The Only Way to Stop the Drone Attacks

Pakistanis often innocently ask: There are many anti-American countries in the world, but why is Pakistan the only country being targeted by the United States’ drone attacks? One does not need to think a lot or do extensive research to answer this question. The answer to the question is simple. First, let me tell you a joke.

One day Bhagwan (a Hindu God) appeared to a man in his dream. He said to the man, “Your brother curses me every day. If you do not make him stop, I will cut your head off.” The man responded, “Bhagwan, what can I do? Why am I responsible for my brother’s behavior? Why don’t you stop him?” Bhagwan asked,”How can I stop him? He does not even believe in me!”

Imagine the following scenarios: What if America attacks China with a drone? China, of course, will fight back, attack America, and ensure that such an attack never takes place again. You are thinking, well of course China will retaliate against America. After all, it is such a powerful country. Then let’s imagine that America attacks North Korea and Iran. Of course, these countries, too, will respond and attack America in return. Let’s take the examples of even weaker countries then, such as Venezuela and Cuba. If America were to attack these relatively weak countries, they would surely fight back. What I am trying to say is that the citizens of all these countries have a strong sense of pride and honor. They know how to defend themselves. They know how to take lives and give lives for the cause of their country.

If we adopt these countries’ attitudes, then we, too, can succeed. Let us say the following words to all our allies and enemies today: Forget what has happened in the past, but if any of you ever launches a drone attack on us in the future, we will surely retaliate! After this declaration, if another country still dares to send their plane into our skies, we will have to strike it down. If a country crosses our borders and attacks us, we must also cross their borders and attack them.

This is the only way these drone attacks will stop. We will not stop these attacks by issuing useless statements and giving political speeches. Let’s ask America and these NATO countries: If we enter with our planes in your countries, how will you respond? (Please note that I am not talking about launching an actual attack on America. I am just giving a hypothetical scenario.)

We will need bravery, honor, and courage to follow the path that I have outlined above. These courageous qualities are always found in people and countries worthy of respect. These countries do not bow their heads in front of a super power. Now is the time for the Pakistani government to decide how it wants to go down in history, as cowards or as brave people. If our government wants to continue obeying America’s every command, then it should know that America will never stop launching drone attacks on us.