We Know It’s America’s War

It is not an easy matter to handle a difference of opinion. It is also not an easy matter to handle terrorism. What attitude does Pakistan take regarding this issue? Following is the commentary by Republika reporter Muhammad Subarkah, who more than a week ago visited Pakistan.

“This is not our war; it is also not a war of the world or terrorism. It’s a war against America and its allies.” This statement was made by Ahmad Yusuf during breakfast in the restaurant of a hotel on Abdul Road in Multan, Pakistan on Sept. 25.

The morning weather that is a little cold makes the discussion with this civil engineer more fascinating. Many times, we wanted more flatbread and green tea that was sour, but refreshing.

“We know that the position of Pakistan is strategic. We are in the middle, in between large countries like China, Iran, India, Afghanistan and Russia. Since a long time ago, this territory of ours has always been fought over,” Yusuf explained.

He then told a story about the potential of natural resources in Pakistan. Not only is its population large enough, but so is the mining potential, primarily of the oil stored within the belly of the earth in that country.

“We also know, in Afghanistan, the potential of mining/drilling oil is very big. And, it is still whole. That is why the U.S. Army and its allies went there. We know that,” he stated.

For some people, perhaps the territory of Pakistan is accused of being full of nests of armed militants. There is no feeling of safety; there is no life — as if the people of Pakistan still live in the Stone Age, when there is only conflict after conflict.

But in that small town of Multan, that perception is disputed. The townspeople have normal activities. The stores and supermarkets are open starting at 10:00 a.m. until past midnight. The workers begin their activities at 9:00 a.m. [and work] until 5:00 p.m. There is even a restaurant there that is quite good — always full of visitors.

Handling Militants

Then, how does Pakistan handle the militants that are based at the Afghanistan border? According to the story of the official Director General of Inter Services Public Relations of Pakistan, Major-General Athar Abbas, it is indeed not possible to do this only using the force of weapons. The people must also be empowered.

It must be admitted, he said, that the de-radicalization of a group that has been influenced by the perspective of militants is not easy. Besides needing to have a solid and serious program, also needed are attention and a large supply of funds. Without fulfilling those preconditions, all efforts will be for nothing.

“Clearly, we have to embrace our citizens at the Afghanistan border. What’s more, their lifestyle is very simple. We have to supply education, build settlements, health services and road access, supply clean air and prepare various other social services,” said Abbas.

He admitted concern that Pakistan will continue to be a victim of the war by U.S. troops and their allies in Afghanistan. “Try to imagine: Our border with Afghanistan is 2,000 kilometers long. Its location is very difficult to reach, because it is situated in snowy mountains. Adding to the difficulty, that border is only an imaginary line.”

According to Abbas, at this latest time, the militants at that border are no longer citizens of Pakistan. They are citizens of foreign countries from various corners of the world, including Europe. If you ask where Osama bin Laden is, we also don’t know. Is he still alive or not, because living in that area is extremely difficult.

No different from the general public, the elite of Pakistan understand enough that the whirlwind of the issue of that war against terrorism is really not a war against Pakistan.