US-led War on Terror in Afghanistan (2001-2008) Part-9
Psychological impact of Drone attacks
The locals share that this technology is good because it hits the militants and the people involved in such activities. They feel fear when the militants used to be the gusts of the locals. The locals respond them well because of their traditional customs of Pashtunwali code of life. They do this because the Taliban threaten them to provide shelter. At that time the locals are also in danger because of the Drone attacks.
Drone attacks damage the US interests
Drone attacks are the source of fear in the minds of locals about their families and houses. The forces of Pakistan are not trying to stop these drone attacks because of international security demands. The locals are not thinking well about the silent response of our forces. That is why they show hatred about the Pakistani forces. It is also recorded that this is all because of anti-America sentiments.The strikes of these unmanned predators on tribal regions will badly damage USWaron Terror in Pakistan and Afghanistan. The former secretary of state Hilary Clinton has repeatedly said that war against terrorism could not bewon without the support of Pakistan.
The people of Pashtun tribal areas are bound to the customs of their society. They prefer the Pashtunwali in all respects of their lives. The major chapter of Pashtunwali is melmestia (hospitality). They respect anyone who became the guest of the Pashtun family. They provide each and everything according to their limits to their guests.
The solution to this unrest in the FATA and border areas of KPK is to implement the tribal political system which is regularized by Pashtunwali. These political reforms will bring peace and stability in the region. The institutions of government of Pakistan are not functioning properly in these areas of conflicts. Taliban are not the product of the traditions of Pashtu’s. They are some alien and danger elements to disturb the systems of Pakistan. It will lead to discrimination for the people of border areas because it is the result of narrow vision military policies and boosting economic and political deprivation.
The role of state is mandatory to cope with these situations of unfavorable security and stability. The stability of the region is dependent upon the proper implementation of political, economic, judicial and administrative reforms in the region.
The Pakistan Taliban are getting control and expanding throughout the region just because of the poor military operations, conciliation deals and lack of cooridination among the institutions of Pakistan. They are fleeing militants and relocating to safe areas of FATA. The Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) network – led by BaitullahMehsudwho was died in 5th August 2009 is spreading its roots in the country. His next commander deputy HakimullahMehsud was also trying to strengthen the militants.
The government of Pakistan should eliminate such kind of extremism with the support of locals by providing them social, economic and political opportunities. Government should provide protection to the people of conflicted areas because their Maliks are dependent upon militants for their protection. If the Pakistani government provide basic facilities to the people of Pashtun belts, then there will be satisfactory results leading to prosperity and harmony in the region.
On 14th August, 2009 President Asif Ali Zardari announced a reform package lifting restrictions on political party activity; curtailing the bureaucracy’s arbitrary powers of arrest and detention; excluding women and minors from collective responsibility under the law; establishing an appellate tribunal; and envisaging audits of funds received and disbursed by the auditor general. The Pakistan People’s Party Parliamentarian (PPP-P)-led government has described this reform package as the first step towards mainstreaming FATA, and much remains to be done. It must now swiftly implement these measures and, more importantly, take steps to fully incorporate the tribal areas into the federal constitutional framework, with provincial representation, legal protections under the Criminal Procedure Code and the national and provincial courts.
The international community may lend a hand to promote inter-dependence within the larger region through the power of trade, economic opportunity and gas pipelines, in order to change the structure of state-to-state relations, and create a popular stake in peace and stability. Steady engagement will advance human rights and human democratization more effectively than punitive measures. Unless the war against regional militancy becomes a comprehensive international and regional effort, employing political, economic, military and cultural means, it will be highly unlikely to win hearts and minds.
Force may be necessary to forestall terrorists’ attacks, or apprehend them wherever possible. Nevertheless, the use of force will be affective only if it is used as a part of a strategy that also deals with underlying causes. A three-pronged military, political and economic approach to counter-insurgency needs implementation in true spirit. The confidence and trust of the general public will increase if the deployed army in the troubled areas will improve political, economic and social conditions.
- SajjadShaukat, ―Drone attacks damage the U.S. interests ‖. Pak Tribune, 28 June, 2012.