Hillary Clinton in Pakistan

This refers to Dr. Nazir Khaja’s assessment (Oct. 6) of the recent visit by US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton to Pakistan. Dr. Khaja has tried very hard to create the impression that it was a successful visit and blamed Pakistan media for undermining its effect. I am no right-wing media person, but my question is what has Pakistan gained from its long relationship with the US? Right from the beginning in 1947, all benefits have gone to the US. In 1962 the US persuaded Pakistan not to open a second front in Kashmir when India was engaged in a war with China, assuring Pakistan that they would resolve the Kashmir problem using the UN. And how did India respond? By arming the terrorist Mukti Bahni in then East Pakistan and dismembering Pakistan to create Bangladesh. Washington’s rapprochement with China was facilitated by Pakistan, which in turn eased the pressure on the US in Vietnam. Furthermore the US became the sole superpower in the world after the Soviet Union was defeated in Afghanistan, again with the help of Pakistan.

But what did Pakistan get in return? Recently declassified documents show the CIA was involved in the assassination of Liaqat Ali Khan, Pakistan’s first prime minister and one of its founders. Pakistan got dictators who were supported by the US, who destroyed every single civil institution of the country and the anti-Soviet war in Afghanistan created problems for Pakistan that are still unsolved. Then came 9/11 and more games and more terrorist activities. How come weapons of NATO and US that are “lost” in Afghanistan find their way into the hands of terrorists in Pakistan? Who is “losing” them and why? Then Hillary Clinton conveniently brushed away concerns about Indian involvement in Pakistan. How would she respond if Iran or Cuba opened 40 “consulates” near Texas in Mexico? Clinton says, “relations are bad between USA and Pakistan, but America doesn’t want a divorce (sic)”.

Pakistanis value the friendship of the American people, but there is deep mistrust between the American government and Pakistani people. The Pakistani media agree on this — whether they are right-wing or left-wing.

Muhammad Aqdas, Islamabad, published 9 November 2009

Cycling in Copenhagen

Yes I totally agree with Aijaz Zaka Syed (Oct. 30). Can’t wait till December to see what US President Barack Obama will do! The US is one of the countries that make the environment worse. Still it is calling on others to promote greening and recycling. Let the US lead by example.

Diana Rayan, By e-mail, published 9 November 2009

An exciting game

The stadium jam packed, cricket fans admiring their role models, players giving their utmost and TV viewers biting their nails almost till the end. What an extraordinarily exciting contest it proved to be between India and Australia at Hyderabad!

I never thought that India would be able to bring things to the brink of a perfect win over Aussies. After all, it was a huge target set by the Australians with their top order at its best touch. The Aussies really went after the Indian bowling attack and showed their potential. After some good knocks from the English team, it was the turn of the little master, Sachin Ramesh Tendulkar. What a phenomenal innings he played! This man is such a pleasure to watch. His blistering innings of 175 odd runs really boosted the morale of Indian supporters after having lost Sehwag early. Once again the player has shown his class and has left many of his critics startled. Hence, even Bret Lee had to say: “They are very, very unpredictable sides in the nicest way possible”. But, a sad end to his efforts as India lost to Australia by three runs. After Tendulkar left the crease, things really started getting cumbersome for the tail- enders. After the match was over, I saw the face of a very dejected man who had the groan of having lost a match in which he made an almost unbreakable record. The performance of some other players was also appreciable.

Meanwhile, the consistency and commitment of Kangaroos cannot be ignored. They fought till the very end. And at last were successful in their task. This quality of Australian team has caused many victories under their name.

Salman Shahid Alvi, published 9 November 2009

JCCI elections

I fully agree with Ashraf Ihsan Faqih (Oct. 6) that elections and voting are the very spirit of Islam, but the so-called “cream of society”, sitting in the chamber of commerce, are nothing but opportunists amassing wealth by all means. Some have car dealerships and they double car prices. Others have TV channels that transmit silly programs. I am not surprised at their behavior in the recent JCCI elections. I don’t think that is the place to test democracy!

Dr. Sami Al Kindy, By e-mail, published 9 November 2009

Indian meddling?

Contrary to what Zafar Raja and others allege, India doesn’t have any designs on Pakistan or want to encourage terrorist activities in Pakistan. It is actually vice versa, which was proved by the November attacks in Mumbai.

The problem is within Pakistan itself, wherein the government itself supports many Mujahedeen groups. The US, Pakistan’s ally, has itself confirmed this fact. With regard to Balochistan, it is again Pakistan’s internal problem with the tribal chiefs, which should be sorted out internally, instead of blaming any other country with baseless or groundless statements. My sincere advice to Pakistan is to look into its problems first.

Ghayas Khan, Muscat, published 9 November 2009

The mess in Afghanistan

This is regarding Aijaz Zaka Syed’s article about the mess in Afghanistan (Nov. 6).

He says: “This has to change. If Obama is indeed seeking a ‘new way forward’, he should order an immediate pullout of all US and allied troops from Iraq, Afghanistan and leave the mess in Pakistan to its leaders. For the answers to the riddles in Iraq, Afghanistan and Pakistan are elsewhere. The key to America’s security and world peace lies in Jerusalem.” I agree with you that the US should pull out. But how do we create that change? There is a groundswell of support for the troops coming home. In fact, there are millions and millions of supporters for this idea, yet the people in power are not listening. I think the reason the currently empowered group clings to its position is that it believes the Middle East is leading the world toward a nuclear confrontation, and they fear being blamed for having a nuclear disaster “on their watch.” It is a pre-eminent concern in much the same way as avoiding another 911 on American soil. Another 9/11? Yes, we were reminded again with Mumbai.

I’m guessing (since I have no way of knowing) that Israel, with its nuclear arsenal, offers the US a buffer, as well as a foothold from which to operate, should drastic measures be deemed appropriate. No other case has been made that makes sense to me as to why the people who have the power continue in their position. If I’m right, how do we change the minds of those people? The threat they perceive is certainly real.

Steve, By e-mail, published 9 November 2009