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Did Musharraf make the right decision after 9/11?

In Pakistan, former President General Pervez Musharraf is often criticized by some Pseudo-analysts and so-called undergraduate Journalists for his decision of joining the war on terror. I remember my meeting with the President Pervez Musharraf during September, 2001 at the Prime Minister house along with other notables. I remember him referring to the ‘critical situation’ that had arisen as a result of the September 11 acts of terrorism, which in his words had raised a ‘wave of deep grief, anger and retaliation in the United States. I can recall, General Musharraf categorically saying that ‘at this juncture I am worried about Pakistan only’ and that ‘I give top priority to the defense of Pakistan. Defense of any other country comes later.’

This is a well-known fact that before the terrorist attacks in the United States on 11 September 2001, relations between Pakistan and the United States were at the lowest level. We must remember that Pre 9/11, Nawaz Government remained under substantial pressure from the Clinton administration over supporting the Taliban regime in Afghanistan. Nawaz Government, however, remained contended that the Taliban were Pakistan’s most reliable proxy in Afghanistan. Pak-US strained relationship was evident from a number of sanctions imposed by the United States on the country. These sanctions put heavy strain on the economy of Pakistan. Its Foreign Exchange reserves depreciated considerably and the country suffered from worsening balance of payments problem. Pakistan during those days was called the most sanctioned country in the world. In contrast, relations between the United States and India, particularly under Clinton Administration were expanding in all fields, including military.

On September 11, 2001, terrorists demolished symbol of American economic and military power, the ‘World Trade Centre’ and ‘Pentagon’ in unprecedented air born attacks involving four hijacked commercial aircraft killing more than 3000 people. The tragedy which not only hurt the confidence and pride of American nation but also transformed the global politics.  It was instantly clear, however that every American felt he or she was vulnerable no matter how many hundreds of billions dollars were spent by their government in the name of security worldwide. It was the day that will haunt Americans for many years to come and shall stay in the memory lanes of all. Americans always felt a sense of “Invulnerability” but were never prepared to cope with the horror they had to face on Tuesday September 11, 2001.

Pakistan’s name was repeatedly heard on mainstream T.V. networks in the U.S. There was a discussion to some Pakistani groups helping Osama Bin Laden. Discussion on T.V and Radio networks about the counter attack on Afghanistan to hunt down Osama Bin Laden was also heard. Post 9/11, Pakistani sympathizers believed that Pakistan would need to distance itself from Taliban, Afghanistan and Osama Bin Laden. Otherwise Pakistan will not remain unscathed from the American wrath’s. In his address to a joint session of Congress and the American people on September 20, 2001 President Bush stated:

“Every nation in every region now has a decision to make. Either you are with us, or you are with the terrorist. Our war on terror begins with Al Qaeda, but it does not end there. It will not end until every terrorist group of global reach has been found, stopped and defeated. Because the war on terror is “a struggle of uncertain duration” and the vital interests of the United States are at stake, I would argue that the recent changes in the U.S. foreign policy are enduring ones.”

Media reports suggested that, “Pakistan and its tangled relationship with Taliban that have emerged as a crucial focus of U.S. planning and diplomacy. Secretary of State Colin Powell said,

“Pakistan was in the region where the U.S. had one of the suspect organizations. Pakistan had lot of experience in that region and they were in contact with the Pakistani officials to assess how much could they help the U.S. ….. This was Pakistan’s chance to move forward in its relations with the U.S. On our end we are willing to do that. Sounding almost threatening, he said, “the U.S. would hold accountable any country offering support to terrorists involved in the attacks.”

As the U.S. extended its ultimatum to the countries providing harbor or any form of assistance to the Taliban, who were asked to handover Osama Bin Laden and his associates, all attention was riveted on how Pakistan would respond. Taliban also announced that they consider any country their enemy if that country provided ground or airspace facilities to the United States. It was known also that the U.S. government had within hours approached the Pakistan government with an initial list of requests, such as; access to ports & airspace and to end economic and military support for the Taliban, tightening the security along its 1500 mile border with Afghanistan, promise to arrest associates of Osama Bin Laden. Now Pakistan was truly caught within a pincer movement of conflicting threats to its own security.

In his speech of September 19, 2001 President Musharraf, while elaborating the difficult situation, said that, “According to Islamic Shariah, if there are two difficulties at a time and a selection has to be made, it is better to opt for the lesser one. Pakistan has to choose between cooperation with the U.S. or defiance to the U.S. demands. Saying “No” was a sure recipe for self-destruction. Also it was absolutely clear that joining the U.S. led coalition would mean, cutting of relations with the Taliban regime, and the possibility or having some implication for the freedom struggle in Kashmir, given that both the U.S. and India have evolving strategic relations – India accusing Pakistan for cross LoC infiltration of “Mujahideen” into Indian held Kashmir (IHK) and American condemning any form of violence for achieving political ends.”

Supreme question had arisen before Pakistan is that what is the Pakistan’s own interest? The following were the options for Pakistan to cooperate or refuse the international community.

  1. To fully cooperate with the international community in its drive against terrorism, including Taliban, while fully knowing well that it will have to brace with the largest flux of Afghanistan refugees, mostly Taliban, beside a Deobandi or Jihadi backlash.
  2. Second option was, while cooperating with the international Community and keeping totally aloof from Taliban, Pakistan let international Community to go its way without becoming direct party and not letting afghan refugees inundate our north western frontier.
  3. Yet there was another option that the short-sighted and non-patriotic Islamist will purpose to fright the World. There will be no better recipe than this to bring Pakistan down that many adventurists will push forward.

To take the decision, nevertheless, Pakistan had to face internal pressures and opposition but there was no way out to handle the situation. President Musharraf did the same as any other leader could do. He had to face remonstration from factions of people, but, he provided every possible help to the US troops to handle the Al-Qaeda network and Taliban. Then, Pakistan’s existence was inured with the coalition with the US, otherwise it could be the next target. General Musharraf, very prudently and in a well calculated move, decided to cooperate with the U.S. on account of its own reasons. It was not only a compulsion but also a very rational move.

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