US Drones in Syria, Turkey accepts Mossad’s cooperation

‘If a dog fell into your well, would you remove the dog or empty the well? Once a red dog fell into Afghan well, the International community helped to get it out. Now, a white dog has fallen, what are they doing? They are emptying the well, one bucket at a time.’

By the time the reader fully understands the meaning of every word mentioned above, a melancholy spirit of distaste and pain is generated from within.

The story of Afghanistan after 1989 invasion of Soviet Union followed by American occupation can be rightly explained through the above words.

Interestingly, the same narration travels to Syria now.’The white dog has fallen into Syria’s well. What they are doing now, interestingly, is to increase the size of this well’

‘US drones in Syria: Legal or Illegal?’

The conspiracies and murky bets are turning true. America accepted that there are US drones flying over Syria. After the Iraq war by Bush Administration that worked on the principle of ‘ Either you are with us, or against us’, US is revealing its new colours. How can, one country, inspite of it being a super power, ever have the rightful access to another country’s air space?

Its amazing how the propaganda can be used. US states that its urgent to send drone attacks to Syria so that the real picture can be narrated to the international audience and hence, a stronger international response can be attained.In the terms of international diplomacy, US tends to find ‘intercepts of Syrian government and military communications.’ Well, who will take the blame/ or credit, if President Assad is assassinated in this attempt?

‘The failure of UN, again’

If that has to be the eventual end, I believe there is not point in having meetings of the UN security councils and even the vetoes. It turns out that all these highly acclaimed meetings are nothing but presentations put by paper tigers with no meaning, essence or even motif of sustenance.

‘Syria is not Pakistan’

Syria is not Pakistan that has sold itself under President Musharaff to US. It does not deserve the unmanned drone attacks. In fact, its Russia which has military base in Syria, unlike American bases in Pakistan.Osama bin Laden did not go to hiding in Syria after leaving Sudan. Al-Qaeda and Pathan Taleban are not in Syria. Hence, US knows that it can not use the usual message of ‘War on Terror’.

‘Stalin Versus Obama’

But to carry out the same odious execution, the name will be changed, wile the operation remains the same.

I wonder, whats the difference between US ( as a complete entity) and Stalin? They both are carrying out massive executions and using conspiracies to defend themselves.

‘Turkey’s role in Syria‘

Also, it has been revealed that the Turkey had been training the Free Syrian Army. 40 Turkish intelligence officials have been captured working along with the Syrian opposition. They also confessed that Mossad (The Israeli Intelligence) has been working with them. In fact, Mossad has also been working with the Al-qaeda operative in Jordan to slash out Syria.

One can find one common trail, or a pattern. In the case of Libya, US had relied on Al-Qaeda fighters who belonged to the Libyan Islamic Fighting Group (LIFG) to out Gadaffi. Undoubtedly, in the case of Syria, it is the Free Syrian Army that is being used in the similar manner.

‘Have revolutions failed?’

Perhaps Edmund Burke was right when he smirked at the French Revolution and stated that such occurrences are nothing but a facade. One can see the dwindling path of the uprising in Syria.

Well, someone rightly said, Reason and ignorance, opposites of each other, influence bulk of mankind. If either of these can be rendered sufficiently extensive in a country, the machinery of the government goes on.

But no one said, what happens, if both Assad and US start using the ‘ignorance’ and no reasoning, ever follows.

Withdrawal of US troops in Afghanistan: A bird of ill Omen for India

After a decade, on 22nd June 2011, the current US President Barack Obama has announced the withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan.

A lot of speculation is being done about the various motives and outcomes of the withdrawal. And perhaps all this chaos, is not good news for India.

To start with, David Ignatius , the famous American journalist states, ‘The quick departure is a guarantee of failure. It risks repeating the mistake the United States made in the 1980s when, after pumping money and guns into Afghanistan to defeat the Soviet Union, America walked away — creating a power vacuum that was exploited by warlords and their regional patrons.’

This time, the power vacuum is being created for India. She would soon be exposed to a vulnerable spot by a Pakistan dominated neighbourhood and unfettered militancy. The precipitous withdrawal of the international forces rewinds the time back to Afghanistan of 1990s. It might turn worse this time. Especially when Al-Qaeda is all set to establish its existence after the death of Osama bin Laden and is engrossed in hunting for havens for executing jeopardising explosions.

Though, the deployment did not ensure that the instability in South Asia would be dealt with. But yes, the withdrawal certainly sounds like a modus operandi.

Harsh V Pant of Defence Studies Department from King’s College, London, states ‘New Delhi has been contemplating the impact of US withdrawal from Afghanistan. If the US left lock, stocks and barrel, India would be left to pick the pieces.’

In an attempt to mend ties with the post America Afghanistan, Indian PM Mr. Manmohan Singh also  pledged $500m in aid to Afghanistan, which comes on top of $1.5bn already promised to the war-torn country. Though, India is still the biggest regional donor to Afghanistan, a position which is highly appreciated by the Western superpowers, its high time when Mr. Singh should realise that aids and funding might not be the best way to combat extremism and terrorism.

‘Indian troops in Afghanistan’

Interestingly, there are around 1000 Indian paramilitary soldiers in Afghanistan. These forces belong to ‘Border Roads Organisation’ and ‘Indo-Tibetan Border Police‘. They play a vital role in safeguarding the large Indian consulates in Afghanistan. In fact, in 2010 itself, Home Minister P. Chidambaram had announced ‘India to send more troops to Afghanistan’.

Retired Indian Major General Ashok K. Mehta states in his Wall Street Journal ‘Pakistanis believe that Indians and Afghans, who share excellent relations, have a mutual interest against them and see India’s presence in Afghanistan as a threat.’

2006 onwards Pakistan has been frequently asking US to restrain the Indian presence in Afghanistan. So, the pull out of troops might prove to be an easy opportunity to finally cash upon the chance.

Unfortunately, the safety of Indian troops in Afghanistan is never talked about.

‘India’s future‘

No doubt, there is nothing heroic in stuffing pockets of enemies and reaching out for a global diplomatic stand. At the same time, there is no point in waiting for another attack on the Indian embassy in Kabul.

But perhaps, its would be wiser to realise who the real enemy is? Is it Taliban in Afghanistan or Pakistan? The answers wont come in a day or two. Till then, India should ‘wait and watch.’

Ayman al-Zawahiri: the new leader of Al-Qaeda in old robes

23 years after its inception, today Al-Qaeda has two distinct options. The first one is to be a phoenix, to rise from its ashes. The second one, no doubt, is to surrender into anonymity.

Strenuously making an impact against the later, Al- Qaeda has selected a new leader, after the over hyped and demanded encounter of Osama bin Laden. An egyptian surgeon turned miliant Ayman al-Zawahiri is the new leader. He turns 60 this sunday.

Its indeed interesting how his name has suddenly become a hot debate in the international news. The US dismiss his appointment as ‘nowhere near to scary.’ Perhaps, they once again have forgotten that Al-Qaeda is not represented by one protagonist but the ideology behind it. Hence, the selection of a new successor or the interim governance leading it, hardly makes a different.

Secondly, Zawahiri has his own wounds to lick. His entire family, including a wife and two children, were destroyed in the December 2001 in US attack in his own residence in Afghanistann. Hence, there is no chance that he would not take a revenge out of it.

Thirdly, not many know that Zawahiri was the mastermind behind what Osama bin Laden did. One of them is the usage of suicide attackers inspite of Osama not being ready for using them. He called these suicide bombers as ‘marytrs of freedom’. A man who harbours this mindset should be scrtunised beyond what he speaks and what he avoids to speak.

Zawahiri’s journey’

During his initital days, Zawahiri was exposed to radical Islam through the teachings of Islamist Sayyid Qutb. 
In 1981, he was involved in the assasination of Egyptian President Anwar al-Sadat. After being involved in mass arrests, he was released in
 1984. Soon he fled to Pakistan and joined the Afghanistan Mujahideen. In 1986 he met Osama bin Laden and after two years, he played a pivotal 
role in the setting up of Al-Qaida in Pakistan. Known for his argumentative and out-spoken language, Zawahiri is considered to be 'less charismatic' 
than Osama bin Laden. 

'Challenges infront of Zawahiri'
Especially after several key documents being raided by the US special forces during the encounter of Osama bin Laden, the task of Zawahiri to once 
again maintain the secrecy of the group is quite difficult. He also needs to work on uniting the Al-Qaeda chambers in the Middle East and the Saudi. 
Evading the American pursuers would be another herculean task. 

Since he is not the founder of Al-Qaeda, it is believed that Zawahiri has the challenging task to establish the second tier relationship with the group. 
Also, the group is going through a financial crunch right now. The strategic policies towarda countries such as Yemen, Egypt and Libya also need to 
be changed. Inspite of the fact that Zawahiri still used to call the shots even during the time of Osama bin Laden, he needs to prove that Al-Qaeada still exists, 
especially as 2011 marks 'ten decades' to the September 2001 terror attacks.

Though, age and seniority are at his side, the previous role of 'micr0-managing' al-Qaeda would demand a lot of immediate pursuits. 
He also needs to work on bringing together the cultural, sociological, geographic and ideological differences present in the militant group and 
unite them.

What he does and does not, will be revealed only by time and technology.

Another Scar: Terrorist attack on Pakistan, conspiracy theories, role of India and US

The 18 hour long terrorist attack on the PNS Mehran airbase in Karachi leading to the loss of 2 Orion P-3C aircrafts, each valuing $36m is a jeopardising blow for Pakistan, especially after the Abbottabad raid of Osama bin Laden. The inferno not only proves to be a damage to installations and assets but it questions about security, safety and once again, death.

‘Attacks on symbols of defence and security create more panic as they convey a vivid impression that what about the common man if our defenders are unable to protect themselves.’ comments Pakistan Observer.

‘India’s Hand?’

One of the Pakistani newspapers have stated the utter dislike which India has for PC3 Orions and has already shot down one over the Rann of Kutch during a huge fight.  Also, the Orions are equipped with  Harpoon anti-missiles, which are a great challenge to India.

Though, Dawn reports that the Pakistani Taliban has confirmed their hand in this attack, once again, stating it as a brutual revenge to Osama’s death.

‘Insider’s hand?’

Security analyst Imtiaz Gul has stated that it ‘looks like an insider’s job‘. Especially, the mere fact analysis of the methodical tactics involved. Discrepancies on how the Islamist fighters manage to gain access is another debatable question which haunts the Pakistan security, especially after the PFA was unable to detect American raid on 1st May.

‘ America’s role‘

The PC3 Orions were American surveillance planes. Army leader Gen. Ashfaq Parvez Kayani has stated that US Senator John Kerry confirmed that US was not interested in seizing Pakistani’s nuclear weapons.

General Ashfaq wants to enhance the morale and dispel the impression of incompetence by re-doubling the efforts against terrorism.

Meanwhile, Naval Chief Adm. Nauman Bashir is being criticised for stating that there was no security lapse.

Though, Pakistan’s ability to safeguard its own vital assets and nuclear installations is getting damaged.

‘Meanwhile, in India.’

In India, as the trial as Tahawwur Hussain Rana who was accussed of helping plan the terror attacks in Mumbai is getting judged in a Chicago court, the main prosecution protagonist Headley has confessed that he had help from Pakistan’s spy. He even testified, exposing the role of Pakistan’s ISI.

‘ Another scar’

Pakistan has witnessed innumerable atrocities. The first one, in this manslaughter was seen in 2007 when the commando base witnessed a suicide attack. Next was 2009 Rawalpindi on a mosque on 4th December where 5 armed suicide attackers hurled fire on around 150 worshipers. The recent attack was when Pakistani Taliban Tehrik-e-Taliban carried out two bomb attacks in the Frontier Constabulary located in Charsadda district.

The real questions?

There are two main questions which are involved in the entire Karachi attack. The first one deals with, who did it? Though, Taliban has once again confirmed but it does not seem possible for the organisation to carry on an attack like this without the aid of any foreign hand. Secondly, who ever did it, did it, but till when will the innocent people of Pakistan face the fear and ignominy?

‘Pakistan can take care of her problems’

The entire butchery reminds me what Dr. Zaid Hamed , the political commentator had once said. ‘The western media states that the more you believe in conspiracy theories, the lesser you believe in facts. If Pakistan questions their deception and lies, it makes her a conspiracy theorist.’

In his interview, he had stated how he was not against any country but the ideology that governs it. The fact that even many citizens can be hard core fanatic believers in their country’s policy or might be against it, builds a nation.

Ultimately, he had voiced. ‘Pakistan can take care of her problem. But the Pakistani people have been lied for the past 60 years.’

Undoubtedly, the intrusion into Pakistan’s politics is because of its ideology, it being a Muslim nuclear state the physical location and the geopolitics involved.

He ultimately states why Pakistan is unable to mend her ways. ‘Its because the Russian, Chinese, Indians, Israelis, Arabs, Iranians and Americans are so involved with what is happening in Pakistan.’

For a spectator like me, India has the Mumbai attacks to heal herself with, Pakistan recently had the Karachi attack, US had the World Trade Centre, Afghanistan and Iraq had their own soil being infiltrated by soldiers, the middle east has continuous bloodshed.

But ultimately, what humanity has, no one knows. Perhaps, it does not have anything left, anymore.

Photo Credit: From Reuters

Pakistan and US: Breaking up!

Both US and Pakistan and going through the ‘Phase of ambivalence.’ The effort to manipulate International relations is getting challenged as both the countries are openly playing the blame game.

The members of the Congress are demanding the White House to cut down aids sent to Pakistan after the 2nd May killing of Osama bin Laden.

Dianne Feinstein, US Senator, officialy stated that Osama could not have survived in Abbottabad without Pakistan government being involved in a complicity.

Pakistan is the 3rd largest recepient of US aid. It has already been provided with £900m for this year and the next. Apart from Pakistan, only Israel and Afghanistan receive more aid.

Meanwhile, Pakistan has been complaining against US policy of unilateralism, causing prickly ties between the US Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) and Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence Directorate (ISI).

‘US can meet Osama’s family’

Thomas E. Donilon, the US national security advisor had demanded the Pakistani government to talk to Osama’s wife and family on a national television.

Initially, the Pakistan government had stated that since US had intervened with their sense of sovereignity, therefore, any form of communication in between the US and Osama’s family will not be entertained untill a written request is forwarded by the White House.

Interestingly, twisting from the above mentioned statement, Pakistan has now agreed to let Obama administration talk with the 15-17 people who are under its custody after the raid at Osama’s compound by the US navy SEAL.

The family members include three widows and several children.

‘No pressure on Pakistan’

Trying to hide the growing strain between US and Pakistan relationships, Jay Carney, the WhiteHouse spokesperson has stated that it is important to co-operate with Pakistan.

Though, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani states that the allegations of Pakistani incompetence and complicity are ‘absurd’

Recently, even the US Joint Chiefs of Staff Mike Mullen had a conversation with Pakistan’s General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani. The communication has been termed as ‘simple and sober’ as Mike Mullen understood what the General was going through.

The White House has also voiced that putting pressure on Pakistan would jeopardise US-Afghanistan relations also.

‘Greater force for killing Osama’

The US navy SEAL team witnessed an increase in military officers and helicopters around ten days before as president Obama did not want to take any chance to get Osama bin Laden.

Also, there were 2 specialist teams already stationed at the air craft carrier called Carl Vinson located in the Arabian Sea who were ordered to bury Osama after carrying the forensic testing. The other team involved translators, interrogators and lawyers to face the situation if Osama was captured alive.

There was no previous plan to contact the Pakistan government, in both these cases.

Credits: Photo from Getty Images

Osama’s death: Impact on Al-Qaeda, Pakistan, Middle East, Palestine and US

‘The worst images are those that were unseen to the world,’ said US President Barack Obama during his first public confirmation of Osama bin Laden’s death.

‘The empty seat at the dinner table. Children forced to grow up without their mother, father. Parents who would never know the feeling of their child’s embrace. Nearlly 3000 citizens taken away from us,’ said the stalwart president, painting those unseen images in the minds of millions.

Well, Osama bin Laden is dead. But, even his death tends to have innumerable ramifications for the world to still witness.

Past President George Bush who declared war on Afghanistan and Iraq has stated that the war on terrorism would still go on. Many believe that the mere end of one person does not terminate the ideology.

‘The impact on Middle east’

John Rapley states that most of the governments in Middle Eastern countries acted like US puppets. This was one of the reasons that fuelled the establishment of Al-Qaida.

Al Qaeda works in quite fragmented form, with its singular cells scattered in this region. Also, this militant organisation has been audaciously demanding radical Islam views.

On the contrary, the need for political Islam working under democracy is the new voice in the Middle east. Obviously, it does not follow the footsteps of Al-Qaeda.

The form of Islam currently being demanded in the streets of Libya, Egypt, Yemen or Bahrain is not violent or barbaric.

Hence, it would be quite a herculean task for al–Qaeda to estbalish its rule or even connect with the rebels, at this point in time.

‘Swift in US Foreign policy’

Matthew Ashton writes that over the years, there has been a drastic and dramatic change in the adoption of values stated by the US Foreign policy.

Initially, they started with interventionism and then drifting towards isolationism and vice versa.

Bush administration, chose to adopt ‘an eye for an eye’ principle, intervening in Iraq and Afghanistan. Obama administration chooses to isolate itself, especially in the middle east conflicts by not playing the main role in aiding the rebels in Libya.

Hence, Osama’s death is once again, going to affect the foreign policy rules of America and how would it been seen as ‘super power’.

‘Al- Qaeda’s agenda’

The transnational agenda of Al-Qaeda is another matter of debate. Expecting the world to be a safe place just because Osama bin Laden is dead seems frivolous. For example, Iraq did not become a safe place after Saddam Hussein’s death.

No doubt, Osama was an inspiration to this militant group he had founded decades back. With Ayman Al-Zawahri, an Egyptian surgeon taking over the control after Osama’s death, nothing can be predicted so soon. Though, both Cameron and Obama government are expecting reprisal attacks and have increased the alert levels.

‘Terrorism and Palestine’

Also, with or without Osama bin Laden, the impact of terrorism would not lessen till peace is established between Palestinian Arabs and Israelis.

In 1973, the Palestinian arabs had been displaced in a six day war. And now, they want to have their own government on the west bank of the River Jordan. Until and unless this agenda does not get solved, terrorism in the name of mass murder and barbaric butchery will not get solved.

‘Pakistan’s involvement with Osama’s death’

With more chances of Pakistan being called as a ‘failed state’, a lot of contemplation needs to be done on what relationship did US and Paskistan actually have.

Najmuddin a Shaikh states that the entire relationship was based on convergent interests of the US by using Pakistan for transit routes for American operations in Afghanistan. On the other hand, Pakistan needed military and economic assistance from US.

After Osama’s death in Abbottabad, Pakistan definitely would have to defend its establishment and answer its ties with terrorism, if so, proven under legal limits.

What is still not told about Osama?

Frivolous mayhem around Osama’s picture did get condemned by Al-Qaeda suddenly marching forward, confessing about its founder’s death and immediately soothing the tight albatross around Obama’s neck. Perhaps, all’s well that ends well.

But the problem is, this is not the end. Not even, the beginning of it.

There are several questions which are being silenced about the air raid, further adding to the political dimensions of legality and incoherent approach of the entire ‘rational’ attack.

1. Why was Osama’s body buried in the sea within 2 hours.

Reason: To avoid the body from becoming a shrine under the religious beliefs of Islam.

Question: The other two men, who were dead were also Muslim. Why was their body left behind, if the religious belief was so important? There has been no information about the other two bodies, after Pakistani TV released the gruesome pictures, messed up in blood, recently. What happened to the other two bodies?

2. Why was it broadcasted that Osama used his wife has a human shield?

Now see, there is a difference in Osama using his wife as a human shield to protect himself as an act of self defence and his wife, herself posing to be the shield, in her immediate reflex.

Was it a choice to portray ‘Osama’s image’ as a coward or just a mistake caused by overflow of information?

3. The 12 year old daughter’s statement

Osama’s 12 year daughter, born by the same Yemeni wife who chose to protect him, has stated that she saw her father’s death in front of her own eyes. Magazines like TIME and others have written explicit articles on how it might feel to be Osama’s child.

But my very genuine question is – why is the daughter, named Safiyah, not given the choice to voice her perception of the encounter? The Pakistani government has taken the charge of both mother and daughter, not letting US to have any form of communication until and unless a written request is sent.

It does not matter, if the encounter was a political assassination or a barbaric murder. Ultimately, Osama deserves it. If not for anything else, then for the Ground Zero September attacks, for sure.

But the legal constraints can not be ruled. In the International law perspective, murdering an unarmed man, is definitely a crime. So, lets see, what judicial actions, if any, would be taken in this case.

Credits: Photo from Reuters

Osama Bin Laden is Dead, confirms Al- Qaeda

Al-Qaeda has confirmed the death of leader Osama bin Laden in a militant site, ridiculing the countless blames of ‘pussy footing’ which were building up against President Obama.

The declaration signed under ‘general leadership’ issued on 3^rd May, reveals the furious response of the militant group.

In the repetitive manner of linking Islam with Osama’s existence, the group founded in 1988, condemns the US raid.  It says that bin Laden was precious to them and all Muslims.

Warning US for causing this doomsday, the military network has stated that the ‘happiness of Americans would soon be converted into sadness.’

‘Their blood will be mingled with tears,’ goes the perturbing warning.

‘9/11 Anniversary’

The US Navy SEAL, in the process of ransacking Osama’s compound have found several discs and important information indicating that the terrorist leader was planning another massive attack this year, marking the 10^th anniversary of September 2001 blasts.

It is also believed that Osama was still in close contact with the entire Al-Qaeda network by staying at his house in Abbottabad which was recently raided.

The plotting was supposedly planned for blasting railway commuting tracks in New York, as stated by trusted sources.

‘The New Osama’

After Osama’s death, it is believed that Al- Qaida’s deputy leader Ayman al Zawahiri would take the main place.

The US intelligence is now trying to track Zawahiri through the information gathered at Osama’s residence.

‘Bomb attacks in London’

An undercover reporter of ‘the Sun’, has revealed that Anwar al-Awlaki , who is also a potential candidate for being Osama Bin Laden’s successor has urged a Mumbai style terror attack in UK.

According to the reporter who posed as an Al-Qaeda fanatic, the militant team had suggested the usage of fire arms, pipe bombs and assassinations to cause terrorism in the country.

The Metropolitan police in London have stated that the ‘death of one man does not signify the end of an ideology’. Hence, the security aspects in UK are getting stricter and citizens are being asked to be more vigilant.

‘Bush said no’

Past president George Bush declined Obama’s invitation to visit the Ground Zero on Thursday to remember the deaths of 3000 innocent civilians.

He did congratulate the Obama government for their audacious victory but chose to maintain a safe distance with the current matters of the White House.

Meanwhile, President Obama after commemorating on Ground Zero yesterday would be visiting Fort Campbell, US Army installation located in Kentucky to meet the US navy SEAL who killed Osama.