A Mother’s View of the Post-September 11th Scenario

OPINION

A Mother’s View of the Post-September 11th Scenario

Victory! victory! feel’st thou not, O’world,
The earthquake of his chariot thundering up Olympus?
(From: Prometheus Unbound by P.B.Shelley)

Columnist SARA AHMAD sees post-Sept 11 from a mother’s eyes.

Shelley expressed the emotions of zealots burning to avenge autocratic authorioty and cry of revolutions. What Shelley imagined to be ‘demogorgon’, took the form of French Revolution and shook ground beneath the feet of europeans and broke surface to gulp the autocracy in France. This was the end of 18th.century and Shelley had foreseen the events in the first quarter of that century. For us in the first quarter of 21st.Century, the carcass of World Trade Centre represents a time of rethinking. The question arises how and who could commit such a horrendous crime against a nation which stands for liberalism, and modernity. Much has been written to answer these questions, and more will be written to answer the mammoth problems, which have risen their head in response to the demolition of World Trade Centre and part of Pentagon. The event and its enormity struck immediately to the hearts of many, stirring many to actively participate in reconstruction work at the sight of disaster and others to participate in a global effort to collect money to help the victims or voice their concern against such massive violence. Debate ensued on violence done to monuments of glory in the west by terrorist acts, the symbols of western glory by terrorists originating in the east, and the clash between America and Islam.

To say whether there exists such a conflict or there is reason for such a statement, is for the thinkers to decide, but one thing is certain, that grave violence was done to life and property in the destruction of W.T.C.. Though for me, a scribe in Islamabad, who happened to watch all the news reels, displaying the actual destruction and voicing the emotions and sentiments of those concerned, it seemed more like a media hype which caused many more to come close to cutting throats.

We heard Israeli Prime Minister Sharon accusing Osama bin Laden in particular and the Arab World in general for the catastrophe, which occurred in America. Emotion confused by such hype resulted in violence all over the world. Many incidents of random shoot-outs, suspicion and hatred for foreigners, processions, strikes and vandalism occurred. America and Europe cried for revenge, the American President vowed to bring the perpetrators of the destruction of W.T.C. to justice. It is, now that we see the destruction of third world, war ravaged and famine struck country being destroyed by the mightiest among mights. Many in Afghanistan have already died during the earlier twenty years long war and the later fire blitz burning Afghanistan.

To a person at distance from these events, and specially to a third of the world population, who are parents of the coming generation, these events seem more like atrocities against humanity rather than political gainsay or justice in action. Myself as a woman concerned with my own present and future and that of those growing to maturity, the events seem similar to actions, by which the Americans destroyed the Balkans and Iraq, or what Israel is doing in Palestine. Historically such events find precedence in, the rush by European powers for geographical expansion in northern and central Africa, Southern Asia, events which still cause many to lose lives fighting for their ideals whether for the governing authority or against it. Europe fought the first world war, caused not only by mad men but the sane ones too, who were looking for geographic expansion and economic betterment, but the result was only death and destruction of life, which in its wake left the world hungry, desolate, in need of something that would bring justice to all and nemesis for evil. The death of Arch Duke of Austria came as the flame which blew these feelings into a fire which burned the whole of Europe and parts of Asia, Africa and America. My question to those who think that America is correct in its role of policing the world through force, is that, have wars ever brought peace and prosperity to the warring parties. Can the defenders escape death and destruction or the invaders escape the effects of doing violence?

We all have not only heard, but also experienced the effects of ‘Hellenisation’ and the ‘white man’s burden’, or such slogans as right versus left, west versus east, communist versus capitalist, or Islamist versus West. In these times of great ravages being sung about and viewed as victories, one must look away and think for a moment whether these wars will improve the quality of life, will bring security to our homes and families. In other words can violence and huge war machines ensure security and safety? All of us whether in Pakistan, Afghanistan, Kashmir, United States and England, appreciate a safe and happy home more than any other luxury or ideal. Specially, those who are mature appreciate the value of a place where thay can raise their children in reasonable security, away from drugs and arms, according to their own religious beliefs and cultural values. I am also sure that use of excessive force can earn a happy home or one’s own identity among our own people.

Stating the views with perspective, it appears that the fire which burned down the W.T.C. is still raging, now in the shape of the presence of American War machinery in South Asia and the blitz in the skies of Afghanistan raining fire on ground. The statements made by Premiers of Italy and Israel as immature statements of unconcerned bystanders and the media hype highly inflammatory. I feel as a woman that in all this media hype and mechanisation we have set aside the huge loss of life which thousands of families incurred in the most publicised act of terrorism and the millions which are suffering in Afghanistan. The loss of value for human life is evident and a nation which stands for liberalism is pitting its might against poverty and famine struck millions, which can only lead to cindering emotions and more war and greater calamity. While Christ taught sufferance, Mohammad (PBUH) suffered a lot to bring peace, humanity and prosperity to the Arab region and the coming generations. It is strange then that Shamon Peres, who himself represents a small, strategic and rich part of Arab should voice the sentiments of a west against people who are his neighbours, to which, west in its religious and idealistic philosophy is closer.

To analyse the conflict in its complexity can be a subject of many thesis, my main concern here is the destruction and death taking place in Afghanistan, the presence of American war machine in South Asia and the effects of mass destruction and migration felt in Pakistan.

Death and Destruction in Afghanistan

The twenty year long war in Afghanistan, first fought as an inflammation of cold war, and then as an after-effect of a war between giants, their withdrawal causing confusion and more blood to boil. Justified or unjustified Afghans have unwittingly fallen victims to contentious power, many have died as war casualties, and others as tributes to ravages of war. The long drawn out war has left an Afghanistan, heavily dependent upon aid by World Food Programme, World Health Organization and U.N. H.C.R., for fulfilment of basic requirements of the populace, still identified as Afghans. The land locked country devoid of its professional class institutionalised education and health systems, and treasured monuments of their own history holds a promise for those hunted across the world as terrorists and those who know that might is right.

Osama bin Laden and Al-Qaida, now taken synonymously with Taliban, have brought the greatest might of the world to cause unrestricted destruction in Afghanistan, and caused damage to a faith and ideology, which will not be recovered in decades to come. They are now alone in their fight against the most sophisticated weapon systems, rigorously trained paratroopers, and explosives such as cluster bombs, napalm bombs, cruise missiles, and depleted uranium shells.

Especially at a time when the northern and central parts of Afghanistan are suffering from famine which has left only a month’s supply of food for the general population, food is the controlling factor. The general population tends to cluster around wherever food is more easily available, while the militants either get their share from the aid trickling into the country or indirectly bought from the civilians in exchange for protection. According to analysts there is danger that about two million Afghans will migrate to Pakistan. Authorities are planning a large scale food aid programme to help the Afghans stay in their homeland.

U.N.H.C.R. has organised a $284 million programme to cater to the needs of 1.5 million refugees trickling into Pakistan and Uzbekistan, intended to provide food, shelter, basic health facility and clean water. This programmeme though effective in it’s immediate goal, facilitates Afghans to migrate, a prospect which is seen as burden to be shouldered by their immediate neighbours. Fifty or so N.G.O’s that were carrying out relief efforts inside Afghanistan, before the American air strikes are worried. They stress the need-

To get as much food inside Afghanistan as possible.
To forestall the migration of Afghans to the borders.

In an article by Mark Nicholson, entitled ‘The danger of forgetting Afghanistan’s real crisis’, the writer stresses, “There is a real danger we may be talking ourselves into a refugee crisis,” says one British aid worker, “this has been the number one message, I have been trying to get out to Pakistan” says Andrew Wilder, Afghanistan Director for Save the Children Fund. “We have a potential refugee crisis and because all the media are here in Pakistan, that is the message that is getting out to the world. “The real crisis is that of possible famine facing millions of Afghans, particularly in the drought -hit northern and central areas. The World Food Programme, which has begun boosting its supplies of food into the country this week, believes atleast 400,000 Afghans in the north have less than a week’s food left, while a further 1.2 million in the worst hit parts of northern and central Afghanistan will run out of food by December. Altogether a figure of 6m-7m now depend on WFP food supplies for survival.

Another dimension to this death knell is the effect on children, specially those who spent the first twenty or so years in Afghanistan while the war was going on over there. In a news conference UNICEF’s representative in Afghanistan, Eric Laroche and Caroll Long, the Fund’s representatives in Pakistan mentioned trauma of the twenty years war, migration, extreme weather conditions and poverty major life threatening challenges for Afghan children. Eric Laroche expressed fear for the 50% of the children who were already suffering from malnutrition and could be hit by epidemics of pneumonia, and various fevers during the coming winters. The two representatives also mentioned the efforts being made to save these children from these maladies, other examples from Kosovo and Rwanda of such efforts were also quoted. One astounding revelation was the percentage of children who have been exposed to scenes of gruesome violence. Eric Laroche informed that, nine out of ten children in Afghanistan have witnessed different forms of armed violence.

Whether Osama and his allies are caught or manage to escape, the air strikes by the U.S. definitely negate the effect of the welfare efforts made by various donor agencies working under the charter of U.N.. Though, before the attack on Afghanistan, the U.N. General Assembly did adopt a resolution condemning terrorism and the Security Council decided that terrorism must be considered the number one threat to peace and be put to an end, if necessary by force. It nowhere managed to come to a definition of terrorists and personally I cannot commend the use of brute force to handle a very complex problem. Osama, and Al-Qaida do not have their roots in Afghanistan. Nor the Taliban Force an absolute brute force, they represent Pashtuns who form about 80% of the Afghan population. Then why to unroot an evil, a whole mass of people be unrooted. History has shown that Afghans do not tolerate foreign power, their leaders cannot be sold and specially, since they are already facing the menace of war and famine, they have little else to lose in the show of might going on in Afghanistan. A war torn nation cannot be stifled into holding peace by use of conventional and sophisticated arms, and it can do little to bring ‘infinite justice’, to the world or appease the many sufferers in WTC collapse.

The American War machine in South Asia

The American battleship U.S.S. Enterprise is in the Arabian Sea, the third week of U.S. air strikes ended with 200 of American paratroopers landing in Afghanistan, an evidence that Afghan surveillance has been made ineffective. The U.S. air strikes followed by ground action is aimed at

Taking Ben Laden and his lieutanants belonging to Al-Qaida movement.
Destroying the communication network of Taliban forces.
Destroying camps used to train terrorists involved in activities linked with Al-Qaida.
Destroying the Taliban strength.
Installation of a new government representative of all factions of Afghans

Meanwhile, we have heard George Bush speak of a long contentious war and Gen. Musharraf speak of a short decisive action, followed by a large scale effort aimed at reconstruction and restructuring, and Jesse Chamberlaine deny all news foretelling of the plans aimed at normalcy.

To quote a military expert, “The First Father has said, it’s not going to be a 100 hour ground war” adding “it is likely to be a long drawnout effort.” America is essentially fighting a guerilla war with Navy Seals, Army rangers, special expeditionary forces and Air Force special operation forces, and the Delta Force. Since the beginning of the operation U.S. troops have been in and out of Afghanistan. Deep into Oruzgan and Pamirs the unmanned intelligence vehicles have been working nights and covering the ground to mark potential targets. The U.S. jets and helicopters work in shifts of nearly 12 hours to rain bombs, and food packages alternately.

The blitz of missiles and bombs have taken their toll on civilians and a daily trickle of news regarding death of unarmed civilians and destruction of their property has started. The food packages being dropped to give relief to the populace have still to cause any change of heart. The food drops have been severely criticised as insufficient in quantity, irrelevant to the needs of the people (contain jars of jams, tins of peanut butter, high energy biscuits), and inefficient mode of transfer. Local newspapers are full of pictures of injured, and hungry Afghan children, and remains of destroyed mosques, hospital, homes, and roads.

This is the second time Afghanistan has had to face the explosive might of a superpower. The first time in 1979 when the Red Army took Kabul but failed to maintain control against armies of warlords fighting a guerilla war. That time America played an indirect role and helped by the in telligence facility provided by Pakistan managed to defeat Russia, now it is playing an active part borrowing upon its past experience and the assurance given by Pakistani intelligence. President Musharraf in this conflict seems to be too much of a professional soldier and mature politician. Suggesting military targets in informal talks, assuring world leaders of his countries full co-operation, and defecting from Pakistan’s previous policy towards Afghanistan. Afghanistan is no more our sovereign neighbour and is in dire need of a severe lesson well taught.

Pakistan from its inception has felt closer to America and on the international front looks towards America as the father figure. This time Pakistan is part of a strategic alliance with America to root out terrorism. Pakistan has formally given, logistic support to America to fight this war, though it has not allowed America to use our air space or ground facilities but there has been news of American airplanes landing on Pakistani bases and of course it would be very difficult to imagine planes with not more than 750 miles of flying stretch without refuelling, taking off from, and landing elsewhere (Blackhawk MH 60K is taking the mainload of work to and from Afghanistan).

Pakistan enjoyed comparative peace and prosperity, during the eighties under the umbrella of the superpower. Sophisticated weapons and economic aid streamed into Pakistan. However, with the loss of the engaging conflict with the other superpower, America lost interest in Pakistan, a long standing close ally. The immediate withdrawal of American interest left Pakistan exposed and at one time confused into adjusting and readjusting policies to please the father, forgetting Pakistan’s geo-strategic position as a strong but small supportive block sandwiched between socialist and communist countries. Now that the South Asian bloc is again in danger, America is back tosave us all from the terrors of the faceless enemy. It is too early to state whether an unstable Afghanistan harbouring terrorists was more dangerous or the American war machine. To say of the least danger of the slightest damage to the nuclear powered engines, both inside Pakistani and those belonging to America in the form of nuclear powered battleships and submarines inside Pakistani waters. There is suspicion that America might use bombs made of depleted uranium, known for their power to dig holes right through thick sheets of iron. America has used cluster bombs. Use of cluster bombs has already been condemned but the use of depleted uranium will only get known when the appearance of leukemia will increase manifold in Afghanistan and Pakistan. America has already used DU in airstrikes against Iraq and the Balkans, and increased number of cases of leukemia is being reported their.

Secondly, war machinery inside Pakistan or supportive to Pakistan or against Pakistan is a cause of concern to those who think that cuts be made in defence expenditure. Pakistan already spends 60% of it’s gross budget on defence compared to a paltry sum of 4% on education compared to developed countries who have a very high HDI because they spend more on social welfare, health and education than defence. Although, constitutionally the Islamic Republic of Pakistan has been declared a welfare state in its system, it has a very low HDI.

Thirdly the Islamic Republic is, now being termed a moderate Islamic state. Myself being a Muslim cannot understand what is a moderate Islamic State, it is either Islamic or UnIslamic, but I do believe that being Islamic means that you are humane and progressive in outlook. Surely America can be partner to a state which stands for progress and humanity.

Fourthly, economic aid package accompanied with friendship with the father holds deeply effecting bacteria like organisms, which can cause an afflicted nation to gasp its last breath in the arms of corporates and banks. Meanwhile, American and European policy makers, advisors and foreign professionals, can come to that country, fill their pockets with currants and suggest remedies to the sickness, as happened earlier during the post-eighties era, before Gen. Musharraf’s take over. To say whether the tragedy might repeat in its more melodramatic form, is open to argument. If I may add the removal of American umbrella will lay open the sores festering from the Afghan crisis, and cause a disintegration of Pakistan. Foreign journalists speak of forecasts about time limits to Pakistan’s existence.

Pakistan has thus far survived three wars, one serious conflict, it is involved with India in a nuclear show of strength, and has thus far managed to keep the rights of Kashmiris on the U.N. agenda. Kashmir is the flashpoint of our relations with the supposedly biggest democracy in the world. It is going to be a very difficult task for Pakistani Intelligentsia to assert its nature in the face of Afghan crisis.

America thus far termed its anti-terrorism alliance as ‘revolving’, meaning any ally can be dropped and any other might join. At a time when conversation centres round human misery in Afghanistan and Kashmir, it is difficult to foresee what step America might take to put an end to terrorism.

The economic and social burden of supporting 1.5 or more Afghans

It happened in the eighties, 4 million Afghans crossed border into their eastern Muslim neighbour. The country of Pakistan was then responsible of giving them succour and securing for them their own homeland. Afghans are a sovereign and courageous people. While some Afghans fought inside Afghanistan as Mujahideens, many sought refuge in Pakistan. The Government of Pakistan and the people of Pakistan helped their brethren. With the help of many agencies the rehabilitation effort was made. While the refugees lived within the refugee camps setup on the outskirts of Peshawar, Quetta, they went out to do odd jobs and earn a livelihood.

Pakistan was aided at that time by America and other aid agencies and strategic terms to sustain and support the burden of refugees and support the freedom struggle being waged by the Afghan Mujahideen, however, at the cost of its own geostrategic position and natural resources, and social and political standards.

Among the first effects of such large scale mass movement was the depletion of drinking water and forests in and around the regions where Afghans concentrated. Result was rising air pollution and changing climate in the western parts of Pakistan.

Secondly, the drug and arms culture brought into Pakistan by the influx of refugees, cannot be ignored. Till the eighties terrorism and terrorist organisations were virtually unknown in Pakistan. It was the middle of eighties that bombs started exploding and drug traffickers were caught selling drugs in universities and colleges. Pakistan came at the centre of the ‘Golden Triangle’, the major source of drugs for all over the world.

Thirdly, ten years is already a long time added to it the additional ten years of extended war which caused the refugees to stay and not leave Pakistan. They formed a sizeable portion of population, effecting politics, not directly but as friends of election participants, caused conflicts and some times helped to get armament for large private armies introduced on the political scene at that time.

Socially they still form a segregated class inhabiting the outskirts of major cities. A majority of them are traders. Their culture now forms a different recognisable entity among the Pakistani milieu.

American air strikes will bring many Afghans back to refugee camps, the Government of Pakistan will be responsible to feed, shelter and control these fiery people. Pakistan is a developing country surrounded on one side by hostile Taliban force and on the other by its oldest enemy India. Support to these refugees is a very difficult task in these circumstances, both for the people of Pakistan and the Government of Pakistan.

Reflection on the scenario

Pakistan must prepare its people to face challenges not only by getting accustomed to latest technologies but also ingraining in ourselves a sense of identity with Pakistan. Pakistan is now at a stage of maturing its identity. There are many in Pakistan who still wish to be recognised by their Indian origin, there are others who find more affinity with Iran and still others who would opt for Pakhtoonistan if they could, but the geographic block cut out has matured in years, we have found out our neighbours, socially, ethnically, and geographically. It is time that neighbor must come to the aid of neighbour. The Muslim Ummah must not suffer due to the actions of a few.

Our identity as Muslims has made us their brethren, the same religion also stresses the need for progress, quoting Quran “and (in) the ordinance of the winds, and the clouds obedient between heaven and earth: are signs (of Allah’s sovereignty) for people who have sense.”

It is a clear directive that Allah has blessed us, and we must use our senses to gauge our direction. The religious parties in Pakistan are greatly annoyed by the government’s decision, but to ask them, whether it is necessary to challenge a blind bull. In these times of change, it has become necessary that we must become more aware and to be more aware, we need to educate ourselves and those growing to maturity in a better manner, to make them face the world more confidently and intelligently. The broadening geographic scenario which the indefinite border situation presents must be a sign for those who want to be identified as Muslims and Pakistanis, to embolden themselves. Be prepared to face challenges that the modern world has to offer for those who want to better their lot. As yet our education system is inefficient, its ills are many and varied, it is the duty of the parents as well as the teachers to impart the best education and training. The system of regular education or religious education needs to be standardised and brought at par with the best. Madrassas imparting religious education are least developed, there is a need that the government must look into its failures. Madrassas in Balochistan and the Frontier Province have proved a healthy source of fighters fighting along Taliban. These Madrassas teach a very rigid kind of religion, which breeds a tendency to endure intense physical pain and on the other hand, use less of their own mind. The result is a hardy lot ready to lay their lives down unthinkingly. Whereas Islam is a humane religion and sees the progress of mankind as its ultimate goal. It guarantees the rights of man and calls him vicegerent of Allah on earth. Islam lays a mediary path between this world and the other.

Our aim, therefore, in the coming days should be to become more aware of our own religion and the world around and also try to unmake the false gory image painted for us by those who are our enemies. This is necessary not only for our own selves but also for those of us living outside in various other regions of the world.

A Survey Report

The situation is cause of concern to all and an electronic survey was conducted to find the opinions of Pakistani nationals living inside Pakistan.

The question put was

Do you think Pakistan promises a safe future for you children?

100 participants were selected randomly.

The survey was conducted electronically to classify participants as

Educated
Belonging to the class of professionals or to be professionals
Mature enough to think about future prospects

The above is a sample of the survey

QUESTIONS Reply Participants Percentages

Yes No T R R% Y% N%

Do you think Pakistan promises 9 22 100 31 31 32 68
a safe future for your children?

1. No more citadel of Islam — 31 100 31 31 — 100

2. Dictatorship 13 18 100 31 31 41 59

3. Inefficient education and health
systems 26 5 100 31 83 16

4. Drugs and pollution 3 28 100 31 31 9.6 90

5. Increased weaponisation 31 — 100 31 31 100 —

THE ABOVE TABLE IS NOT AN ABSOLUTE REFERENCE.

An analysis of the survey

With a two thirds of those who do not wish to stay in Pakistan it will be accurate to say that, priorities of people have changed, there is a lesser number of hardliners who will not in any case leave Pakistan for the west because Pakistan has in recent years, adopted attitudes necessarily liberal in nature and the government policies suitable to the free market economy. Many thought there is a broadening of views presented on the media, there were those who thought that this broadening is necessary, a large number were, however, against the influx of Indian and Western films and opined that the Pakistani media should spend more on good publications whether print media or electronic media.

A large number opined that Pakistan is no more their first choice of abode, in their opinions west offered a better chance of prosperity with reasonable security to practice the respective culture and values. Education and health are the other two factors due to which families leave Pakistan to adopt another country for their homeland.

Drugs, pollution, and weaponisation were considered by many participants a lesser threat in Pakistan than in the west.

Reference:

News items in the the

‘Daily Dawn’ and the ‘News’ UNICEF’s report on Afghanistan.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Sara Ahmad graduated in Science and took her Masters degree in English Literature, both from University of Punjab. She also attended courses in Computer Graphics (Adobe Photoshop & Adobe Premier, Autodesk 3-D Studio-4 and Kinetix Studio Max) at Micro Vision Inc. She interned as sub-editor at “Trees Software” where she designed a computerized catalog RADO watches and also at “Carrot Company” working with various SGI compatible tools. Her work experience includes a stint as non-liner editor at Adgroup Advertising and Daydreams. At Daydreams she was involved in a major advertising campaign against AIDS where she got the opportunity to use “MCXpress” and “Elastic Reality” and also edited and animated a science fiction promotion series. Currently working as a freelance game developer.