Articles of the year 2015
Published on April 10th 2015
The Saudi /Yemen problem is dragging Pakistan into an Arab vs Arab conflict, which is much more dangerous than appears at first sight. The Saudis are afraid of the growing war in the ME that threatens to engulf the whole region. After many attempts by the U.S. Mostly unsuccessful to stop the spread we have been requested for Military assistance in the form of troops.The current problem facing Pakistan by this Saudi request for Pakistani troops, ostensibly to support the Holy Land from any incursion by the Yemenis. This has created a civil,military problem, with all sections of Society joining in the fray.
I would like to ask our leaders, as in the case of our Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, instead of listening to the various options being considered, we should offer more than the Saudis have requested. The Pakistani Army can spare a few divisions for the time being, increasing to maybe five or ten divisions, with the supporting cast of ships and planes. With an emergency (war footing) recruitment drive, Pakistan can immediately bring another hundred thousand soldiers onto the field.Without waiting for a request, we should prepare ourselves for the demand that will come. We should have our soldiers ready. In the meantime Arabic lessons should be given to the troops designated to fight.
There is no need to wait for a United Nations debate, or the issuance of UN blue helmets. We are there at the Saudi request, and we should be dressed as Pakistani, or Saudi soldiers. The Pakistani uniform may be greater deterrent, to the Yemeni. The reputation of the Pakistani soldier,has already spread, and that reputation should be encashed. The Saudis are after all, our Muslim brothers, and the call to defend Saudi Arabia will stir the emotions of all Pakistanis. This emotional call should not be missed out in any of the military calculations.
Looking at the recent history of the region, one can see the IS forces joining up with the AlQaeda remnants, emerging as the new world enemy number one. These forces have begun supporting Hafez al Assad of Syria, who has been opposed by the Israelis for their support of Hammas. The above complicated narrative describes in a nutshell the present day status. So, we have to come onto the Saudi side. Like it or not. The people of Pakistan will support the Saudi side, while the Pakistani establishment will also do likewise, having received much largesse from the Saudis, and yearning for more of the same. We Pakistanis are addicted to aid, and the idea of aggravating a donor is anathema, bordering on lunacy. Nawaz is fearful of his Goverment being brought down, if he does not accede to the Saudi demand. The 1.5 billion dollar advanced to Nawaz should have made his motives very clear. For Pakistan to now to be humming and hawing is ridiculous. Did they not realize that the Billion and half dollars, would come with a string attached? The string has come with the demand for troops. Against Yemen where the Saudis have already launched air strikes, in support of their recently ousted President, Saudi backed, but hated by his own people. The Saudis would like him reinstated with Pakistani help of course. This cannot happen without boots on the ground– Pakistani boots it seems are the nearest, and most convenient, being led by a Prime Minister already beholden to the Saudi royals. I donot see how the Pakistanis can refuse the Saudi demand. But I can see a serious problem if the newly emboldened Saudis decide to escalate the skirmish. And having bought and paid for the Pakistanis, they can claim their pound of flesh. How can the Pakistanis refuse at any stage, and why should the Saudis not insist on more and more? That is the main reason that we should agree to a huge force into the region straight off, so that we can negotiate a peace right away.
It cannot work as the demand of an underling.
PS This would be an excellent time to try out our tactical miniaturised toys that have yet to be deployed, or tested.