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Pakistan:
In a Corner
The
Kashmir Telegraph says.........
Since the inception of
over decade-long militancy in Kashmir, aided and abetted by
Pakistan, it has been for the first time that there has been an unequivocal
and overwhelming support for India in the International
community against the growing menace of Islamic fundamentalism in
particular and cross-border terrorism in general.
The International community lead by the Western democracies
have openly endorsed Indian's view point much to the dismay of its
so-called ally in the war against global terrorism. Statements
emanating from all quarters indicate that the International
community has come to realize that Pakistan in itself is the hub and
the nerve center for Islamic terrorism and that General Musharraf
has betrayed the cause of fighting Global terrorism by not
translating his words into action; choosing to remain a mute
spectator to the activities of these Islamic groups who have been targeting
Indian establishments across the Line of Control.
In an highly charged atmosphere, Pakistan feels itself
cornered by the conventional military might of India and as such has
openly resorted to nuclear threats against India despite India's commitment
of "no-first-use". Pakistan's latest threat is the part of
its game plan to placate its own domestic constituency but in doing
so is it has irked the Western democracies to the extend that it has
pushed itself into a larger quagmire; with General Musharraf
increasingly finding his support base dwindling, both at home and
away; a sign which many analysts believe weakens General's position
considerably to the extent that his regime may be toppled by one of
his one trusted lieutenants with the support of CIA.
Such
hostile postures have certainly not gone well with the Western
democracies and given that there has been no de-escalation in the
present scenario, US & UK has advised its citizens to pull out
of India and Pakistan as soon as possible.
Sundeep
Waslekar, an expert in Conflict Resolution in his recently published
report on the state of Pakistan argues that the Jehadi elements are
fast emerging as the voice of conscience in Pakistan and according
to him, it might prey not only the frustrations of the people but
also sympathetic corps commandes with the Pakistan army.
Though
there are still hectic behind the scene parleys going on in the
politico-diplomatic circles to de-escalate the present stand-off,
highly placed sources indicate that there is a growing rift between
Secretary of State Colin Powel and President Musharraf in the
aftermath of his recent speech. The move by Pakistan to withdraw its
forces from the Afghan border leaves American forces in a vulnerable
position for its operations against the Taliban, something which is
bitterly resented by the US.
It
is imperative that there is no let off of pressure on Pakistan till
it does not take concrete measures to ensure that the roots of
Islamic fundamentalism are eradicated and that it stops its
proxy war against India at the earliest. Should Pakistan not yield
to the genuine aspirations of India in particular and international
community in general, full economic sanction on the lines of Iraq be
imposed. Also in the event of defiance of its commitment to fight
global terrorism, India should be fully backed to take what ever
option it deemes fit necessary to safeguard its national interests.
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