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Public policy moved to the front in Pakistan
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Public Policy moved to the front in Pakistan on Monday. General Petraeus and Senator Kerry visited with the Pakistani leadership and the Army Chief of Staff issued an appeal to one of the tribes South Waziristan area to remain neutral. Additionally, the Army continued its drive to clean the area of militants while over a hundred thousand refugees fled the fighting.
Senator Kerry was trying to explain away the Army Corps Commanders concern with the Enhanced Partnership with Pakistan Act of 2009, which seeks to triple annual US non-military aid to Pakistan to $7.5 billion over the next five years. The Corps Commanders’ objections focused on a stipulation that US military assistance will be withheld if there is evidence that Pakistan is not providing sufficient help to fight terrorists. (The Corps Commanders still see India as the main threat.)The US law also seeks Pakistan's continued co-operation to dismantle any remaining illegal network used for nuclear supplies by sharing any "relevant information from or direct access to Pakistan nationals associated with such networks". The language also was considered to be demeaning by many in Pakistan.
Senator Kerry met President Zardari, Prime Minister Gilani, Army Chief Gen Kayani, and Intelligence Chief Lt-Gen Pasha. He emphasized that he wanted to remove any confusion over the law. He stressed that he wanted to find a way forward, instead of ‘being drawn down in an unfortunate and totally unnecessary diversion from very real challenges. During his meetings, the senator tried to explain to the law’s critics that it was a pro-Pakistan and pro-democracy law. He stressed that there was nothing sinister in it and that it had ‘no effect on Pakistan’s sovereignty. Explaining that the objective of the law that provides for $7.5 billion socio-economic assistance for Pakistan over the next five years, he said it was designed to have a long-term engagement with the people of Pakistan and strengthen their bond with the people of the US with a desire to change wrong perceptions about America. He said that: ‘It is a very straightforward and legitimate effort to respond to the needs of Pakistan.’ The Pakistani press has not yet reported a reaction from the critical corps commanders.
General Petraeus’s meeting and subjects for discussion have not been reported. We stand by yesterday’s estimate and will report on any new information.
It is reported that Pakistan's army struck deals to keep two powerful, anti-U.S. tribal chiefs from joining the battle against the government. The deals increase the chances of an army victory against Pakistan's enemy No. 1, but should have less effect than the U.S. wants on militants across the border in Afghanistan. Reportedly, under the terms agreed to about three weeks ago, two Taliban renegade groups will stay out of the current fight in parts of South Waziristan controlled by the Pakistani Taliban. They will also allow the army to move through their own lands unimpeded, giving the military additional fronts from which to attack the Taliban. In exchange, the army will ease patrols and bombings in the lands controlled by the two renegade groups.
In support of these agreements in an open letter to the Mehsud tribes, the army chief of staff expressed the hope that the tribes would fully back the army in the operation and collectively rise against oppressive elements for a decisive action. He made it clear that the operation in South Waziristan was not meant to target the ‘valiant and patriotic’ Mehsud tribes, but aimed at ridding them of the elements who had destroyed peace in the region. He said the target of the operation were Uzbek terrorists, foreign elements and local militants.
The Pakistani army said Monday that troops backed by aerial bombing were steadily advancing on three fronts into the region and meeting stiff resistance in places. It said 78 militants and nine soldiers were killed over the last three days. Militants were not available for comment, but said Sunday they had the upper hand. Residents, some fleeing, reported fierce fighting and said Pakistani forces were using artillery and air attacks.
In future articles we will need to analyze the impact of these political deals and Senator Kerry’s efforts to gain the concurrence of the Pakistani military.
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