The politics of terrorism

The politics of terrorism

Mohammad Jamil

Despite the elimination of TTP top level leadership and shooting down of hundreds of other militants in Swat and Waziristan operations, there seems to be no let up in terrorism in Pakistan. Every day brings a new tragedy of bloodbath with the loss of hundreds of causalities and destruction of public and private properties. Regrettably, the war against terrorism waged by the US soon after 9/11 has proved more destructive for the survival of Muslim states than to the terrorists themselves. Furthermore, the war that started in Afghanistan has not only spilled over to Pakistan but major cities of the world’s important geo-strategic state. Unfortunately, Pakistan presents the same picture of chaos and gory, which has become the destiny of Iraq and Afghanistan after US intervention.

If religion is the sole factor in the bloody episode of suicide bombings, why do these so-called ‘jihadis’ use Indian and US made weapons and explosives to make their way to jannah (heaven)? The fact of the matter is that terrorism is just not as simple to understand as it seems to be; rather it has become a complicated phenomenon in today’s world politics. It would not be wrong to assume that terrorism is just not the hobby of religious fundamentalists as it is being opined by some western intellectuals; but more plausibly it is an effective gimmick to be used by world players to secure and advance their own interests. It is true that there are Muslim militant organizations which are found guilty in most of the incidents of terrorism worldwide, but we cannot rule out the possibility that they are just the puppets used by hegemonists and imperialists and are not the real players. Alas! There has been no dearth of traitors in Muslim community who always bargained away the interests of their fellow beings for a few pennies. Today, the puppet government of Hamid Karazai in Afghanistan is the best example of such a scenario. The situation in Pakistan and some Arab countries is also not different where the leaders are just at beck and call of the US govt. instead of being united for the benefits of their fellow Muslims.

With this background in mind if we analyze the phenomenon of terrorism in Pakistan, it seems to be multi dimensional. At lowest front it might be an undertaking of some religious fanatics who are brainwashed to die with the wrong assumption of securing an eternal life in paradise. In such a case, misinterpreted religious ideology is probably inculcated in the minds of illiterate and deprived youth to prepare a specific mindset which is blind to perceive the consequences of their barbaric acts. However there is no denying the fact that the masterminds of terrorism are neither religiously motivated nor have they any ideological objective to achieve, but they are being manipulated by some foreign elements.

Thus, it can be said with certainty that at the highest level, the terrorists’ network in Pakistan is being run with the support of foreign intelligence agencies. The involvement of RAW, an Indian spy agency, in fuelling terrorism in Pakistan is not just mere allegation, but sufficient proofs have been handed over to the Indian prime minister Manmohan Singh by Pakistan prime minister Yusuf Raza Gillani at their meeting at Sharm el Sheikh. One could hardly ignore the statement of Afghan Government’s Advisor, Ehsanullah Aryanzai which he made at Pak-Afgan Parliamentary Jirga on April 2, 2009. He stated clearly, “India is using Afghan soil to destabilize Pakistan.”

Unfortunately, we just see the barbarity of the perpetrators and ignore the hidden hands. A suicide bomber ultimately perishes with his evil and horrible act of explosion but the real culprits remain alive to hook other persons to execute another series of bloodbath. Probably for that very reason terrorism in Pakistan seems to have no end despite the killings of thousands of terrorists. History is evident that India has been indulging in destructive activities against Pakistan since its very inception. The RAW had not only played a crucial role in the dismemberment of Pakistan but the ongoing insurgency in Balochistan is also largely sponsored by India’s notorious intelligence agency. However, we should not be oblivious to the fact that India is not alone in its policy to dismantle Pakistan but it is fully patronized by the US. Evidently, the dismemberment of Pakistan in 1971 was not entirely a RAW’s venture, but it was fully sanctioned in Washington before being executed.

Today, the situation is no more different. Indo-US ties after 9/11 and India’s consulates and intelligence network in Afghanistan with the full support of the US is a cause of great concern for Pakistan since these consulates are being used for providing full support and training to militants for executing their destructive activities in Pakistan. Unfortunately, the government of Pakistan has totally failed to move forward its case effectively simply because there are no ‘positive signals’ from Washington. However the time has come when we should address the root causes of terrorism and expose the hidden hands involved in the destruction of Pakistan. This means that Pakistan has to eliminate extremism in every form and manifestation and ensure socio-economic justice in the society with a view to alleviating poverty so that poor people do not become fodder for the religious shysters who misinterpret Islam and its teachings.

Last but not the least, our foreign office should perform its duties efficiently, as it has been found wanting on many counts. Whenever there is a terrorist act in India and Pakistan is accused of it, our foreign office is on the defensive and starts giving explanations. On the other hand, when Pakistan has the concrete proof of India’s involvement behind an act or acts of terrorism, it neither takes up the matter with India nor it tells the international community about Indian machinations. Even Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani said the other day that Pakistan has sufficient proof of Indian’s involvement in Balochistan and FATA but Pakistan will disclose it at appropriate time. One does not understand what does he mean by ‘appropriate time’? Sixty-two years have passed and we are waiting for an ‘appropriate time’ to expose the hidden hands. It is really ridiculous.