The U.S. Pakistan Relationship Shows the First Sign of Tension
Wed. Oct. 10, B6
In the wake of last month's terrorist attacks, the United States has begun the process of formulating a counter-offensive against terrorism. Evidence of this process is abundant, most notably in the form of the cruise missile attacks against ground targets in Afghanistan last Sunday. The counter-offensive, however, appears as if it will be a much longer process than just one wave of air strikes. This is currently a troubling point in the relations between the United States and Pakistan, with whom the U.S. has been working closely in the last few weeks, in an effort to secure a base of operations for possible American offensives into Afghanistan. As an Islamic state, Pakistan is having its share of problems concerning native unrest following governmental cooperation with America, a nation traditionally seen as the enemy of Islamic-led nations. In an attempt to placate his populace, Pakistani leader General Pervez Musharraf made statements saying "he had received 'definite assurances' that the military operation in Afghanistan would be short" (B6). President Bush, however, contradicted Gen. Musharraf, saying that to his knowledge, none of America's leading officials had made statements to that effect.
The advent of tension developing between America and Pakistan, or between America and any other nation with which America is building ties in response to the terrorist crisis, is a problematic occurrence. Outright international solidarity is likely impossible to achieve, but a good deal of unity among nations bent upon curbing terrorism is indeed a necessity. In order to fight terrorism on a large scale, to potentially eradicate its perpetrators, international cooperation is a requirement. This process will require sacrifices by every nation involved, in order to fulfill the common goal of freedom from the fear of terror. Obviously, the United States is taking the lead in this initiative. That is not to say, however, that America can or must call the shots and that other nations need to, out of duty, fall in line with the American orders. Rather, what must become apparent to all nations involved is that due to the role each nation serves in this common cause, different kinds of sacrifices will be necessary, in order to serve the common good. For Pakistan, this could mean the acceptance of a longer-term warfare against Afghanistan, something that Pakistanis clearly do not want. With a modicum of foresight, General Musharraf will understand the gravity of this situation, seeing that domestic problems of discontent in his nation's cities now is a far less considerable problem in comparison to the strife Pakistan could face if the problem in Afghanistan is not resolved now. Terrorism is not an American problem; it is an international problem. Every nation desiring a freedom from fear should understand this, and every nation capable of fighting terrorism should do its part. Sacrifices will be necessary, but once the battle is over, the victory achieved, these nations will celebrate these sacrifices, as necessary steps in attaining the greater good.