requires intelligent leveraging. ……………………….. Today the collapse of Pakistan as a state is almost certain ……………………….. looking ahead, New Delhi should formulate an appropriate strategy for ‘Post Pakistan Scenario’ to secure India’s interest in Central Asia.”

Bharat Verma ,Editor, Indian “Defence Review“

The fact is that there is no need for confrontation. Pakistan seeks peace and prosperity of which Gwadar is one manifestation. If the Chinese and Americans can do business in Dubai, USA and China, then why not at Gwadar? A global consortium can be proposed by Pakistan, addressing US concerns and Chinese requirements. As my book ‘Gwadar on the Global Chessboard’ highlights that Gwadar is not a zero sum game. Gwadar can connect South Africa to China, Russia through the shortest routes and can bring peace and prosperity to dozens of nations. All can benefit from this gift of nature.

Q3: We have seen Property prices in Kabul drop as a result of the expectations that chaos will follow the withdrawal of American forced from Afghanistan in 2014. How do you think the withdrawal will affect Pakistan?

A3: The fall of property prices in Kabul may be an indicator of future events. In fact Afghanistan needs peace like the rest of the world. Consider the fact that the last three decades have seen only war. First the Soviets then the Muhahideen, later Taliban and now Americans/NATO. The Americans are withdrawing but plan to leave behind between 10,000 and 30,000 troops. (Mostly Special Operation Forces). 

 

The war will continue, at some level. The Afghanistan War will not end till all foreign military forces withdraw and the majority Pakhtoons (including Taliban) are part of the solution. This implies a negotiated settlement, which leads to durable peace. This is possible but only if Pakistan is the peace maker and sponsor. The US withdrawal from Afghanistan and peace prospects are ideal for Pakistan. A tiny fraction of the elite has prospered from the Afghan War. The rest of Pakistan has suffered enormously from the war next door. Over 40,000 causalities estimated 80 billion dollars in losses suffered, National fiber weakened and Pakistan destabilized. US Drone strikes act as a catalyst for extremism and radicalism. Therefore, in essence US military withdrawal followed by peace should be very welcome in Pakistan and the region.

A new leaf should be turned. US Geo strategy should be replaced by Geo-economics. Landlocked Afghanistan should be linked to Pakistan’s – Gwadar. The Americans are welcome as investors – businessman (they are even welcome in Vietnam where they fought a long war). Pakistan and America were friends before the US War in Afghanistan. They should remain friends after America leaves Afghanistan.

Q4: A lot of mention is made of Pakistan’s weaknesses, the enormous strains pulling the country apart. My impression of Karachi when I visited in 2011 was that of a city under siege, perhaps a symbol of the country as a whole. Can you tell us about Pakistan’s strengths?

A4: Pakistan’s strength is the most pertinent question, but often neglected. Thank you for asking it.

•Firstly Pakistan’s Geography
Its location is super. The location is globally pivotal. If North of it Is the famed Mackinder’s Heartland, itself a part of Spykman’s Rimland. It is located on the Cross Road of Empires. It joins Central Asia, West Asia, South Asia and Indian Ocean. Geo economically it is a ‘Bridge State’ between multi regions, Geo strategically, it is the ‘Interposing State’. West of it is oil rich Gulf, North West energy rich Caspian Sea/Caucasus. River waters, glaciers in the north, Arabian Sea – Indian Ocean in the South.

For a medium sized state, it has all kind of terrain, deserts plains, coast, hilly, snow mountain regions and all four weathers. Its natural treasures abound (though mostly untapped or utilized so far). Reko Dik Gold Reserve in Baluchistan estimated over $ 1 trillion. Thar Coal Reserves in Sindh have energy estimated equal to Saudi Arabia – Iran oil energy output combined. A lot else to follow. Only Kashmir and its river waters occupied by India is the problem.

•The second is demography
By 2015 Pakistan’s population will be 200 million of which 65 % or 130 million will be youth. This energetic – nationalist youth bulge is Pakistan’s future and strength. Pakistan’s national character includes ‘faith in Islam’, ‘love for Pakistan’, ‘courage and spirit of freedom’.
•Thirdly, Military and Nuclear Strength
Pakistan’s Military is strong, professional and motivated to defend Pakistan. Its nuclear strength is robust and sophisticated. This is to ensure deterrence as Pakistan believes in peaceful resolutions of all disputes. Pakistan cannot be conquered by anyone.

Q5: What advice would you give the young future leaders of Pakistan?

A5: My advice to young future leaders of Pakistan is as under:

•Firstly, unite all Pakistanis on one nationalist platform and achieve consensus for national interests.

•Secondly, a reformist agenda to rid Pakistan of major ills. Build Gwadar and revive a national economic cycle.

•Thirdly, a pro people welfare system for ensuring decent basic living to the nation.

•Fourthly, stressing on all forms of education for human resource development of the youth bulge.

•Last yet not least, ensuring national sovereignty and security at all costs.

Pakistan Zindabad!

Brigadier Nadir Mir author of ‘Gwadar on the Global Chessboard’ is a veteran of the Pakistan Army. His blog is Pakistan and Geopolitics (wwwpakistangeopolitics.blogspot.com/) and his next book Geopolitik Pakistan (A Global and Futuristic Outlook) is being published Nuclear Discourse (A Nuclear Discussion at Two Tiers – South Asia and Global) is being revised and updated.

The above interview is published at Geopolitics

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The Last War: The world on the brink of WW-III

If we read the news carefully, we can easily find out a hype being created and reasons being fabricated to commence a war - central to Iran, which is like yo engulf the entire region around Iran and then the world as a whole. Although, the Americas are far away from the possible zone of operations, as they have been in the previous two world wars, it seems the war this time will be deadly and devastating, which would also take the distant and safer Americas into its fold too.

As a child I saw a film titled 'The Last War' and I vividly rembebr only a ship that was lucky to survive and wherever it turned to it saw the earth on fire. That was decades ago, but I never knew, I would be part of the 'Last War' the danger of which loom very closer now.

My friend Brigadier Nadier Mir (R) has penned down similar views of what awaits us in very near future, wherein the war mongers are bent upon punishing the world for their lust to be unipolar, sellig arms to the rest of the world and amassing huge profits. The last two WWs were attributed to Hitler and the Japanese. This time the war comes from the civilized world. Germany and Japan were punished for their war mongering. Who would punish the civilized world this time?


But perhaps they do not know that war this time will be most deadly and destructive and will perhaps oblitertae humanity for ever. And whatever remains would be nothing but ashes and the dead. No victor - no vanquished!!

Read the post by Nadir Mir - it may make sense to you:

Year 2012 onward, the world is on the brink of Third World War. All sane and peace loving men would pray and strive that it is averted. For the horoscope of the times point towards a global catastrophe in the making. The guns of August 1914 – First World War paled in front of the Panzer Blitzkrieg of September 1939 Second World War.The Third World War during Cold War was averted between NATO and Warsaw Pact Forces. If war breaks out in 2012 onwards, Nukes shall speak and tragically billions may die. If there is war, it will most likely spread to be global plus nuclear, and without method in the madness. This apocalyptic scenario may yet come to pass, unless it is stopped in its tracks.

Opposing Alliances: US globalists (left over Neocons, Military – Industrial complex and their ilk) led NATO still want to dominate the world (despite their disaster in Iraq – Afghanistan). It is not only that the Western World's global dominance stands challenged, but the march of history may be reversed. From the1500's (seafaring age) scientific discoveries, industrialisation, political revolutions, colonialism, and technology ascendancy, the world has been controlled by western powers. British Empire, Napoleon’s France, Hitler’sGermany and more recently USA have all been part of the Western world’s bid for global hegemony or control. Now the west is really in decline. USA the great power, land of mass production faces economic stagnation if not full decline. EU faces its own economic predicament. Some Europeans and Americans find the idea of a powerful Germany leading Europe (a natural process) as unacceptable so far. Two World Wars were fought among other reasons to prevent Germany from its rightful place under the sun. An Entrapping conflict may be brewing for leadership of Europe. Even as US – NATO alliance conflicts with the dialectic alliance Russia – China.

US Geo strategy has been embroiled in Afghanistan and Iraq, but now seeks to extend the war to Iran – Pakistan. Of course the real war is against Russia – China, the opposing alliance. Washington sees China rising (US trying to contain it from Pacific to Indian Ocean) Russia resurgent, Islamic world defiant (with Arab Spring likely to turn Anti west,) Israel endangered, besides Western economic decline.

American politics for 2012 and the Presidential Elections are upping the war ante (forcing President Obama to strike Iran or support Israel in doing so) or risk losing his reelection. Delhi seeks US Power to denuke, balkanize, deIslamize Pakistan,before US departure from Afghanistan region. Israel is straining on the leash before Iran develops the Nuclear Arsenal. This will change the strategic balance followed by Nuclear Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Egypt etc.

In Afghanistan US seeks to retain a (25000 strong force) SOF /Air Force for denuclearising of Iran – Pakistan. It may seek independence of Baluchistan (with Indian support.) A clash with Pakistan is likely though not inevitable. Delhi wants to use American Power to fight Pakistan (but absurdly believes it can escape the nuclear conflagration). The war with Iran is even nearer 2012. US – NATO may attack Iran followed by Pakistan or both together. An Israeli attack on Iran is even more likely and Indian attack on Pakistan (Cold Start) always remains a possibility.

Russia – China are Allies against US – NATO Geo strategy (Iran and Pakistan are joining this alliance but also the Battle Space.) China is rising economically, Russia is resurgent strategically. After Iraq, Afghanistan, they have seen Libya humbled by NATO power. The US –NATO model of regime change by sponsoring local militants– Northern Alliance in Afghanistan, in Libya (NATO trained anti Gaddafi Rebels), Syria (Syrian Rebels plus ex Libyan Rebels ) In Iran (non Persian ethnic groups, anti regime Diaspora ) in Pakistan (instead of regime change,keeping pliant puppets in power, or sponsoring Baluch rebels against Pakistan.) In Russia, President Putin himself has accused the US of instigating opponents of United Russia. In China, using India for fermenting trouble in Xinjiang, Tibet etc. All this is unifying the alliance of Heart land powers Russia –China and critical Rim land state actors Iran – Pakistan into an Anti US – NATO alliance. But events are moving too fast. The Mayan Prophesy of 2012 catastrophic year approaches. US – NATO-India clash with Pakistan or US – NATO- Israel clash with Iran will lead by default or design to multi regional war going Global.

The combined Geopolitical space of Pakistan – Afghanistan –Iran – Iraq (backed by) Russia – China is beyond the US – NATO reach (It has already over reached)Putin’s reported warning to his generals,‘Prepare for Armageddon’, must be taken seriously. Putin is a great leader in the tradition of Russian History. China has already alerted its Navy in the Pacific. North Korea can always do the unpredictable, more so now with the young Kim in power!

US – NATO war against Iran could be catastrophic, but against Pakistan it could be dooms day! US – NATO may have Turkish/Saudi support against Syria but in Pakistan’s case both Saudi Arabia – Turkey will support Pakistan. In fact War against Pakistan is very complicated plus suicidal!

Firstly Pakistan is neither threatening nor attacking anybody. It is on high moral ground, despite US – propaganda on militants to nuke insecurity!

Secondly Pakistan will be defended by its Soldier sand People. (190 million despite US – Indian attempts to divide them on different lines).

Thirdly Pakistan will defend itself at any level – sub conventional (asymmetrical), conventional (armed forces) above conventional (nuclear –WMD)

Fourthly There will be no foreign inspired civil war in Pakistan. Pakistanis are united to defend the mother land. Even militants are on the wane or will fight foreign invaders. A few Baluch rebels are being instigated by Delhi – Neocons. (The Baluch should be appeased by Islamabad). All major and minor political parties and people want an end to the Afghan War and peace in Pakistan.

Fifthly Iran, China, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Russia will support Pakistan even for different Geopolitical reasons.

Sixthly, A low intensity war in Geopolitical black hole of Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iran, Iraq will defeat US – NATO (with war weary public, declining economy at home). A perfect catastrophe! A conventional war, more so on two fronts for Pakistan (US – NATO strike in the west, and Indian Cold Start in the east) will quickly reach nuclear threshold. If Pakistan is being destroyed by enemy fire power plus nukes it will strike back into India and attacking forces / region. Loose nukes from a destroyed Pakistan could explode in Israel – western cities leading to a nuclear retaliation chain cycle. The war going Global, nuclear destructive and radioactive. The Russian view that attack on Pakistan with lead to Thermonuclear War was in this context.

The devastation of a WW

A war the US led NATO cannot win. With hundreds of millions or billions dead only a sick, demented man could term it as a victory. The real winner of the Second World War was USA whose homeland was untouched, and rose to become the sole super power. If there are any victors, it would be Russia – China unless the war involves them directly (something which the globalists hope to achieve – lure Russia – China by attacking Iran).

The Arab Spring – Muslim World would revolt in Anti Americanism as war with Iran – Pakistan and carnage becomes apparent. The western homeland and initiators of attack will be burnt by the flames they help ignite themselves (albeit radioactive fires).

It is near midnight. Geopolitics of Peace is the solution.The US – NATO must relent on Afghanistan, of course no war with Iran and no interference in Baluchistan. The alternative is too horrible to contemplate.

Besides the innocent people of Iran and Pakistan, the cultured people in Europe and good hearted, charity giving, amiable folks in USA are being duped by their Neocons and hawks plus globalists. Shocked when the bastion of capitalism, Wall Street came under siege and fearing rapid collapse, war abroad is their illogical choice. Even in Israel, half the population is against the coming war. Over all the good Jewish people, with their historical sense of survival seek peace and security. Pakistan is not anti Semitic at all, but has deep sympathy with people in Palestine. Still peace in the Middle East would be welcome to all. The American globalists however are adamant to drive the American Titanic into the global iceberg. But this war will be self defeating for all.

A new paradigm shift is needed, rather than beating the drums of war.Moscow under President Putin has a great role to deter the American war hawks,aided by the peace loving Chinese. The Germans and other anti war Europeans,besides the good people of USA must join hands to abort this global conflagration.

Russia’s key role in global peace, security for Israel, no attack on Iran, establishment of Palestine State, US – NATO exodus from Afghanistan, no interference in Baluchistan, return of Kashmir to Pakistan, US– China amity, all have to be part of Geopolitical peacemaking and war avoidance.

The alternative global nuclear war is too apocalyptic to contemplate.

(Geopolitics of Peace is an endeavor by Nadir Mir)

About the Author - Brigadier Nadir Mir (R) SI (M): For his school and college education, he attended the prestigious Karachi and Quetta Grammar Schools, St. Anthony’s High School, Aitchison College and FC College Lahore. In his Military Education, he is a graduate of Armour School, Fort Knox USA, Army Staff College Quetta, Turkish War Academy Istanbul, War College and National Defence College Islamabad, Pakistan. Nadir Mir knows Urdu, English and Turkish languages. He is widely traveled and a globe trotter. After “Farewell to Arms” Brigadier Nadir Mir aspires to contribute for the national cause – Pakistan. He is now settled in Lahore.

You may also read more from Nadir Mir:

Confusion or containment for Pakistan

New Middle East Map - revival of an old Neocon dream

Gwader on the global chessboard

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New Middle East Map - Revival of an old Neocon Dream

Awhile ago, I wrote a post about Balochistan "Balochistan - The final destination of USA to subdue China and Iran" after the uproar in the US Congress for an independent Balochistan. The post was based on the debate in the US Congress, substantiated by a map drawn sometime back by a US Army Colonel Ralph Peter. Since the post was basically focused on Balochistan, many readers may not have concentrated on the rest of the map or the bigger game plan the USA is speculated to play in near future.

If we follow the events taking place in the recent past, we would see a systematic destruction of the Muslim world at the hands of USA. Iraq was invaded on the pretext of presence of Weapons of Mass Destruction and the world was made to believe it and coerced to join the US efforts to rid the world from the menace of the WMDs. Now we all know that there were no WMDs in Iraq - in fact it was the US design to destroy a progressive Muslim country beyond repair and make it an unstable country for times to come. This is what Iraq is today.

Then there has a recent 'awakening and uprising' in a number of Muslim countries like Egypt, Yemen, Libya and now Syria. With a resolve to rid Libya of Gaddafi, the entire country, which was one of the fastest developing Muslim country, has been torn apart and the so called war of liberation has destroyed once progressive and thriving welfare state. Same is now happening in Syria.

The US invasion of Afghanistan, under the auspices of UN is yet another move to have  a permanent US presence in the region to subdue China and Iran.

Now if you see the map the Colonel Ralph map below closely, you would find many Muslim countries being partitioned to suit the interests of USA by covertly re-sizing and re-shaping some of the important Muslim countries of the world. Even Saudi Arabia, a strong US ally for years, has not been spared and bifurcated into  a Muslim Sacred State, Saudi Homeland, while a part is amalgamated into Jordan. Turkey too, which is a strong NATO member, has been re-sized as wished by the USA.

I won't say more about Pakistan, as I have already deliberated it in my post mentioned above.

Now Brigadier Nadir Mir, a highly qualified and learned veteran takes a detailed overall view of the machinated US intentions, oozing out of Colonel Ralph's map in the aftermath of  tabling a resolution in the US Congress for an independent Balochistan. Here is what he opines:

Recently, a resolution was passed in the US Congress to divide Pakistan and carve out an ‘independent Balochistan’. With this, an old neocon dream was revived. This time the so-called globalists and propagandists, masquerading as human right activists, are the cheerleaders. Against this backdrop, Colonel Ralph Peter’s map of the ‘New Middle East’ truncating, balkanising every country - Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Iran, Pakistan and Afghanistan - was reproduced. Despite the fact that it was scorned and reviled even at the time of its earlier exhibition.

It seems that the neocons and influential globalists of America desperately want to initiate World War III. Former Secretary of State Henry Kissinger’s interview, If you can’t hear the drums of war, you must be deaf, with Alfred Heinz on November 27, 2011, is a clear expression of this desire.

The neocon-globalist geopolitical wish list - the rationale for the so-called ‘independent Balochistan’ - is as under:

§  Cripple Pakistan by separating Balochistan (46 percent of its territory with large mineral resources, besides the future global port of Gwadar).

§  Balkanised Pakistan forced to give up its nuclear arsenal.

§   Establish India’s hegemony over Pakistan.

§  Leftover US forces in Afghanistan and US controlled ‘new Balochistan’ to act as strategic central position for multi-regions.

§  US controlled Afghanistan-Balochistan to link the Central Asian energy oil and gas pipelines with Gwadar.

§   Delink Pakistan and Iran by carving out Balochistan and obviate the Iran-Pakistan energy/gas pipelines.

§  Establish US military presence in Balochistan for upcoming US-Israeli war against Iran.

§  Block Russia-Pak cooperation with Gazprom (Russian Gas Company) reaching Gwadar.

§  Balochistan and Kurdistan to be artificially created to have imperialist bases in the heartland of Islam.

§  ‘Independent Balochistan’ - a prelude for Kurdistan to break away from Turkey; separate Xinjiang and Tibet from China; Siberia from Russia; and separate Makkah and Madinah from Saudi Arabia.

§  US military presence in Gwadar to control the Gulf. To use the port as an alternative for USA’s 5th fleet based in Bahrain or another fleet if brought near the Gulf.

§  Use Gwadar as a military base for intervention in the Saudi Peninsula.

The rationale of these ill-intentioned pseudo thinkers is absolutely absurd. According to them, since the Pakistani elite is exploiting Balochistan, so it should be balkanised. Those who believe that Balochistan should not be a part of Pakistan are geopolitical imbeciles. Indeed, the propagandists making these claims are clueless about regional realities because:

§  Pakistan: It will fight a war, even a nuclear war of national survival to defend itself.

§  Iran: The Iranian Seistan is part of Balochistan, which the imperialists want to carve out. Therefore, Iran will fight a war in unison with Pakistan to defend Balochistan against the US threats.

§  Afghanistan: The Taliban are winning; the Americans are leaving. No Afghan - not even Karzai - will cede the Afghan territory to become ‘greater independent Balochistan’. Nor can landlocked Kabul take up fights with both Islamabad and Tehran.

§  Turkey: The Turks will support Pakistan and oppose independent Balochistan. Those who are plotting Balochistan also support Kurdistan to balkanise Turkey. Turkey will oppose Balochistan splitting by Nato, even if Nato is foolhardy to play the diabolical game of neocons.

§  Saudi Arabia: The Saudis, too, will support Pakistan and oppose the Balochistan movement.

§  India: It has been supporting the destabilisation of Balochistan and will continue to do so. But for India to overtly support Balochistan can lead to a nuclear war with Pakistan. Besides this can also trigger freedom movements in Kashmir, Khalistan, Assam, Tamil Nadu and a dozen other places. Playing the US-Israel game will spoil its relations with Iran, Russia and China.

§  China: It will support Pakistan. USA’s aim in Balochistan is to block China from Gwadar. Balochistan today, Xinjiang tomorrow! China’s defence begins from Pakistan.

§  Russia: It is Pakistan’s new friend. Besides, the Pak-Iran link is supported by Moscow.

So, the geopolitics of the region negates any viability of an independent Balochistan. In addition, anti-Americanism in Pakistan has a complex dynamic. The US meddling in Balochistan will not create an ‘independent Balochistan’, but will initiate a war, perhaps, leading to World War III.

The situation in Balochistan certainly demands immediate attention. Out of 150 Baloch tribes three major ones Marris, Bugtis, and Mengals have had problems or are in conflict. The issue of Bugtis is greatly linked to the murder of Nawab Akbar Bugti. A fair trial of those responsible is their demand. The Mengals can be communicated with. Some of the Marris leaders are more adamant and would need to be worked on. Pakistan needs to accommodate most of the Balochistan demands and satisfy the people, while ensuring its national interests. Half the demography of Balochistan which is Pakhtun are patriotic like the great majority of Baloch.

Bugti’s killing by Musharraf led to the present Balochistan crisis. The army or the ISI is not responsible. USA and India did not oppose Musharraf’s actions in Balochistan. This was a US-India baited gambit (to lure Musharraf into a crackdown and create turmoil for instigating independent Balochistan). Musharraf was praised by Washington and assured by Delhi of its non-involvement in Balochistan, luring him into the mess Pakistan faces today in the province. For all this time a covert war was being waged for claiming independence of Balochistan. During this period a worldwide network was established. This became overt in February 2012 as war with Iran is near centre stage in 2012. However, those who are planning war against Pakistan must be told that the choice is between peace and total war; indeed, the country will be defended at any price!

About the Author - Brigadier Nadir Mir (R) SI (M): For his school and college education, he attended the prestigious Karachi and Quetta Grammar Schools, St. Anthony’s High School, Aitchison College and FC College Lahore. In his Military Education, he is a graduate of Armour School, Fort Knox USA, Army Staff College Quetta, Turkish War Academy Istanbul, War College and National Defence College Islamabad, Pakistan. Nadir Mir knows Urdu, English and Turkish languages. He is widely traveled and a globe trotter. After “Farewell to Arms” Brigadier Nadir Mir aspires to contribute for the national cause – Pakistan.

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Balochistan – the final destination of USA to subdue China and Iran

Many would remember the circulation of map by an American Colonel Ralph Peters sometime back on the internet in which he had ‘envisioned’ new borders for many Muslim countries of Middle East and Asia including Pakistan as shown herein under:

As per the map, a large portion f Balochistan which is spread over Pakistan and Iran has been shown as the Independent Balochistan and the remaining Pakistan is shown like a shrunk lady finger, mostly consisting of Punjab and a part of Sindh province. And Colonel Peters calls all countries with red borders as losers that includes Pakistan and Iran. At that time many shrugged off the map as an individual’s innovative mind of how he saw the world from his perspective. But some cautioned that nothing comes out in the open unless it has routes back into the secret world of CIA. And they were right.

The recent tabling of the motion in the US Congress about the status of Balochistan and atrocities being committed to the Baloch people should serve us as an eye opener. It is something that our Foreign Office and agencies should have given due attention even before the publication of the Ralph Peter’s map, feeling the pulse of the CIA. Now even if we missed the bus then, now is the most appropriate time that we really get serious about the whole issue.

Why suddenly Balochistan has figured out so prominently in the US Congress – something very serious about a country they claim the US cannot win war against terror. A country which has supported their war of terror for the last over one decade at the cost of the collateral damage that spilled over to our side of the border, that has resulted into killing of countless innocent civilians, mostly women and children, during the drone attacks and those who were killed and maimed for life during a continued spate of suicide bombing throughout Pakistan.

The Americans did not even spare the Pakistan Army personnel and twice attacked proper Pakistan Army check post and martyred 30 uniform personnel, the Salala check post incidence the latest in which 26 personnel were martyred. This is the same US Army under cover the ambit of NATO / ISAF for which we have allowed the usage of our roads for transportation of supplies for their sustenance.  Since the Salala incidence, the NATO supplies have been closed by Pakistan, which is hurting the NATO troops, ostensibly the US troops badly.

Perhaps the Salala incidence was part of a well-planned game plan so as to coerce Pakistan to close the NATO supply route and then blame Pakistan for hindering the efforts of the ‘world community’ to fight terrorism and then implement their some code named operation for ensuring the sustained supplies to the US troops through Pakistan’s liberated Balochistan. But this is just the beginning.

The lust for Balochistan started when large deposits of gold and copper were discovered in Balochistan which run into billions of dollars. A place rich in mineral deposits, leading to frontiers of China, could not have been less lucrative for the USA.

If Colonel Peter’s proposed plan is implemented, US accrue following benefits from it:

Possession of Gawadar Post by USA – a strategically placed warm water port on the mouth of Strait of Hormuz and Persian Gulf which when in US control can easily put US Navy in commanding position to monitor all oil carrying cargo traffic from the Arab countries besides Iran and block to economically strangulate the oil producing countries of the area, while drawing maximum advantage of controlling the world oil trade.

Secondly, the occupation of Balochistan of Pakistan will provide a cushion to the US forces under the ambit of UN, to expand its borders inside the Iranian oil rich Balochistan. This would not only separate two Islamic countries or in the words of one American write the two rouge states but also provide a jumping pad to invade Iran at an opportune moment.

Thirdly, the independent Balochistan connected to Afghanistan, provides a direct route to China. This will allow the US to threaten China and even go for any adventure as per thus-far hidden secret US plan. This will also neutralise any Chinese effort to have access to the warm waters of the Arabian Sea through Gawadar port. 

Fourthly and needless to mention, the entire natural resources of Balochistan will fall freely in the hands of USA, which will be fleeced away as once the British Empire took away the wealth and resources of India when it came here under the garb of trade in the 1800s. 

As for the few Baloch leaders, who saw for themselves the rule of independent Balochistan, they will soon have nothing left in their ‘country’ and will be at the mercy of their new rulers, who will treat them with no less ruthlessness when under their feet.

Our friend Iran has already fallen into the hands of the great American game when it became part of  Indian plan for the development of a  south-north road network inside Afghanistan to be connected to the Iranian port of Chah Bahar – something that provides yet another route to Afghanistan and the Central Asian Republics. Once the so called independent Balochistan expands, Chah Bahar is also likely ot be enveloped into it, providing USA not one, but two warm water ports in the Persian Gulf and Arabian Sea.

Keeping in view above options and strategy ostensibly carved out by the USA with support of a few Baloch leaders, time is now that we as a nation really get united and focus our attention on the precarious situation in Balochistan. The recent uprising which is gaining momentum can be taken full advantage of by the USA and with the UN consent a Libya like NATO interference could be launched in Balochistan to liberate the ‘supressed Baloch people’ from the clutches of Pakistan – this is something that is through a very detailed programme of subversion, is being inculcated in the minds of the innocent Baloch people to turn against the law of the land and create conditions for a US touted UN/NATO intervention into Balochistan for the realisation of US interests in this region.

We need to engage the Balochi people at national level and at present all our efforts should be focused on resolving their grudges and misgivings. We need to hold live TV debates incorporating Baloch leaders and people and find out solution to their problems. Had the initiative taken by the present government under the ambit of ‘Aghaze-e-Haqooq-e-Balochistan’ (Commencement of Rights of the Balochistan) implemented in true letter and spirit, we would have made a considerable headway in resolving the issues concerning the misgivings of the Balochistan. Time is now that our politicians get together and pursue all out efforts to help resolve the Balochistan issue.

And at the same time, Pakistan must protest to the UN and the world community in as much hard words as possible to condemn the US for meddling into the internal affairs of Pakistan – a country to which USA attaches much importance and has always been asking to do more to support her war for her interests. Something which Pakistan has been doing, much to the annoyance of its people, as everyone in the streets knows that US has never been and never would be a friend of Pakistan. Rather Pakistan has always been used for the sake of US interests since the independence of Pakistan. Pakistan even sided with USA against the then USSR in joining organizations like SEATO and CENTO and even allowing use of its Bada Ber airfield near Peshawar for U-2 flights over Russia till one was shot down by Russia and an angry Khrushchev put a red circle around Peshawar and threatened Pakistan of dire consequences if it further continued to allow US for us of its bases against USSR.

Such has been our contribution towards US interests. Now having suffered so much, if USA is till not sincere to Pakistan, it is time that we openly denounce our relations with USA and enter into a long term strategic partnership with China, for any sinister moves by USA in Balochistan will invariably be aimed at China and Iran in NEAR FUTURE.

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