Global terrorism emanating from Pakistan, a nuclear Iran, and the military and economic ascension of China are issues that we read and hear about every day. In the case of India, they must deal with these issues as a bordering nation to all three. Next week, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton will attend the US-India Strategic Dialogue, a series of meetings that she also presided over last year in Washington DC regarding security issues that both nations share. Fortunately for Sec. Clinton, her unique gift of leadership and strength, combined with seldom-matched intellectual prowess, affords her an uncanny ability to maneuver the complicated issues of what may be the most complicated region. Her assertiveness as a leader demands others to think outside the box, and inspire everyone in the room to address real problems with realistic solutions, and not just in the hypothetical. It is this ability that Sec. Clinton must use to not only kick start upcoming peace talks between India and Pakistan, but also lay the foundation that can lead to its rightful conclusion.
This past weekend, Indian Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh said at a South Asian Regional Cooperation Conference that, “South Asia cannot realize its full potential until and unless the region solves its differences peacefully and develops the culture of solving our problems themselves.” The main issue with this statement is that India and Pakistan have consistently refused any form of mediation or facilitation by a third party, preventing any possibility of a problem solving culture to develop. However, Sec. Clinton has the grace to not only facilitate, but also to allow India and Pakistan a belief that they ended their seven decade feud on their own. More importantly, India could finally emerge as the legitimate counterweight to China that India assumes is already a reality. Finally, India can become the powerful regional ally the US must have for a myriad of security and economic reasons.
As the relationship between the US and Pakistan continues to sour, the relationship between India and the US continues to expanded considerably. Moreover, Sec. Clinton will enjoy greater flexibility to assist in addressing issues such as Kashmir, water rights and nuclear arms reduction due to the recent Obama Administration announcement or the suspension of $800 million in military assistance to Pakistan which Pakistan typically used to strengthen it’s border with India and fund militant groups, rather than the intended purpose of fighting terrorists and the Taliban. No longer can India point to US assistance as being part of the problem. Finally, the recent killings of Osama bin Laden and Ilya Kashmiri by the US inside Pakistan also tells India that the ‘US understands the terror state that is Pakistan’, and will unapologetically do what it takes to rid the world, and more importantly the region of this cancer. Nobody appreciates this more than India; except for maybe Pakistan behind closed doors.
In addition to dealing with the Pakistan v. India conundrum, Sec. Clinton must also address Pakistan’s quickly emerging relationship with regional rival China. Make no mistake; China is India’s biggest threat, not Pakistan. A fact that China has gone above and beyond to display much to India’s chagrin. In the past month China and Pakistan have strengthened their relationship with announcements of Chinese construction of hydroelectric damn projects in Pakistan, military assistance and sales of fighter jets and naval ships, possible Chinese bases on the Indian Ocean and civilian nuclear power assistance. Moreover, reports of Chinese military personnel roaming the Pakistan-India border, in addition to roaming the India-China border has also raised eyebrows. You see, there is a flipside to India replacing Pakistan as the United States prime regional ally; China is attempting to replace the void left by the US in Pakistan. As one security analyst recently said, “If conflict were to break out between India and Pakistan, what would China’s reaction be?”
Fortunately, the timeliness of Sec. Clinton’s visit just before peace talk are set to resume between the two rivals in New Delhi the following week couldn’t be better. Coupled with all three nations attending the annual ASEAN conference in Bali, Sec. Clinton will have an ability to lay the groundwork through possible shuttle diplomacy given Pakistan’s eagerness to try and recoup some of the US assistance it so desperately needs. In addition, this may also be the counterpunch the US and the region as a whole need to China’s recent assertiveness in South and Southeast Asia. Secretary Clinton would have an ability to use the resumption of funding as an incentive for Pakistan to accept some of the terms put forth by India with regards to their concerns over the water issue, as well as nuclear safeguards. Additionally, Sec. Clinton would have an ability to present new and possibly logical solutions to deciding the fate of Kashmir that is acceptable to all parties, including the Kashmiri people. Through incentives as well as a fresh voice with new ideas, India and Pakistan can gain on a number of levels via US Assistance, yet an ability to claim ownership in resolving their own bilateral issues.
The real question remains, can India and Pakistan be reliable partners in a region beset by dysfunction and failed promises. Once and for all, the table is set for Sec. Clinton to finally emerge from the Presidential shadows that have cast over her by both her husband and current boss. Finally, it’s Hillary’s turn.
Sunday, July 17, 2011
Friday, July 1, 2011
The death of Ilyas Kashmiri Vastly Exceeds Osama bin Laden
The impact of the killing of Pakistani militant/terrorist Ilyas Kashmiri by a US Predator drone strike paid far more dividend than the killing of Osama bin Laden. Of course, the symbolism of killing of Osama bin Laden in Abbottabad, Pakistan remains symbolically more significant. Regardless, the direct impact resulting in communication disruption and rooting out the poisons within the Pakistani military and intelligence circle are only just beginning. The killing of Kashmiri dealt an incredible blow to Al Qaeda, as well as a host of other terrorist groups located in Pakistani Administered Kashmir and the tribal areas. The recent arrest of Pakistani Brigadier General Ali Khan, and the interrogation of four other Generals had far less of a connection to bin Laden’s phone, than to Kashmiri and the terrorist network who enjoyed 30 years of financial, military and tactical support from the military and ISI.
Until his death earlier this month, Kashmiri was well known primarily in South Asia, especially India and Pakistan. Kashmiri hailed from Pakistani Administered Kashmir, and had a long history of working intimately with what later became Al Qaeda during the 1980’s in Afghanistan as a member of the Special Forces in the Pakistani military. Once the Soviets were repelled from Afghanistan, Kashmiri went back to Kashmir and began waging jihad against the Indian Military in what he viewed as a “liberation movement” for the Kashmiri people from Indian Rule. It is this connection that spans over three decades that is the biggest blow to Al Qaeda and the Taliban, and may in fact be the tipping point for both the US in Afghanistan, as well as Indian and Pakistani relations.
Kashmiri during the 80’s and early 90’s was the logistical master of shuffling young fighters to training camps in both Pakistan and Afghanistan for “on the job training” against the Russians, and to be played out on the battlefield against India. The importance was he not only was able to transport young fighters for training against India, he established the connections and links necessary with villages and tribesman in the mountainous regions ensuring safe passage. This network continues today, but with the killing of Kashmiri, his network appears already in free fall in Pakistan, which will have a greater impact in Afghanistan as movements become of greater challenge through the tribal areas. The people who provided aid and comfort did so primarily to their relationship with Kashmiri, and not just tacit support for a militant movement.
The connection between bin Laden’s ability to hide in Abbottabad under the nose of retired military and intelligence officers was of no coincidence. Kashmiri had the connections and ability to call in favors knowing that questions would never be asked. Kashmiri was instrumental in the Mumbai attacks, which gained him great favor within the establishment community. Despite the Pakistani militaries fighting with the Taliban, everyone knows that the real danger in the mind of the military and intel community is India.
However, just this past week Indian officials paid Pakistan a visit in what was viewed as a precursor to renewed talks between the leaders of the two sub-continent rivals. I asked both former Pakistani, Indian and Kashmiri officials if they thought the death of Ilyas Kashmiri would have a direct impact on relations between India and Pakistan, and most of them just said “of course.” One former Pakistani official took things one step further and said, “not only could this lead a major breakthrough for Indian and Pakistani relations, but the death of Kashmiri will turn the tides once and for all for the Americans in Afghanistan.”
There is no question the recent decision by US President Barack Obama to reduce troops in Afghanistan was directly impacted by this high level target. Of course, the US Generals wanted to keep more boots on the ground. However, we must remember that Generals think in terms for what is happening today. The Taliban’s continued ability to engage and fight with the same passion and fury as they always have. What US Intelligence officials in the region feel, is that there will be a decrease in numbers, and far less traffic along the boarder regions. The Pakistani military will be much more alert and assertive when encountering militants attempting to move along the region. On the flip side of that coin, Taliban and al Qaeda fighters are becoming much more reluctant to travel through the region to various safe havens because they are being taken away one by one.
In the end, the death of Ilyas Kashmiri will go down as one of the biggest victories, as well as the possible trigger to India and Pakistan finally resolving their 70-year-old differences. With arrests within the Pakistani intelligence and military community sure to come, militant activity on the Indian border. Additionally, this will open the door for India to finally begin removing her 500-700,000 military troops occupying Indian Administered Kashmir, especially in urban areas. Finally, al Qaeda and the Taliban lost their regional broker who provided safe passage and support from top ranking military and intelligence officials. I am sure that numbers in Osama bin Laden’s phone helped a bit in being able to find out who knew, and how high up the power chain knowledge of his whereabouts went. However, in just three weeks since that US drone strike in early June, already the death of Ilyas Kashmiri vastly exceeds the death of Osama bin Laden.
Until his death earlier this month, Kashmiri was well known primarily in South Asia, especially India and Pakistan. Kashmiri hailed from Pakistani Administered Kashmir, and had a long history of working intimately with what later became Al Qaeda during the 1980’s in Afghanistan as a member of the Special Forces in the Pakistani military. Once the Soviets were repelled from Afghanistan, Kashmiri went back to Kashmir and began waging jihad against the Indian Military in what he viewed as a “liberation movement” for the Kashmiri people from Indian Rule. It is this connection that spans over three decades that is the biggest blow to Al Qaeda and the Taliban, and may in fact be the tipping point for both the US in Afghanistan, as well as Indian and Pakistani relations.
Kashmiri during the 80’s and early 90’s was the logistical master of shuffling young fighters to training camps in both Pakistan and Afghanistan for “on the job training” against the Russians, and to be played out on the battlefield against India. The importance was he not only was able to transport young fighters for training against India, he established the connections and links necessary with villages and tribesman in the mountainous regions ensuring safe passage. This network continues today, but with the killing of Kashmiri, his network appears already in free fall in Pakistan, which will have a greater impact in Afghanistan as movements become of greater challenge through the tribal areas. The people who provided aid and comfort did so primarily to their relationship with Kashmiri, and not just tacit support for a militant movement.
The connection between bin Laden’s ability to hide in Abbottabad under the nose of retired military and intelligence officers was of no coincidence. Kashmiri had the connections and ability to call in favors knowing that questions would never be asked. Kashmiri was instrumental in the Mumbai attacks, which gained him great favor within the establishment community. Despite the Pakistani militaries fighting with the Taliban, everyone knows that the real danger in the mind of the military and intel community is India.
However, just this past week Indian officials paid Pakistan a visit in what was viewed as a precursor to renewed talks between the leaders of the two sub-continent rivals. I asked both former Pakistani, Indian and Kashmiri officials if they thought the death of Ilyas Kashmiri would have a direct impact on relations between India and Pakistan, and most of them just said “of course.” One former Pakistani official took things one step further and said, “not only could this lead a major breakthrough for Indian and Pakistani relations, but the death of Kashmiri will turn the tides once and for all for the Americans in Afghanistan.”
There is no question the recent decision by US President Barack Obama to reduce troops in Afghanistan was directly impacted by this high level target. Of course, the US Generals wanted to keep more boots on the ground. However, we must remember that Generals think in terms for what is happening today. The Taliban’s continued ability to engage and fight with the same passion and fury as they always have. What US Intelligence officials in the region feel, is that there will be a decrease in numbers, and far less traffic along the boarder regions. The Pakistani military will be much more alert and assertive when encountering militants attempting to move along the region. On the flip side of that coin, Taliban and al Qaeda fighters are becoming much more reluctant to travel through the region to various safe havens because they are being taken away one by one.
In the end, the death of Ilyas Kashmiri will go down as one of the biggest victories, as well as the possible trigger to India and Pakistan finally resolving their 70-year-old differences. With arrests within the Pakistani intelligence and military community sure to come, militant activity on the Indian border. Additionally, this will open the door for India to finally begin removing her 500-700,000 military troops occupying Indian Administered Kashmir, especially in urban areas. Finally, al Qaeda and the Taliban lost their regional broker who provided safe passage and support from top ranking military and intelligence officials. I am sure that numbers in Osama bin Laden’s phone helped a bit in being able to find out who knew, and how high up the power chain knowledge of his whereabouts went. However, in just three weeks since that US drone strike in early June, already the death of Ilyas Kashmiri vastly exceeds the death of Osama bin Laden.
Hooray for Ai Weiwei
For the past three months, the story that received the most copy regarding China was the detention of artist and activist Ai Weiwei. Ai Weiwei’s skyrocketing popularity and becoming the darling of the western media as the poster child of Chinese internal dissent had western governments and human rights organizations calling for his immediate release and/or charges for the reason of his detention. This continued fascination with Chinese human rights policies and detention of homegrown detractors continues to clog up the headlines in the most reputable newspapers around the world. I am not suggesting that the attention Ai Weiwei’s detention received was not justifiable, nor deserving of the international outcry it has received the past three months. However, the real stories regarding China and the impact their strategic moves of late will have on over a billion people, and not just one activist, are being passed over without a thought by op-ed and senior foreign correspondents leaving a general audience without knowledge of the strategic gains China has racked up over the three month Ai Weiwei saga.
I must confess I have always believed the most important stories are those five to ten line blurbs that most readers casually glance over without understanding the considerable impact those stories may have in the not so distant future. China has aggressively pursued alliances within the region and made moves that could only make the greatest of global hegemonic powers proud. In fact, one almost would wonder if Chinese leaders actually calculated the amount of focus the Ai Weiwei detention would receive, creating a nice diversion to a series of regional strategic moves they were beginning to embark upon, and to some within international security circles, very provocative to say the least.
Here are a few in case you missed them:
China assisting DPRK utilizing it’s own model of growth
The first story should come as no surprise given the relationship between China and North Korea. However, this feel good story of China actually helping their troubled neighbor to the south open a series of economic processing zones (EPZ’s) with the intention of assisting the DPRK with loosening market restraints, and giving citizens access to viable employment in a variety of sectors. Additionally, this may also be part of a “carrot and stick” approach to the DPRK, as well as providing the DPRK with economic growth and possible ways in which an authoritarian regime can relax market constraints without jeopardizing the status quo enjoyed by ruling elites.
China for the past two decades has grown through the use of EPZ’s established by western corporations via subcontractors generally from Taiwan who had a clear understanding of how local politics in China worked, and the ins and outs regarding environmental protections and a lack of workers rights. Regardless of the old argument regarding working conditions and the environmental degradation in the countryside where these zones were established, China would not be the world’s second largest economy without EPZ’s. It is ironic that the Chinese would seek to solve some of the DPRK’s economic and employment problems through such measures. However, the same model was used by both the US and Japan in South Korea, Taiwan, the Philippines and Singapore with great success. Who better than China to understand what steps an authoritarian regime must take in order to loosen the economic stranglehold and growth on the economy at home? On the other hand, China must also be responsible not to allow that growth to lead to an expansion over the DPRK’s controversial nuclear program, rather than the tradition laissez faire approach. I would only hope that such measures are structured into the agreement, but like most agreements involving China, one can only speculate given the lack of transparency the Chinese authority prefers to conduct international affairs.
Old problems continue to surface
Over the past week alone, tensions in the South China Sea continue to escalate between China and Vietnam, and China and the Philippines. For those of you unfamiliar with the South China Sea, it contains some of the highest oil, mineral and natural gas reserves, not to mention a robust fishing area for regional nations as well. Despite decades of third party intervention, working groups hosted by the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN), the rights to these reserves continue to be a matter of debate regarding whose sovereign claims over areas such as the Spratly and Parcel islands are legitimate. Recently the Vietnamese government made a plea for third party intervention due to China’s continued muscle flexing. In an interesting move, the Chinese government issued a warning to the US to stay out of it’s “internal matters”, which according to one DoD official was “surprising given we have not really thrown our weight behind Vietnam with regard to the Spratly Islands, and have long held the stance that regional parties should sort out maritime matters on their own, through regional bodies such as ASEAN or the UN.” However, the stance takes an about face when a much closer ally comes under threat like the Philippines.
The South China Sea maritime issues are nothing new, however the level of escalation between the regional states was a matter of surprise. The fact that China now finds itself in maritime disputes with all of her neighbors at one time displays the confidence that China has in its regional prowess, if not regional hegemonic aspirations. China knows that without third party intervention, there is not one nation state, with the exception of possibly Japan, that has the ability to stand up to China economically or militarily. It will be interesting to see how this scenario plays out for Vietnam and the Philippines, as it may serve notice for what is about to come in the future as China seeks to secure more assets necessary for long-term sustainable growth.
Firmly establishing South Asian footprint, and forcing India’s hand
For decades China has in many ways been a silent player when it comes to security, development and economics in South Asia. Many have little idea that China is actually a player in the Kashmir dispute. Of course, remaining innocuous regarding highly contentious issues is China’s specialty, and when it comes to issues in South Asia; China mastered navigating the minefield of India, Pakistan and Kashmir. However, recent agreements between China and Pakistan, as well as other provocative what ifs raised in international media with regards to Pakistan’s invitation to China to establish naval bases on it’s Indian Ocean coast have thrust this once silent member front and center.
This outreach comes on the heels of some landmark agreements between the Sino-Pak relationship. First, China agreed to provide 50 fighter jets to Pakistan following the killing of Osama bin Laden in a move that showed China was all to eager to fill the void the US would leave given the strains between to the two “strategic” partners. In addition to providing the fighter jets, Pakistan would allow China port access for oil exports via a pipeline from Iran, as well as the possibility of establishing naval bases in order to serve as protection for the increase of traffic of Chinese oil freighters and naval ships. Next, was the establishment of a civilian nuclear agreement between China and Pakistan that has everyone guessing the contents to the framework of the agreement, despite both sides expressing that we take the two parties at their word that this involves to civilian reactors, and that’s it. In addition to the two nuclear reactors, a $15 billion dollar proposal is close to agreement to dam the Jhelum River, a river that is a deep source of contention between India and Pakistan with regards to water rights, as well as hydroelectric energy generation for the sub-continent. The one positive may be that India and Pakistan will now hold legitimate peace talks seeking solutions to their 70 year old disputes, rather that just the occasional photo-op of a meeting.
No more noise please
So as we take a look back at the past couple of months and realize the level of activity China has taken in Northeast, Southeast and South Asia, it should come as no surprise that those in the economic and security realms find it surprising the most attention being paid by the media was on Ai Weiwei. Of course, the portly charismatic artist does make for good copy, especially the way in which he flaunts his spotlight to bring a clearer picture to the outside world with regards to China’s continued policy of silencing any and all internal dissent. For this I am happy of his release and must shout a “Hip Hip Hooray for Ai Weiwei!”
I must confess I have always believed the most important stories are those five to ten line blurbs that most readers casually glance over without understanding the considerable impact those stories may have in the not so distant future. China has aggressively pursued alliances within the region and made moves that could only make the greatest of global hegemonic powers proud. In fact, one almost would wonder if Chinese leaders actually calculated the amount of focus the Ai Weiwei detention would receive, creating a nice diversion to a series of regional strategic moves they were beginning to embark upon, and to some within international security circles, very provocative to say the least.
Here are a few in case you missed them:
China assisting DPRK utilizing it’s own model of growth
The first story should come as no surprise given the relationship between China and North Korea. However, this feel good story of China actually helping their troubled neighbor to the south open a series of economic processing zones (EPZ’s) with the intention of assisting the DPRK with loosening market restraints, and giving citizens access to viable employment in a variety of sectors. Additionally, this may also be part of a “carrot and stick” approach to the DPRK, as well as providing the DPRK with economic growth and possible ways in which an authoritarian regime can relax market constraints without jeopardizing the status quo enjoyed by ruling elites.
China for the past two decades has grown through the use of EPZ’s established by western corporations via subcontractors generally from Taiwan who had a clear understanding of how local politics in China worked, and the ins and outs regarding environmental protections and a lack of workers rights. Regardless of the old argument regarding working conditions and the environmental degradation in the countryside where these zones were established, China would not be the world’s second largest economy without EPZ’s. It is ironic that the Chinese would seek to solve some of the DPRK’s economic and employment problems through such measures. However, the same model was used by both the US and Japan in South Korea, Taiwan, the Philippines and Singapore with great success. Who better than China to understand what steps an authoritarian regime must take in order to loosen the economic stranglehold and growth on the economy at home? On the other hand, China must also be responsible not to allow that growth to lead to an expansion over the DPRK’s controversial nuclear program, rather than the tradition laissez faire approach. I would only hope that such measures are structured into the agreement, but like most agreements involving China, one can only speculate given the lack of transparency the Chinese authority prefers to conduct international affairs.
Old problems continue to surface
Over the past week alone, tensions in the South China Sea continue to escalate between China and Vietnam, and China and the Philippines. For those of you unfamiliar with the South China Sea, it contains some of the highest oil, mineral and natural gas reserves, not to mention a robust fishing area for regional nations as well. Despite decades of third party intervention, working groups hosted by the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN), the rights to these reserves continue to be a matter of debate regarding whose sovereign claims over areas such as the Spratly and Parcel islands are legitimate. Recently the Vietnamese government made a plea for third party intervention due to China’s continued muscle flexing. In an interesting move, the Chinese government issued a warning to the US to stay out of it’s “internal matters”, which according to one DoD official was “surprising given we have not really thrown our weight behind Vietnam with regard to the Spratly Islands, and have long held the stance that regional parties should sort out maritime matters on their own, through regional bodies such as ASEAN or the UN.” However, the stance takes an about face when a much closer ally comes under threat like the Philippines.
The South China Sea maritime issues are nothing new, however the level of escalation between the regional states was a matter of surprise. The fact that China now finds itself in maritime disputes with all of her neighbors at one time displays the confidence that China has in its regional prowess, if not regional hegemonic aspirations. China knows that without third party intervention, there is not one nation state, with the exception of possibly Japan, that has the ability to stand up to China economically or militarily. It will be interesting to see how this scenario plays out for Vietnam and the Philippines, as it may serve notice for what is about to come in the future as China seeks to secure more assets necessary for long-term sustainable growth.
Firmly establishing South Asian footprint, and forcing India’s hand
For decades China has in many ways been a silent player when it comes to security, development and economics in South Asia. Many have little idea that China is actually a player in the Kashmir dispute. Of course, remaining innocuous regarding highly contentious issues is China’s specialty, and when it comes to issues in South Asia; China mastered navigating the minefield of India, Pakistan and Kashmir. However, recent agreements between China and Pakistan, as well as other provocative what ifs raised in international media with regards to Pakistan’s invitation to China to establish naval bases on it’s Indian Ocean coast have thrust this once silent member front and center.
This outreach comes on the heels of some landmark agreements between the Sino-Pak relationship. First, China agreed to provide 50 fighter jets to Pakistan following the killing of Osama bin Laden in a move that showed China was all to eager to fill the void the US would leave given the strains between to the two “strategic” partners. In addition to providing the fighter jets, Pakistan would allow China port access for oil exports via a pipeline from Iran, as well as the possibility of establishing naval bases in order to serve as protection for the increase of traffic of Chinese oil freighters and naval ships. Next, was the establishment of a civilian nuclear agreement between China and Pakistan that has everyone guessing the contents to the framework of the agreement, despite both sides expressing that we take the two parties at their word that this involves to civilian reactors, and that’s it. In addition to the two nuclear reactors, a $15 billion dollar proposal is close to agreement to dam the Jhelum River, a river that is a deep source of contention between India and Pakistan with regards to water rights, as well as hydroelectric energy generation for the sub-continent. The one positive may be that India and Pakistan will now hold legitimate peace talks seeking solutions to their 70 year old disputes, rather that just the occasional photo-op of a meeting.
No more noise please
So as we take a look back at the past couple of months and realize the level of activity China has taken in Northeast, Southeast and South Asia, it should come as no surprise that those in the economic and security realms find it surprising the most attention being paid by the media was on Ai Weiwei. Of course, the portly charismatic artist does make for good copy, especially the way in which he flaunts his spotlight to bring a clearer picture to the outside world with regards to China’s continued policy of silencing any and all internal dissent. For this I am happy of his release and must shout a “Hip Hip Hooray for Ai Weiwei!”
Friday, June 10, 2011
Prior to the Arab Spring
The attention brought by the uprisings in Tunisia, Egypt, Syria, Iran and Yemen has captivated a global audience mainly due to the generally non-violent nature in which the protestors are demanding their democratic rights. Of course, there are exceptions such as Libya and Yemen. In reality, western fascination derives primarily from the stance of non-violence by the majority of the protesters, and their refusal to be co-opted by violent and/or Islamist groups. After years of media attention regarding conflict in the Middle East, and the framing of any movement in a Muslim based society as violent or Islamist, we as a society were routinely led to believe this was just “their” way of trying to resolve a dispute. Just as our society assumes that dictatorships are what “they” are used to, because well, that’s Islam isn’t it? Well, the answer is no, and as we know most of the dictators in the Middle East have enjoyed a cozy relationship with the United States Government (Syria and Iran being the exception). I have to admit, as someone who has followed democratic movements for the better part of a decade, I was pleasantly surprised as well. However, I have witnessed a non-violent Muslim based movement up close and personal since 2005, but not in the Middle East, and it’s about to resume once the snows have melted.
In Indian administered Jammu and Kashmir, non-violent protests have occurred every summer since 2006. The first major protest organized by a former militant turned peace activist Muhammad Yasin Malik. Mr. Malik organized what he called his “Safri-e-Azadi” campaign, which at times included torch lit processions through the Valley of Kashmir in defiance of an enforced curfew. The turn out was incredible. What Mr. Malik did not realize was that rather than garnering popularity for his own personal movement, he was inspiring a younger generation to defy their conditions and in many ways the dysfunctional leadership of the separatist movements and political parties. This younger generation had found their voice and the ability to speak out for their beliefs, wants and desires with one major condition to their cause, non-violence. Additionally, their utilization of social media since 2008, to the world inspired and served as a manual for those in Tehran, and later the Arab Spring.
The tipping point that solidified for the protestors that they could sustain their non-violence movement occurred on August 11, 2006. 55-year-old Sheikh Abdul Aziz, another leader of a different separatist organization was killed by Indian paramilitary troops while participating in a peaceful public demonstration against the ‘economic blockade’ of the Kashmiri Muslims being enforced by militant Indian Hindu groups allegedly with the tacit support of the Indian government. Due primarily to the Armed Forces Special Powers Act, an investigation was not conducted as to why the Sheikh was shot during a non-violent protest that was immediately posted on youtube just days following. I was interviewed just days after on Al-Jazeera as a regional expert, and was asked if I thought the Kashmiri protesters will respond with violence since one of their leaders were killed? They were surprised with my quick and assertive response of “No.” You see, I have seen leaders detained, beaten, shot, exiled and the like over the past few years, and no matter how much press the separatists seek, they are not the ones behind the protests, it’s a handful of brave young Kashmiri’s who have been coordinating and openly conducting their activities via facebook. Go to facebook and type Kashmir in groups, and you will see what I mean.
One very misunderstood aspect about the Kashmiri population is that first and foremost it is young, educated and very tech savvy. They know how far they can reach thanks to their ability to connect with people on facebook, and young western tourists posting online about the realities that they witnessed while visiting what was once considered “Shangri-La.” The young people leading these efforts are not aligned with any of the separatist movements or militant outfits. They are a youth population who grew up under the AFSPA and PSA, and are tired of the daily fear. In actuality, young Kashmiri’s probably would even choose to stay with India if given a choice, and a promise that the more than 500,000 military and paramilitary forces (a modest estimate) who have occupied the Valley of Kashmir, one of three parts on the Indian side of the Line of Control, for the better part of 60 years would finally leave the cities and villages.
If you listen to hardliners in the Indian Government, they talk of militants and terrorists when describing the protesters. From time to time, there are terrorists and militants in IAJK, but they are from Pakistan. Unfortunately, when these militants do attack an outpost, the response typically falls on the Kashmiri people, hence the reason for the protests. Additionally, there are also slogans and chants against the militants, and more importantly Pakistan, calling for non-violence, and to stop coming across the border. Though the overwhelming majority are Muslims who organize the protests, it must be noted that young Hindu’s tired of the violence of the military against the general population also are highly visible participants.
Last summer in Srinagar, thousands of people from all the corners of the Indian-administered Kashmir valley marched by various roads towards Lal Chowk, the city center. The year of mass protests in Kashmir passed away to the wintry Himalayan snow with more than 115 young boys and a few women, killed by Indian forces with the full cooperation of the local police. An unfortunate reality that I am sure will inspire the protesters this summer if their facebook pages are any indication.
Agree or not with the premise of the protests, or the demands there can be no argument about the nature of the protests. I too believe a lot of the assumptions of what the protests will achieve are naïve. India and Pakistan in the end will make the final decision of what will happen with this disputed region and the quality of life the people who live there will reside. However, the need for the same scrutiny that our media continues to grant the people in the Middle East needs to happen. One of the leaders and organizers describes himself on his facebook page as,” Moderate, Almost liberal. Conservatives make good terrorists.”
With the death of terrorist leader, and some feel the mastermind behind the Mumbai Attacks, Ilyas Kashmiri, Kashmiri’s have peace of mind that one less terrorist that has terrorized their lives is gone. I am sure his death in many ways was a sigh of relief for many throughout the Valley. His terror outfit has terrorized the people of Kashmir both directly, and indirectly via the Indian Militaries typical response. If so, it will be very difficult for media outlets to continue to leave out insinuations that violence that takes place during these protests are perpetrated by the protesters themselves. If that happens, then hopefully the rest of the western world will finally take notice of what has occurred in Kashmir prior to the Arab Spring.
In Indian administered Jammu and Kashmir, non-violent protests have occurred every summer since 2006. The first major protest organized by a former militant turned peace activist Muhammad Yasin Malik. Mr. Malik organized what he called his “Safri-e-Azadi” campaign, which at times included torch lit processions through the Valley of Kashmir in defiance of an enforced curfew. The turn out was incredible. What Mr. Malik did not realize was that rather than garnering popularity for his own personal movement, he was inspiring a younger generation to defy their conditions and in many ways the dysfunctional leadership of the separatist movements and political parties. This younger generation had found their voice and the ability to speak out for their beliefs, wants and desires with one major condition to their cause, non-violence. Additionally, their utilization of social media since 2008, to the world inspired and served as a manual for those in Tehran, and later the Arab Spring.
The tipping point that solidified for the protestors that they could sustain their non-violence movement occurred on August 11, 2006. 55-year-old Sheikh Abdul Aziz, another leader of a different separatist organization was killed by Indian paramilitary troops while participating in a peaceful public demonstration against the ‘economic blockade’ of the Kashmiri Muslims being enforced by militant Indian Hindu groups allegedly with the tacit support of the Indian government. Due primarily to the Armed Forces Special Powers Act, an investigation was not conducted as to why the Sheikh was shot during a non-violent protest that was immediately posted on youtube just days following. I was interviewed just days after on Al-Jazeera as a regional expert, and was asked if I thought the Kashmiri protesters will respond with violence since one of their leaders were killed? They were surprised with my quick and assertive response of “No.” You see, I have seen leaders detained, beaten, shot, exiled and the like over the past few years, and no matter how much press the separatists seek, they are not the ones behind the protests, it’s a handful of brave young Kashmiri’s who have been coordinating and openly conducting their activities via facebook. Go to facebook and type Kashmir in groups, and you will see what I mean.
One very misunderstood aspect about the Kashmiri population is that first and foremost it is young, educated and very tech savvy. They know how far they can reach thanks to their ability to connect with people on facebook, and young western tourists posting online about the realities that they witnessed while visiting what was once considered “Shangri-La.” The young people leading these efforts are not aligned with any of the separatist movements or militant outfits. They are a youth population who grew up under the AFSPA and PSA, and are tired of the daily fear. In actuality, young Kashmiri’s probably would even choose to stay with India if given a choice, and a promise that the more than 500,000 military and paramilitary forces (a modest estimate) who have occupied the Valley of Kashmir, one of three parts on the Indian side of the Line of Control, for the better part of 60 years would finally leave the cities and villages.
If you listen to hardliners in the Indian Government, they talk of militants and terrorists when describing the protesters. From time to time, there are terrorists and militants in IAJK, but they are from Pakistan. Unfortunately, when these militants do attack an outpost, the response typically falls on the Kashmiri people, hence the reason for the protests. Additionally, there are also slogans and chants against the militants, and more importantly Pakistan, calling for non-violence, and to stop coming across the border. Though the overwhelming majority are Muslims who organize the protests, it must be noted that young Hindu’s tired of the violence of the military against the general population also are highly visible participants.
Last summer in Srinagar, thousands of people from all the corners of the Indian-administered Kashmir valley marched by various roads towards Lal Chowk, the city center. The year of mass protests in Kashmir passed away to the wintry Himalayan snow with more than 115 young boys and a few women, killed by Indian forces with the full cooperation of the local police. An unfortunate reality that I am sure will inspire the protesters this summer if their facebook pages are any indication.
Agree or not with the premise of the protests, or the demands there can be no argument about the nature of the protests. I too believe a lot of the assumptions of what the protests will achieve are naïve. India and Pakistan in the end will make the final decision of what will happen with this disputed region and the quality of life the people who live there will reside. However, the need for the same scrutiny that our media continues to grant the people in the Middle East needs to happen. One of the leaders and organizers describes himself on his facebook page as,” Moderate, Almost liberal. Conservatives make good terrorists.”
With the death of terrorist leader, and some feel the mastermind behind the Mumbai Attacks, Ilyas Kashmiri, Kashmiri’s have peace of mind that one less terrorist that has terrorized their lives is gone. I am sure his death in many ways was a sigh of relief for many throughout the Valley. His terror outfit has terrorized the people of Kashmir both directly, and indirectly via the Indian Militaries typical response. If so, it will be very difficult for media outlets to continue to leave out insinuations that violence that takes place during these protests are perpetrated by the protesters themselves. If that happens, then hopefully the rest of the western world will finally take notice of what has occurred in Kashmir prior to the Arab Spring.
Friday, June 3, 2011
Nuclear Weapons Make for Strange Bed Fellows
In 1998, the then US President Bill Clinton declared South Asia as “the most dangerous region on the planet.” A declaration now appearing much closer to the truth than what then was considered a boisterous claim due to the continued turmoil in the Middle East and rise of Islamic extremism at the time. Seven years ago while I was attending a symposium in The Hague back in 2004, UPI Editor-in-Chief Emeritus Mr. Martin Walker stated that, “the world will see a nuclear war in the next 20 years between India and China.” During that time, I was a Northeast Asian specialist, particularly focused on historical reconciliation of the region, and non-proliferation of the Korean Peninsula. Two years later, I found myself working from the very heart of the Kashmir Issue, and gaining a clear understanding of why Mr. Walker and President Clinton held such a strong opinion about China v India, and not India v Pakistan. It’s time the rest of the world realizes the importance that there are three nuclear-armed states in one region, with the high potential for a forth should Iran fulfill their goal of becoming a nuclear state.
The schizophrenic relationship between India and Pakistan of course is well known, and the longest current conflict on the planet. They have fought four wars and threatened each other with nuclear weapons. Moreover, India and Pakistan have yet to restart the peace process, and deal with the Kashmir Issue with the political will necessitated in order to bring the conflict to its rightful conclusion. However, the “unrecognized” players in the region, China and Iran, have made for strange bedfellows for both India and Pakistan. Whether it be China v India both economically and militarily, or Iran v Pakistan mainly due to sectarian issues, you can find conflict between at least two of the parties on any given day.
The alliance between Pakistan and China has reached its zenith. According to US intelligence analysts China views “an attack on Pakistan, as an attack on China.” This was confirmed to me while speaking on a panel in 2008 with then Pakistani Ambassador to the US Mahmoud Ali Durrani. Amb. Durrani told me that “Pakistan in the long term views its relationship with China much more important than relations with the US given the regional proximity and conflict with India.” At the time, China was a player in the Kashmir dispute, though for the most part a minority party. However, military and intelligence exchanges are now a regular occurrence, and a major reason for concern in the US Government. Following the killing of Osama Bin Laden, the Chinese Government felt so comfortable that it asked Pakistan for the remains of the so-called “stealth” helicopter destroyed during the midnight raid. This for some people came as a surprise, and has raised suspicions on how much information regarding the chopper was shared between the allies. However, what has occurred the past week regarding security relations between Pakistan and China following Yusuf Raza Gilani’s visit to China, reveals something greater than originally envisioned by anyone.
The recently renewed security ties between Pakistan and China and the sale of 50 fighter jets, submarines and other naval technological transfers is viewed by security officials in Washington as “Pakistan’s rebuke of the US invading its sovereignty and kept in the dark about the Bin Laden raid.” Additionally, Pakistan is considering granting China not only access to the Arabian Sea, but naval bases on the Pakistani coastline, This will drastically increase Chinese presence in the region, as well as guarantee safe passage of their goods and energy supplies to an from Iran and Pakistan. Moreover this will permit China greater access to the Indian Ocean with newly minted frigates, subs and aircraft carriers, an issue officials in New Delhi already find themselves fretting over.
On the other side, you have India’s relationship with both Iran and the United States. Yes, the United States AND Iran. Given US presence in Afghanistan, “security agreements” with Pakistan, and leading the fight against a possible nuclear Iran, the irony could not be any greater. More surprisingly, the speed of increased ties between India and the US over the past five years on security related issues has caught many analysts by surprise. First, there is the controversial nuclear deal the US entered with India, ultimately forgiving India of disregarding the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and welcoming New Delhi as a part of the nuclear club. A source involved with the negotiations at the State Department for the then Bush Administration told me at the time that, “there is a push to get this deal done in order to send a signal to Tehran, Beijing and Islamabad that the US has not only an ally in the region, but an ally with a hardened million man army and cutting edge nuclear technology.” However, just this week I spoke with the same source who requested anonymity due to work with the current administration at different agency involving South Asian security issues said, “in no way could we have predicted the speed and scale in which the relationship between India and the US, or Pakistan and China, as well as India and Iran, would escalate in the way it has. At least in the end all sides will check each other on the nuclear front.” That without a doubt is an incredible hedge given the fact the heart of the conflict between all states involved rests on two issues: energy and more importantly, water.
You see, the fight over the disputed Kashmir region has very little to do with Mahatma Ghandi, Mohammad Jinnah or Jawaharlal Nehru. It has very little to do with a Muslim majority in the Kashmir Valley of India or Hindu Jammu. It has even less to do with the disputed Amaranth Shrine that grabbed headlines a few years back thanks to overzealous Indian BJP hardliners. It has to do with water that flows in China, Pakistan and India providing hydroelectric power for close to a billion people, and access to drinking water for close to 3 billion people in the Siachen Glacier region.
UCLA Prof. Stanley Wolpert who wrote “A River Runs Through It…Kashmir” originally brought the realization to US Law Makers back in 2008 at a conference on Capital Hill. “Without question water is the most important commodity on the planet today, and the two quickest rising powers who also house the worlds two largest populations are seeking to stake their claims on the largest regional source, and will do so at any an all cost possible, including war. If your people do not have access to drinking water, then does war and nuclear fallout really mean that much to you at that point?” He went on to say, “Of course, you are not hearing of this in the international media and security reports, I mean water just isn’t a sexy issue like oil and religion…” His analysis was quite grim, but it does have a point.
As I look back to my days in Den Haag and learning about the world’s most dangerous hot spots from intelligence officials, UN Representatives and media elites such as Martin Walker, I never could have imagined how much I would become acutely aware and understand his grim 20-year assessment of China, India, Iran and Pakistan first hand. More importantly, his view of the global landscape and the importance South Asia would come to the forefront at the rate of speed seven years later. Then again, nuclear weapons do make for strange bedfellows.
The schizophrenic relationship between India and Pakistan of course is well known, and the longest current conflict on the planet. They have fought four wars and threatened each other with nuclear weapons. Moreover, India and Pakistan have yet to restart the peace process, and deal with the Kashmir Issue with the political will necessitated in order to bring the conflict to its rightful conclusion. However, the “unrecognized” players in the region, China and Iran, have made for strange bedfellows for both India and Pakistan. Whether it be China v India both economically and militarily, or Iran v Pakistan mainly due to sectarian issues, you can find conflict between at least two of the parties on any given day.
The alliance between Pakistan and China has reached its zenith. According to US intelligence analysts China views “an attack on Pakistan, as an attack on China.” This was confirmed to me while speaking on a panel in 2008 with then Pakistani Ambassador to the US Mahmoud Ali Durrani. Amb. Durrani told me that “Pakistan in the long term views its relationship with China much more important than relations with the US given the regional proximity and conflict with India.” At the time, China was a player in the Kashmir dispute, though for the most part a minority party. However, military and intelligence exchanges are now a regular occurrence, and a major reason for concern in the US Government. Following the killing of Osama Bin Laden, the Chinese Government felt so comfortable that it asked Pakistan for the remains of the so-called “stealth” helicopter destroyed during the midnight raid. This for some people came as a surprise, and has raised suspicions on how much information regarding the chopper was shared between the allies. However, what has occurred the past week regarding security relations between Pakistan and China following Yusuf Raza Gilani’s visit to China, reveals something greater than originally envisioned by anyone.
The recently renewed security ties between Pakistan and China and the sale of 50 fighter jets, submarines and other naval technological transfers is viewed by security officials in Washington as “Pakistan’s rebuke of the US invading its sovereignty and kept in the dark about the Bin Laden raid.” Additionally, Pakistan is considering granting China not only access to the Arabian Sea, but naval bases on the Pakistani coastline, This will drastically increase Chinese presence in the region, as well as guarantee safe passage of their goods and energy supplies to an from Iran and Pakistan. Moreover this will permit China greater access to the Indian Ocean with newly minted frigates, subs and aircraft carriers, an issue officials in New Delhi already find themselves fretting over.
On the other side, you have India’s relationship with both Iran and the United States. Yes, the United States AND Iran. Given US presence in Afghanistan, “security agreements” with Pakistan, and leading the fight against a possible nuclear Iran, the irony could not be any greater. More surprisingly, the speed of increased ties between India and the US over the past five years on security related issues has caught many analysts by surprise. First, there is the controversial nuclear deal the US entered with India, ultimately forgiving India of disregarding the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and welcoming New Delhi as a part of the nuclear club. A source involved with the negotiations at the State Department for the then Bush Administration told me at the time that, “there is a push to get this deal done in order to send a signal to Tehran, Beijing and Islamabad that the US has not only an ally in the region, but an ally with a hardened million man army and cutting edge nuclear technology.” However, just this week I spoke with the same source who requested anonymity due to work with the current administration at different agency involving South Asian security issues said, “in no way could we have predicted the speed and scale in which the relationship between India and the US, or Pakistan and China, as well as India and Iran, would escalate in the way it has. At least in the end all sides will check each other on the nuclear front.” That without a doubt is an incredible hedge given the fact the heart of the conflict between all states involved rests on two issues: energy and more importantly, water.
You see, the fight over the disputed Kashmir region has very little to do with Mahatma Ghandi, Mohammad Jinnah or Jawaharlal Nehru. It has very little to do with a Muslim majority in the Kashmir Valley of India or Hindu Jammu. It has even less to do with the disputed Amaranth Shrine that grabbed headlines a few years back thanks to overzealous Indian BJP hardliners. It has to do with water that flows in China, Pakistan and India providing hydroelectric power for close to a billion people, and access to drinking water for close to 3 billion people in the Siachen Glacier region.
UCLA Prof. Stanley Wolpert who wrote “A River Runs Through It…Kashmir” originally brought the realization to US Law Makers back in 2008 at a conference on Capital Hill. “Without question water is the most important commodity on the planet today, and the two quickest rising powers who also house the worlds two largest populations are seeking to stake their claims on the largest regional source, and will do so at any an all cost possible, including war. If your people do not have access to drinking water, then does war and nuclear fallout really mean that much to you at that point?” He went on to say, “Of course, you are not hearing of this in the international media and security reports, I mean water just isn’t a sexy issue like oil and religion…” His analysis was quite grim, but it does have a point.
As I look back to my days in Den Haag and learning about the world’s most dangerous hot spots from intelligence officials, UN Representatives and media elites such as Martin Walker, I never could have imagined how much I would become acutely aware and understand his grim 20-year assessment of China, India, Iran and Pakistan first hand. More importantly, his view of the global landscape and the importance South Asia would come to the forefront at the rate of speed seven years later. Then again, nuclear weapons do make for strange bedfellows.
Friday, May 27, 2011
The real Pakistan US Conundrum
The answers surrounding the conundrum of not just where, but who continues to hide senior Al Qaeda members more than likely reside in a different Pakistani border region, the Indian border; essentially Kashmir. The relationship of militant groups such as Lashkar e Taiba (LeT), Harakat ul-Mujahideen (HUM), Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) and a host of other militant groups which operate in Pakistani Occupied Kashmir (PoK), have a long standing history of cooperation and training dating back to the 1980’s. Beginning with the invasion of Afghanistan where PoK organizations continue to provide sanctuary, transportation and manpower from their base camps in the basically unmonitored border region. Due to longstanding relations with the Pakistani authority who views these groups as an ally against the Indian threat, if not an outright colleague who continues to receive funding to carry on a “bleed India” campaign, military assistance, unfettered movement and safe passage in the region continues to this day. The odd questions is, why has this continued since 2002, and why are the Pakistani’s not the only regional player against any US presence in the region?
Due to growing economic ties with India, and the continued “security” relationship with Pakistan, the USG finds itself in a precarious situation on the sub-continent. India and Pakistan have insisted the US refrain from conducting military and intelligence operations in the Kashmir region. Surprisingly, India of all countries, vehemently protested when President Obama initially included Kashmir in the portfolio of the late Ambassador Richard Holbrook. Unfortunately, the US was forced to continue the focus on the Northern Territories and SWAT, and take a hands-off approach in PoK, despite most intelligence and media reports of the PoK based groups and Al-Qaeda relationship. If you were Al Qaeda, who have close ties with PoK based groups spanning over two decades, why not seek sanctuary in the one area US forces are continually prevented from pursuing your whereabouts?
The main rub on the whole situation rests in the continued monetary, military and intelligence assistance the PoK militants receive from both the ISI and Pakistani military. This is not to assume that the relationship between the militant organizations and the Pakistani authorities are conducted at the senior level. A fundamental reason why very little will be found in any investigation with regards to who knew Osama bin Laden was in Abattobad, is the simple fact they did not know. ISI and military personnel, who sustain this close relationship, view their relationship with the militants more important to Pakistan than the US-Pakistan relationship due to the conflict with India. Moreover, those individuals more than likely did not know that the person staying in the house was Osama Bin Laden, but a special “Guest” of the militant hiding him out, and asked his government insiders to just “not ask questions” with regards to the identity of the “Guest.” Then again, it would be insulting if they did…
In 2008, I spent a month in Srinagar, Kashmir, India, and more importantly time with All Parties Hurryiet Conference Senior Leader Syed Ali Geelani. He spoke in detail of the training camps during the 1980’s in Pakistan, where young Kashmiri fighters would cross into Pakistan and receive training by the ISI, and the groups active in Afghanistan. Additionally, he acknowledged that presently focus has gone from fighting India, to fighting Jihad started by the United States with the invasion of Afghanistan and Iraq. Mr. Geelani acknowledged that some funding from the military and intelligence services has seen an annual decrease, however the logistical and emotional support remained, especially with regards to and from Afghanistan. This maintains the quid pro quo relationship between Al Qaeda and the PoK based organizations. Groups such as LeT and JeM provide sanctuary and inside intelligence via their government connections. In return, Al Qaeda provides financial assistance via fundraising avenues and training. Examples of the training signatures are the Mumbai attacks and the London bombings, both of which were extremely well coordinated and affective. Now, skeptics might point to Mumbai and assume that since it was LeT that it does not suggest an Al Qaeda element, until you mention the Jewish Center that was also a target. Not a common calling card for an organization presumably hitting India due to injustices taking place inside IoK. Once again, everyone knows where the plans were hatched, unfortunately India and Pakistan respectively want to keep everything related to the Kashmir region in house, regardless of the detriment it brings to their own internal security, let alone putting the rest of the world at risk.
India and Pakistan remain mired in a 60 year Cold War to their own detriment both in economics and security. Both sides vehemently are against third party intervention due to the nature of activities both India and Pakistan have forced the people of Kashmir to endure. More importantly, the majority of annual US military monetary appropriations find their way to funding operations on the border with India rather than the SWAT Valley and Northern territories, which from Pakistan’s point of view does not serve their “long-term interests.” However, in this case, the Pakistani relationship with militancy on the Indian border as a proxy force resulted in the ability to conceal the world’s public enemy number one. Worst of all, despite the best of intentions the ISI and military have with maintaining and fostering these groups, the price in political capital and public embarrassment once full disclosure is realized about the relationship between militants and the Pakistani authority, and the militants and Al Qaeda could cause a collapse of the system as a whole.
Pakistan remains known as a safe haven for some of the worlds most dangerous groups and leaders. This was made possible given the relationship with militant groups who claim the Kashmir Issue as their primary focus. In Mr. Geelani’s view, the situation in Afghanistan has not only given way to, “perfect militant training conditions”, additionally PoK based militants are able to exploit this relationship with the military and ISI by granting safe passage and aid in assisting the Taliban and Al Qaeda fighters to move without question in the border region. Following the killing of Bin Laden and his proximity to the heart of military and ISI training, there was no question in why he was there, and who was behind it.
Due to growing economic ties with India, and the continued “security” relationship with Pakistan, the USG finds itself in a precarious situation on the sub-continent. India and Pakistan have insisted the US refrain from conducting military and intelligence operations in the Kashmir region. Surprisingly, India of all countries, vehemently protested when President Obama initially included Kashmir in the portfolio of the late Ambassador Richard Holbrook. Unfortunately, the US was forced to continue the focus on the Northern Territories and SWAT, and take a hands-off approach in PoK, despite most intelligence and media reports of the PoK based groups and Al-Qaeda relationship. If you were Al Qaeda, who have close ties with PoK based groups spanning over two decades, why not seek sanctuary in the one area US forces are continually prevented from pursuing your whereabouts?
The main rub on the whole situation rests in the continued monetary, military and intelligence assistance the PoK militants receive from both the ISI and Pakistani military. This is not to assume that the relationship between the militant organizations and the Pakistani authorities are conducted at the senior level. A fundamental reason why very little will be found in any investigation with regards to who knew Osama bin Laden was in Abattobad, is the simple fact they did not know. ISI and military personnel, who sustain this close relationship, view their relationship with the militants more important to Pakistan than the US-Pakistan relationship due to the conflict with India. Moreover, those individuals more than likely did not know that the person staying in the house was Osama Bin Laden, but a special “Guest” of the militant hiding him out, and asked his government insiders to just “not ask questions” with regards to the identity of the “Guest.” Then again, it would be insulting if they did…
In 2008, I spent a month in Srinagar, Kashmir, India, and more importantly time with All Parties Hurryiet Conference Senior Leader Syed Ali Geelani. He spoke in detail of the training camps during the 1980’s in Pakistan, where young Kashmiri fighters would cross into Pakistan and receive training by the ISI, and the groups active in Afghanistan. Additionally, he acknowledged that presently focus has gone from fighting India, to fighting Jihad started by the United States with the invasion of Afghanistan and Iraq. Mr. Geelani acknowledged that some funding from the military and intelligence services has seen an annual decrease, however the logistical and emotional support remained, especially with regards to and from Afghanistan. This maintains the quid pro quo relationship between Al Qaeda and the PoK based organizations. Groups such as LeT and JeM provide sanctuary and inside intelligence via their government connections. In return, Al Qaeda provides financial assistance via fundraising avenues and training. Examples of the training signatures are the Mumbai attacks and the London bombings, both of which were extremely well coordinated and affective. Now, skeptics might point to Mumbai and assume that since it was LeT that it does not suggest an Al Qaeda element, until you mention the Jewish Center that was also a target. Not a common calling card for an organization presumably hitting India due to injustices taking place inside IoK. Once again, everyone knows where the plans were hatched, unfortunately India and Pakistan respectively want to keep everything related to the Kashmir region in house, regardless of the detriment it brings to their own internal security, let alone putting the rest of the world at risk.
India and Pakistan remain mired in a 60 year Cold War to their own detriment both in economics and security. Both sides vehemently are against third party intervention due to the nature of activities both India and Pakistan have forced the people of Kashmir to endure. More importantly, the majority of annual US military monetary appropriations find their way to funding operations on the border with India rather than the SWAT Valley and Northern territories, which from Pakistan’s point of view does not serve their “long-term interests.” However, in this case, the Pakistani relationship with militancy on the Indian border as a proxy force resulted in the ability to conceal the world’s public enemy number one. Worst of all, despite the best of intentions the ISI and military have with maintaining and fostering these groups, the price in political capital and public embarrassment once full disclosure is realized about the relationship between militants and the Pakistani authority, and the militants and Al Qaeda could cause a collapse of the system as a whole.
Pakistan remains known as a safe haven for some of the worlds most dangerous groups and leaders. This was made possible given the relationship with militant groups who claim the Kashmir Issue as their primary focus. In Mr. Geelani’s view, the situation in Afghanistan has not only given way to, “perfect militant training conditions”, additionally PoK based militants are able to exploit this relationship with the military and ISI by granting safe passage and aid in assisting the Taliban and Al Qaeda fighters to move without question in the border region. Following the killing of Bin Laden and his proximity to the heart of military and ISI training, there was no question in why he was there, and who was behind it.
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
My own international reality
I have not posted in over a year due to personal conflicts regarding the Kashmir issue, and the retribution that the state of India has laid on me due to my work of attempting to mediate the conflict. That being said, the events taking place in Japan touch my home in the most personal of ways.
My wife is from Tokyo. Her mothers family is from the area of Iwagi in Iwate Prefecture. It was believed up until last night that she had lost her grandmother who is 93 yrs. old and suffering severely from alzheimer's disease. She was found alive with other elderly that someone had the ability to get them out of the tsunami area. Her family has owned the rice fields for centuries as part of their samurai legacy. That is all gone now. The fields were destroyed, and the farmers who raised some of the best rice in Japan were washed away along with it. Her aunts, uncles and cousins who lived there narrowly escaped the tsunami and made it to higher ground, but everything they had is now gone as well. Oddly enough, the ancestral home stands exactly where the tsunami stopped. Knowing the history of tsunami's in the area my wife said it's no surprise that the home was built in the one area that was considered to be "safe". However, it was with a heavy heart that many of my wifes childhood memories of going to Ohama Beach as a child were lost in the rushing wave of destruction. We are glad that they are now safe from the tsunami, but the new reality with regards to the four reactors added a whole new dimension (during writing a 6.2 earthquake has occurred close to Mt. Fuji, which is a whole different fear.
My wife and I are planning on leaving for Tokyo on Friday. This trip was planned more than six weeks ago, so this was not a spur of the moment rash decision on our part. That being said, we want to be with her family. We understand the risks that come with going to the area, both from the nuclear meltdown possibility and the possibility of another major quake. We have spoken with her parents and they are not of too much concern given the reports that they are receiving. They live in the town of Hachioji which is a suburb in the Northwest section of Tokyo. There are rolling blackouts from 6pm to 10pm currently, and will more than likely be the same when we arrive on Saturday.
I know that many of you more than likely do not agree with the idea of heading to an area where so many issues are taking place. This is who we are and how we feel about our loved ones who are caught in the madness. If we in anyway believed we would be a burden or in the way, we would not go. I am experienced in disaster relief and coordination, especially regarding earthquakes, due to my involvement in the coordination of relief efforts in the Kashmir earthquake of 2005 .
We stand with our family and our people. I do consider myself to be one of the them. I have lived among the Japanese. I speak their language, I relish living in their cultural necessity of humbleness and calm, and have looked upon them with admiration and respect long before this tragedy occurred. Their strength and ability to adapt are on full display for the world to see and I hope that all of you following the events are taking notice as well. Their honor, perseverance and rational are qualities that all of us should aspire to attain. Lord knows the country that I hail from has put on full display for the world the opposite when a tragedy occurs. I will continue to update on the tragedy, as well as other events.
In closing, it is amazing how such a tragedy can bring someone back to the world that I had decided to leave. Not just Kashmir mind you, I was a Northeast Asian specialist long before my involvement in the Kashmir dispute. However, a renewed sense of purpose in this world has reemerged and I hope that anyone who feels they are lost can look to the most downtrodden and desperate and realize that we all must strive to full fill our destiny within this world to make it better.
d
My wife is from Tokyo. Her mothers family is from the area of Iwagi in Iwate Prefecture. It was believed up until last night that she had lost her grandmother who is 93 yrs. old and suffering severely from alzheimer's disease. She was found alive with other elderly that someone had the ability to get them out of the tsunami area. Her family has owned the rice fields for centuries as part of their samurai legacy. That is all gone now. The fields were destroyed, and the farmers who raised some of the best rice in Japan were washed away along with it. Her aunts, uncles and cousins who lived there narrowly escaped the tsunami and made it to higher ground, but everything they had is now gone as well. Oddly enough, the ancestral home stands exactly where the tsunami stopped. Knowing the history of tsunami's in the area my wife said it's no surprise that the home was built in the one area that was considered to be "safe". However, it was with a heavy heart that many of my wifes childhood memories of going to Ohama Beach as a child were lost in the rushing wave of destruction. We are glad that they are now safe from the tsunami, but the new reality with regards to the four reactors added a whole new dimension (during writing a 6.2 earthquake has occurred close to Mt. Fuji, which is a whole different fear.
My wife and I are planning on leaving for Tokyo on Friday. This trip was planned more than six weeks ago, so this was not a spur of the moment rash decision on our part. That being said, we want to be with her family. We understand the risks that come with going to the area, both from the nuclear meltdown possibility and the possibility of another major quake. We have spoken with her parents and they are not of too much concern given the reports that they are receiving. They live in the town of Hachioji which is a suburb in the Northwest section of Tokyo. There are rolling blackouts from 6pm to 10pm currently, and will more than likely be the same when we arrive on Saturday.
I know that many of you more than likely do not agree with the idea of heading to an area where so many issues are taking place. This is who we are and how we feel about our loved ones who are caught in the madness. If we in anyway believed we would be a burden or in the way, we would not go. I am experienced in disaster relief and coordination, especially regarding earthquakes, due to my involvement in the coordination of relief efforts in the Kashmir earthquake of 2005 .
We stand with our family and our people. I do consider myself to be one of the them. I have lived among the Japanese. I speak their language, I relish living in their cultural necessity of humbleness and calm, and have looked upon them with admiration and respect long before this tragedy occurred. Their strength and ability to adapt are on full display for the world to see and I hope that all of you following the events are taking notice as well. Their honor, perseverance and rational are qualities that all of us should aspire to attain. Lord knows the country that I hail from has put on full display for the world the opposite when a tragedy occurs. I will continue to update on the tragedy, as well as other events.
In closing, it is amazing how such a tragedy can bring someone back to the world that I had decided to leave. Not just Kashmir mind you, I was a Northeast Asian specialist long before my involvement in the Kashmir dispute. However, a renewed sense of purpose in this world has reemerged and I hope that anyone who feels they are lost can look to the most downtrodden and desperate and realize that we all must strive to full fill our destiny within this world to make it better.
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