Twisting Facts

Twisting Facts

by

Fatima Rizvi

The February 19 2009 issue of the 'Economist' carries an article 'In the Face of Chaos' that could be cited as a classic example of twisting facts, exaggerating situations and making judgments---all without a shred of supporting evidence and with unnamed shadowy figures as sources of information. The author seems to have had remarkable access to 'ISI officers'. The article has predictably found much favor with Indian writers who have quoted extensively from it. The 'Economist' lowered itself to a form of reporting that betrays its leanings or at least of some within its ranks.

Mr Holbrooke is reported as having discussed the 'crisis in Pakistan' at a rooftop restaurant in Lahore. If there was such a crisis in Pakistan what was he doing guzzling 'spicy lentils' (an Indian preferred dish-Pakistanis prefer meat) in the heart of Lahore's old city? He was apparently hobnobbing with ' businessmen and journalists' (none identified). The event was probably arranged by the US Consul in Lahore and he must have trotted out the usual doomsday scenario painters---plenty of them around and always available for US/Western visitors. The only one quoted in the article is a retired officer from the Electrical and Mechanical Engineers of the Pakistan Army and now a self styled analyst-he must have retired at least two decades ago.

While making out a case against Pakistan for losing areas to Taliban control the article makes no mention of the US role in bringing Jihad to Afghanistan and the close links between the CIA and the ISI---a US darling at that time. The coming North-South divide in anarchic Afghanistan is also ignored as is the fact that the US/NATO operation in Southern Afghanistan against the Pashtuns is the root cause of the spread into the western border areas of Pakistan. There is no mention of the historical links between the KGB, India's RAW and Afghanistan's KGB sponsored KHAD---links that endure and sponsor the unrest in Baluchistan. Pakistan certainly faces a problem-- the same problem that the US and NATO face---a threat from Taliban and Al Qaeda and the insurgents that are their offshoot as well as extremism. NATO logistics continue to move through Pakistan over a northern and a southern route contrary to what is said---there have been attacks but Pakistan's support has not wavered. It would be wise to appreciate this as well as Pakistan's military and intelligence successes---Pakistan remains the key for the war on terror in Afghanistan.

The allegation repeated ad nauseum is the myth of rogue elements in the ISI and the military and their links to extremist networks and Taliban. Nothing could be further from the truth today---the past of which the US was an active part is another story. Pakistan and all its elements -including the military and ISI -are working in tandem against the threat. There are no rogues. The military has pledged and demonstrated support to the government and there is no question of any opposition to government policy. The institutional strength of the military is available to the government and it is this that has helped the government through many crises. The country is going through a political stabilization process and civil-military relations are a part of this process. The country is also getting international support.

The distrust sown by uninformed criticism creates problems. This distrust was the reason for Pakistan not being fully informed on US military's operations-TORA BORA in 2001 and ANACONDA later---Pakistan could have played a decisive role at that time and many lives would have been saved. Now with failure in Afghanistan against the Taliban and Al Qaeda and the entire mess in Afghanistan it would be counter productive to blame Pakistan and sow distrust.

Pakistan is front-line against terror. It has paid a heavy price and has not been adequately compensated. Pakistan faces serious problems but it remains resilient, functional and committed.