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Politics in the Middle & Near East
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| Revolution | 67% | 6 votes | Total: 9 votes | |
| Civil War | 33% | 3 votes |
Revolution
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Add to FavoritesThe world's lone Muslim nuclear power, Pakistan happens to be strategically placed between Afghanistan and India, a crossroads throughout history, buffetted by American neo-con policies and extremist Islamic cultists. There are many separate realities existing in Pakistan and they all have relevance. There are revolutions and civil wars in Pakistan, so it all depends on perspective. Pakistan is the creation of Indian Muslims, when India was given independence, so it was born of civil war and revolution.
Whenever there are people who are so fervent about their beliefs and commitments that they are willing to commit suicide while committing an act of terrorism, then by definition, it is a revolution. There have been multiple attempts on Musharraf's life. There were suicide bombers to welcome former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto upon her return to Pakistan. There are frequent acts of terror in modern Pakistan and there are many more tribals and those who live in restricted access areas. There are entire provinces in the west bordering Afghanistan outside of central government control. Is it revolution or civil war? Maybe both and neither.
Pakistan is a complex society with elements in the space age and others in predecessor ages. Significant areas and populations still live according to traditional beliefs, influenced by Islam as well as tribal heritage. There are areas where Sharia Law prevails over civil law and there are areas that are lawless. Pakistan is a land of contrasts and paradoxes.
The organized violence is definitely done with ulterior motives. Some messages are sent or received through violence. The acts of terrorist violence are intended to cause mayhem and pandamonium. Such messages are sent by anarchists seeking to cause destabilization of society. They are contrary to organized society. Revolution is what the terrorists want to foment. However, it can morph into civil war, so the label is less important than the
fact that terrorists attack the structure and foundation of Pakistani society.
Learn more about this author, Robert C. Sage.
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Civil War
Pakistan is on the cusp of a civil upheaval. Rival parties are tearing the country apart from within. Just as in most, Third World countries, when a popular leader is murdered, a power vaccum is opened. Last December, former prime minister, Benzair Bhutto met her fate. Inquires to her assassination stalled. Immediately following her death, party sympathizers rioted across Pakistan. President Musharaff unleashed his army and scores of civilians died. And then, accusations of government complicity surfaced. Angry Bhutto supporters implicated Pakistani intelligence and Al Qaida terrorists in the assassination. Fearing for his family's safety, Musharaff went into hiding. He imposed martial law for several weeks, including a dusk to dawn curfew.
President Bush is showing keen interest in the embattled nation. Pakistan nuclear facilities are a big prize for Osama Bin Laden's terror network. Al Qaida operatives stepped up their suicide bombing attacks and ambushes on army patrols. Bhutto's husband and son reorganized the party for upcoming elections. The army continued its brutal repression of political opponents and civilians. They claimed to have Al Qaida under control. However, Musharaff rebuffed Bush twice. He declined FBI bomb experts to investigate the explosive vest used in Benazir Bhutto's murder. He also turned down American military involvement to assist them in anti-terrorist operations. Instead of acting like an U.S. ally, he is playing the role of a snake.
The American public is watching Pakistan spiral into civil conflict as well. They realized that after Afghanistan and Iraq; Musharaff's nation is next. The "war on terror" is expanding whether popular or not. American soldiers' deaths reached 4,000 last week. Basically, the coalition is struggling with Saddam Hussein's Baath Party remnants, foreign fighters and Iraqi insurgents. Al Qaida shifted its focus on Pakistan's collapsing, authoritarian regime. They already removed their #1 threat in Bhutto. Musharaff proved to be a valuable asset by refusing to offer the former minister additional security. Her death left the election for his to take. But, Al Qaida is seeking to be rid of him and acquire nuclear weapons for their purpose.
The Western world are fearing an Al Qaida comeback. 9/11 happened five years ago. Bin Laden's group survived the war on terror. In five years, America brought the war to Al Qaida. It might be their time to return the deadly favor.
Learn more about this author, Marcus Brooks.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.
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