Pakistanis have found themselves deserted and heavily sanctioned by their allies. On its eastern borders India is still as hostile as ever. After the 9/11 attacks, instead of seeking assistance of the patrons of Taliban and its time-tested partner ISI, America aligned itself with the Northern-Alliance (NA).
Soon after the American-led invasion, the Taliban dispersed into the civilian population. By placing an ethnic minority NA government (Tajiks, Hazaras and Uzbeks) in Kabul, the allies further alienated the Pushtoon majority. If things weren't already complicated enough, Bush team made the worst possible mistake; it allowed a massive Indian influx into Afghanistan.
Indians, who were itching to settle scores with Pakistan, wasted no time in opening at least 11 consulates on the western borders of Pakistan. Pakistanis viewed these consulates as launch pads for the subversive elements tasked to destabilise Pakistan.
The Pakistanis felt entrapped by what they interpreted as a hostile Indian encirclement. They countered the move by reassembling the Taliban proxy. That is when an Afghanistan, which was apparently turning to normalcy, took a turn for the worst. It became the shooting gallery for many.
Comments
Comments are closed.