The recent trip of US foreign sectary Hillary Clinton did not surprised anybody. Her body language and talks in Pakistan clearly showed the lack of confidence and shift in strategic chess game in the region. Most of our analysts who became over optimist about Pak-US relationship were taken aback when Ms Hillary Clinton at Point blank said “ That US want access to OBL and Mullah Omer from Pakistan” in other words saying that these two were state guests in Pakistan.
She also diplomatically threatened Pakistan about any future attack originating from Pakistan on US. or if Pakistan fails to tackle Haqqani network. Nearly same kind of things were said by General James john a week prior to Ms Hillary Clintons visit to Pakistan in India. He asked Pakistan to stop Infiltration of Militants in India. Then the same type of allegations and appreciation were heard during Mike Mullen’s visit to India.
Why Pakistan is being pressurized? Whats the game
To understand this entire game first we have to see the strategic chess board and interests of big powers. India not Pakistan is a long term US ally. At strategic level Indian and US interests converge. India is a big market for US and a rival of China. Pakistan on other hand is ally of china its only Importance for US arises due to its strategic location.
The race is on for Euro Asian and Central Asian oil and Gas reserves. Especially when Peak oil is near.US and Russia fought a war in Georgia two years back for the same oil interests.
US is not going to leave Afghanistan in near future which is evident from the fact that it has invested billions in key strategic places in Afghanistan especially in Punjsher Valley a small example is construction of Special operations Base 25 Km away from Uzbekistan border in Amu Darya area in North Afghanistan. According to reports US have acquired 17 acres of land for it and it will will cost 100 million US dollars to construct it . Base will be operational by2012.
On other hand US is facing setbacks in its war in Afghanistan. It’s still in self denial and is failing to acknowledge that Taliban movement has become a Pashtun National Struggle.
Like hype created before Marjah offensive it’s giving impression that clearing NWA will solve its problems in Afghanistan where as its failing to control Paktia and Paktika provinces of Afghanistan bordering NWA which by the way is not fault of Pakistan. It’s using Pakistan as an escape goat for its failures in Afghanistan knowing very well that Pakistan has sacrificed many times more then US and NATO combine and out of 19 Divisions of Army more than 7 are currently involve in counter terrorism operation.Pakistan cannot , right now afford to go into NWA and it will be a suicide to make new enemies for sake of US or any one
At a time When US is continuously accusing Pakistan no body at our side is asking US that why it has given free hand to Taliban to regroup against Pakistan in Nuristan and Kunar Provinces of Afghanistan. This year alone Army twice claimed clearing Bajor and at last had to complain about sanctuaries of Taliban in Afghan areas of Kunar and Nuristan from where US removed its forces a year back on plea of Mc Crystals new strategy.
Pakistani establishment on other hand has also felt the Intensions and game plan of US. President Zardari’s recent trip to china was Part of Pakistan’s counter move to save its national interests. Interestingly an important visit of Mollana Fazalur Rehman to china in April this year was not given full coverage in Pakistani press. Mollana Fazalur Rehman an Influential Islamists leader having great influence both in religious minded Pashtuns was received by Chinese Communist Party. He during his stay was taken to Xinjiang Province and visited Urumqi city which few months ago was battle ground of Uyghur (Muslim)— Han(Chinese) communal Riots. Mollana Fazalur Rehman signed Memorandum of Cooperation in China during his visit.
Things are changing rapidly in the region. Russia and China do not want Prolonged American presence in Region so do Iran. American presence means that continuation of militancy in the region. In fact this militancy is in favor of US as it gives excuses to stay.
India is the only Power in region who wants US to stay that to for its own interest in Central Asia and against china and Pakistan. An analyst rightly commented that Al though US and Pakistan sleep in same bed, they have different dreams. Honey moon period is ending and in near future we will see more pressure on Pakistan and Pakistan shifting more nearer to China and Russia. It’s an Interesting game which will test the resolve and audacity of our leadership and nation.