The source of concern for
America is that, when it pours billion of dollars in aid in Pakistan, why still
it is considered that America is our biggest enemy?
The answer depends on many factors. First of all, congress should revise its
terms of engagement in the so-called war on Terror. Some ground realities reveal
that aid given by America does not reach the common man. This might be a factor
in shaping views about America but the most important one is a radicalize
society in which young generation is taught to hate America. WHY?
Well, recently, parliament formulated a renewed terms of engagement with America
but where were the opinions of common man in that report? Our military plays a
pivotal role in shaping our foreign policy and common masses play the role
audience. How is it possible for both countries to engage their societies and
young generations when they are kept in dark about the relationship between the
two allies?
Washington believes that money will improve Pakistan’s economic situation and
win hearts and minds, whereas Islamabad believes that trade will strengthen its
economy. China has adopted domestic consumption based economy. Pakistan should
strengthen its agro-sector to sustain economy and do away with capitalism, which
is widening the gulf between Pak-US relations. Foreign aid and corruption will
not help end poverty, generate employment and sustain economy in the long run.
Washington cannot go on financially supporting a nation the size of Pakistan.
Similarly, Islamabad cannot depend on foreign aid to address its financial
problems indefinitely. Islamabad therefore needs to review and replace the
failed capitalism to end inflation, control poverty, generate jobs, improve
healthcare, education, and build national infrastructure.
In today’s world, image of different countries is shaped by the policies of its
governments. If we want to eradicate terrorism, Pakistan and America have to
engage their societies and formulate a coherent approach towards their common
enemy. People of both countries should raise their voices against the wrong
policies of government. Engaging people of both countries at societal level can
avoid the widening rift between the two. Arranging different cultural festivals
can do this. America should also realize that carrot and stick policy is not a
way out of problem. S’ Congress should subject the aid to ensure transparency in
its use. More, importantly, people to people approach should be pursued and
masses should not be kept in dark regarding the terms of engagement in war on
terror.
In terms of foreign policy and security state, it is US which is a security
state because it is maintaining more than 700 military bases in 130 countries.
It is Washington that has entangled Islamabad in illegal Afghan war. American
public doesn’t support illegal Afghan war. Bush imposed this war on America
without the approval of US Congress. Therefore, White House’s biannual report to
US Congress has no public and legal credibility. In fact, US Congress should be
ashamed of itself for failing to save trillions of dollars of tax money spent on
illegal war(s). Islamabad needs to downgrade its military relations with
Washington. Instead, focus on its economic and strategic interests in the
region, use example of Gulf State and Mexico to secure its borders with a mix of
fences, mines and manned and unmanned surveillance, and scrap NATO supply routes
to improve Pak-US relations.
Some conspiracy theorists might think that I am promoting ‘Americanism’. But my
real purpose is to promote a globalized society, which should abandon arms race
and establish a peaceful and harmonious society. This can be done by engaging
social sector in policy formulation, which will establish people to people
contact and benefits of globalization will reach the common man.