New Media & On-line Journalism

An analysis of the editorials of Daily Dawn presented to worthy Ms Amna Zulfiqar by Shahid Iqbal in fulfillment of the requirement of Msc course in Media Studies.

National University of Modern Languages Islamabad

Editorial Analysis
Haqqani Netwrok as Editorialized by the Daily Dawn in year 2011 Introduction and Back ground.
Haqqani Network is a hardcore insurgent group fighting against the occupying American and NATO forces in Afghanistan. Concentrating primarily on Eastern provinces of Afghanistan its area of activity spans on both sides of Durand Line. Over the last few years this network has time and again proved itself a constant thorn in imperialist Americas flesh! It is a resilient, resourceful and irreconcilable group1 blamed for carrying out some of the most spectacular attacks 2on foreign forces in Afghanistan. The origins of this network can be traced back to SovietAfghan war when it was an apple of both American and Pakistani intelligence agencies eyes! Now a sworn enemy of American invaders in Afghanistan, Haqqani Network is accused after every major attack in the war torn country. American fingers mechanically point towards Haqqanis whenever some massive attack unnerves her inflated ego. In previous year (which has been studied in this analysis) Haqqani Network remained under spotlight for many reasons. This network was directly accused by the Americans for orchestrating attack on US
1

The Washington Post, 27th May 2011, Washington D.C., USA,

http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/asia-pacific/haqqani-insurgent-group-proves-resilient-foe-inafghan-war/2011/05/27/AG0wfKEH_story.html

BBC News, Story by Mark Urban, 16 April 2012,

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-17731774

embassy in Kabul on 13th September and assassination of Burhanudin Rabani in the same month. Pak-US relations went to the brink of collapse on many occasions as American insistence that Pakistani elements are providing Haqqanis a safe heaven never waned. American demand for Pakistan to do more against Haqanis and to launch a full fledge operation against them continued relentlessly. In this analysis, 29 selected editorials published in 2011 touching the issue of militancy have been studied with the aim to get a general perspective of the editorial policy of the Daily Dawn. The purpose of the study is to know how militancy in general and Haqqani network in particular has been portrayed by this newspaper.
1. Players.

The militancy saga going on in tribal areas of Pakistan is a complex phenomenon covering many countries and involving a number of organizations and individuals. The following countries, organizations and individuals remained the major (or minor) players in the narrative of Haqqani Network as described by the editorials of Daily Dawn.
I. Countries:

United States of America, Pakistan, Afghanistan.

II. Organizations/Groups:

Haqqani Network, Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan, Lashkar-e-Jhangwi, Al-Qaeda, Harkat-ul-jihad Al-Islami, NATO, ISAF, CIA, ISI
III. Individuals:

Sultan Ameer Tarar, aka Col Imam, Khalid Khawaja, Asad Qureshi, Mullah Muhammad Umer, Robert Gates, Raymond Davis, Adm Mike Mullen, Gen Petraeus, Leon Panetta, Michael Leiter, Richard Holbrooke, Dianne Feinstein,
3

Gen Kayani, Gen Pasha, Hillary Clinton, Yousaf Raza Gillani, Illyas Kashmiri, Fazal Saeed, Gen James Mattis, Qazi Hussain Ahmed, Hamid Karzai, Burhanud-Din Rabbani, Maulana Fazlullah, Maulvi Faqir Muhammad. 2. Lexical

Structure

The ultra anti militancy stance of the newspaper is evident from its choice of word phraseology in the editorials. Militancy that has eroded the writ of both Afghan and Pakistani authorities in their respective countries is, according to the newspaper, a hydra-headed monster3 which can not be killed at all as its tentacles remain untraced even after a major cleansing operation. Hence, we must keep in mind this uncomfortable truth that once unleashed this Frankensteins monster proves a terrible, endless nightmare.4 On publication of US report on Pakistani governments perceived wrongdoings and frailties, paper hints that there is an inbuilt cynicism5 inherent to citizens of Pakistan which prefixes their mind to accept any accusation without any suspicion. The most addictive tool 6 in the hands of American forces is Drone that sadly is a messenger of death and destruction for the beleaguered people of FATA. The newspaper while lambasting the militants for their distorted vision of the world also criticizes the hawks7 in our politics that always remain ready to exploit any situation in order to fan the anti American sentiments. The newspaper
3

Daily Dawn, Editorial (Crime and Terrorism), 15 Oct 2011, Islamabad, Pakistan http://dawn.com/2011/10/15/crime-and-terrorism/
4

Daily Dawn, Editorial (Militants godfather), 25 Jan 2011, Islamabad, Pakistan http://dawn.com/2011/01/25/militants-godfather/
5

Daily Dawn, Editorial (US Report), 08 April 2011, Islamabad, Pakistan http://dawn.com/2011/04/08/us-report/

Daily Dawn, Editorial (Possible Compromise), 15 April 2011, Islamabad, Pakistan http://dawn.com/2011/04/15/possible-compromise/
7

Daily Dawn, Editorial (Armys response), 25 Sep 2011, Islamabad, Pakistan http://dawn.com/2011/09/25/armys-response/

becomes more sarcastic and aggressive in word usage when discussing May 2 raid on Osama Bin Ladens compound by American Seals. The shock in Pakistan over the solo American action, the embarrassment caused to our security forces, which were caught napping, and repeated American vows that Washington would continue to mount more such raids have caused strained relations.8 The word napping for Pakistans slumbering security forces encompasses the whole tale of incompetence and ineptness succinctly!
3. Style

The newspaper pictures a very violent image of Pakistani militancy. A very critical often aggressive approach has been adopted by the writer in the editorials. While discussing the killing of millitants godfather colonel Imam, the release of accompanying British journalist Asad Qureshi is met with suspicion by the paper and it wonders : Qureshi, the British journalist, was released, but why and how? Will he reveal what he saw and heard while on his trip to North Waziristan? And what really is going on in North Waziristan Agency, which appears to be growing more inscrutable by the day?9 The tone becomes more aggressive when PMs offer of decommissioning to the militants angers the paper and it suggests warily Its (TTPs) agenda is not different from that of Al Qaeda. Its intransigence, therefore, has to be taken head on. If it continues to bomb mosques, religious processions, markets and schools and shed the blood of innocent men, women and children, there is no room for appeasement. Force must be met with force, and an offer of talks must be coupled with a full application of the state`s coercive power, as was done in Swat.10 Keeping in view the warlike psyche of militants this
8

Daily Dawn, Editorial (Clintons response), 25 May 2011, Islamabad, Pakistan http://dawn.com/2011/05/25/clintons-response/
9

Daily Dawn, Editorial (Militants godfather), 25 Jan 2011, Islamabad, Pakistan http://dawn.com/2011/01/25/militants-godfather/
10

Daily Dawn, Editorial (Decommissioning), 27 Feb 2011, Islamabad, Pakistan http://dawn.com/2011/02/27/decommissioning/ 5

suggestion of taking them head on by the coercive power of the state when offering talks is very nave on part of the editorial writer. The paper treats America at times very aggressively which otherwise has been painted in very favorable colors. America is reminded that it left its ally unattended after soviet withdrawal from Afghanistan Unlike its hurried disengagement with Pakistan after the Soviet withdrawal from Afghanistan, America this time has repeatedly expressed its resolve to have a long-term relationship with this country. More economic and military aid to Pakistan has been pledged, and Obama administration officials continue to acknowledge from time to time the role Pakistan has played in the war on terror. Yet it is equally common to hear unpalatable remarks on `safe havens` and Pakistan`s purported failure to `do more`.11 Americas irrational demand to Pakistan of doing more than due irritates the paper also and it turns more critical: Mr Panetta Said: They look at issues related to their national interest and take steps that complicate the relationship. What else does the CIA chief expect Pakistan to do except to look at all issues from the point of view of its own interests? Surely America too looks as it must at all international questions from its own perspective. That`s why governments interact to decide whether or not there is a commonality of interest to bring them together.12 It also counts Pakistans innumerable sacrifices in the war on terror in a bit harsh manner: Consider this: Pakistan`s armed forces have deployed close to 150,000 troops in the tribal areas and a significant number of servicemen have died in the battlefield. What more

11

Daily Dawn, Editorial (Excluding Pakistan), 25 Feb 2011, Islamabad, Pakistan http://dawn.com/2011/02/25/excluding-pakistan/
12

Daily Dawn, Editorial (Complicated Ties), 19 Feb 2011, Islamabad, Pakistan http://dawn.com/2011/02/19/complicated-ties/ 6

can this country do? The US-led alliance, which is now mulling over its Afghan exit strategy, must respect the resilience shown on this side of the Durand Line.13 The over all aggressive style of the paper suggests that its primary concern is Islamic militancy and when it observes with dismay the failure of both Pakistani Security agencies and American war machine in Afghanistan succumbing to the intricate tactics of militants it looses its temper and unleashes scathing criticism: if the security agencies are capable of destroying militants` hideouts, why wasn`t such action taken earlier? Then there is the not so trifling matter of the public`s waning confidence in the state`s capacity to gather intelligence and ensure security.14 Though the hard line tone lowers down noticeably when it comes to treat American failures in the editorials yet a semblance of critical posture is retained by the paper: Cameron Munter stated in a Radio Pakistan interview that there is evidence linking the Haqqani network to the Pakistani government. Two things are interesting about this. First, the ambassador`s role is quite different from that of the CIA chief, an American military commander, a congressperson in Washington or even the secretary of state. Situated as he is in Islamabad and tasked as he is with conducting diplomacy on a day-to-day basis, the statement was a surprisingly aggressive one15 A collective look at the subject matter in these editorials suggests that a very aggressive, critical approach has been adopted by the writer for treating the issue of militancy. It is ready to give more than due concessions to the invading foreign forces but does not seem in a mood to spare any indigenous militancy!
13

Daily Dawn, Editorial (US Report), 08 April 2011, Islamabad, Pakistan http://dawn.com/2011/04/08/us-report/
14

Daily Dawn, Editorial (Words and Deeds), 27 May 2011, Islamabad, Pakistan http://dawn.com/2011/05/27/words-and-deeds/
15

Daily Dawn, Editorial (US Ambassadors remarks), 20th Sep 2011, Islamabad, Pakistan http://dawn.com/2011/09/20/us-ambassadors-remarks/

4.

Slant

Being a traditional ultra liberal newspaper the editorials of the Dawn cover the subject in a generally negative color. Harsh, at times scornful, criticism of Pakistani government and LEAs over their alleged failure to nab the militancy turns the over all image of the editorials as expressively negative. It paints militants as monsters who are hell-bent on bombing not only mosques and shrines but also premises universally regarded as sacrosanct hospitals and schools.16 When it comes to eulogizing the skills of our military to break the backbone of militancy the paper taunts in an unusual manner: (The) terrorists` backbone has been broken, Gen Kayani told the graduating cadets at the PMA the army chief has underlined what is really at stake. Whether the terrorists` backbone has indeed been broken or not is unclear. Indeed, in the nebulous world of insurgencies, the enemy may not even have a `backbone` that can be broken. The American government and its war efforts have also been sketched in a very negative color. American failure to understand Pakistans sensitivities and limitations that resulted in bitter relations between these two so called allies in war on terror is matter of major concern to the paper: Whatever hope there may have been that Adm Mike Mullen`s visit to Pakistan would help reduce tensions between Pakistan and the US evaporated when the admiral trotted out the Haqqani-ISI links to criticise the security establishment here in unusually specific language for public statements.17 The Pakistani governments failure to address its own issues of deteriorating economy and worsening law and order situation has been presented as evidence of the incompetence of Pakistani government: The latest biannual report submitted to Congress by the White House paints a bleak
16

Daily Dawn, Editorial (Complicated Ties), 19th Feb 2011, Islamabad, Pakistan http://dawn.com/2011/02/19/complicated-ties/
17

Daily Dawn, Editorial (More Sparring), 22 April 2011, Islamabad, Pakistan http://dawn.com/2011/04/22/more-sparring/

picture of governance in Pakistan and points to the shortcomings of an administration that is apparently so involved in political wrangling that it cannot address core issues such as the economy.18 In General the troika of Pakistan, America and Militants, fighting against one another overtly or covertly, has been painted in a negative manner. Pakistan and Militants have been shown in the most horrid hues while the picture of America sometimes gets neutral or positive strokes! 5. Meanings. The implicit allusions with the help of certain word phrases have been used extensively by the writer to convey the specific ideas in the editorials under discussion. Other then frequent phrases like do more (an incessant demand of America that Pakistan should do more to curb the militancy in its areas); and safe heavens19 (a believe that Pakistan has allowed militants to live in and operate from its areas to launch assaults against NATO and Afghan forces) some very interesting word phrases has been used. The word decommissioning as used by the Pakistani PM as bait to persuade militants to lay down arms has been explained by the editorial as a recommitment to peace by upholding the traditional code of conduct that has, since the colonial days, guided the political and juridical relationships between the tribesmen and the federations political agents.20

18

Daily Dawn, Editorial (US Report), 08 April 2011, Islamabad, Pakistan http://dawn.com/2011/04/08/us-report/

19

Daily Dawn, Editorial (Excluding Pakistan), 25 Feb 2011, Islamabad, Pakistan http://dawn.com/2011/02/25/excluding-pakistan/
20

Daily Dawn, Editorial (Decommissioning), 27 Feb 2011, Islamabad, Pakistan http://dawn.com/2011/02/27/decommissioning/

On the all thorny drone issue the paper says `expanded cooperation` may be on the cards while the US may share some information on its intelligence operations inside Pakistan. This would partially meet the security establishments desire to limit the American `footprint` and the scale of its operations in the country while allowing the Americans to continue covert programmes with enhanced Pakistani assistance/knowledge.21 All the three words expanded co-operation, footprints and programmes implies more than what meets the eye. Expanded cooperation aims to get Pakistan and US on the same line in order to increase the effectiveness of American massacre machine by eliminating resistance. American footprints on Pakistani soil involves American intelligence sleuths and mercenaries roaming freely and covert programmes means merciless drone attacks in Pakistans tribal areas. As Americans are addicted to concessions from Pakistani side with out reciprocating much since the Musharaf days therefore one-window operation22 suits to their taste and after the fall of mindless dictator they expect the same from democratic government. One-man show of dictators is palatable to the twisted taste of America because it gives them easy to access one-window to extract whatever they want. The editorials are full with words and phrases that hook the mind to an idea or situation recurring in the melodrama of militancy in Pak-Afghan areas. Hawks in both Pakistani politicians and religious leader are always there to ferment anti Americanism while also there is no dearth of such hawks among American policy makers!

21

Daily Dawn, Editorial (Possible Compromise ), 15 April 2011, Islamabad, Pakistan http://dawn.com/2011/04/15/possible-compromise/
22

Daily Dawn, Editorial (Fresh Tensions ), 13 April 2011, Islamabad, Pakistan http://dawn.com/2011/04/13/fresh-tensions-2/

10

6. Context The insurgency in tribal areas is a direct result of foreign invasion in Afghanistan. Tribal areas of Pakistan share with Afghainstans eastern and north eastern provinces ages old historic ties of blood, religion, culture and tradition. So it is impossible to separate these two people. After 9/11 when Pakistan succumbed to the fiery American pressure and jumped into the fray of war on terror and mindlessly decided to play the rule of front line ally to America by giving her shoulder to unleash the reign of terror and gore in Afghanistan it was evident that Pakistan had committed a major mistake. Hostile Afghans reacted slowly but steadily gaining pace against the occupied forces. Pakistani based Haqqani network came into limelight when it started coordinating colossal, successive attacks in Afghainstan. Year 2011 witnessed an unprecedented increase in the hostile insurgent activity in Afghanistan a major chunk of which was attributed to the Haqqanis of NWA. Dawn commented in its editorials on the issue of increasing militancy at different occasions including but not limited to US Embassy attack in Kabul, Assaisnation of Burhanudin Rabbani, Raymond Davis incident, Abbotabad Operation and Salala Check post Attack. Relations between America and Pakistan plummeted to the lowest levels after attack on US Embassy in Kabul which America believed was a handiwork of Haqqani Network. 7.Perspective. i). On Militancy: The writer is a staunch supporter of war against terror because he believes that militancy is the main threat to the countrys security23 and without curbing militancy a stable, prosperous future will remain a distant dream. He opines: militancy is the greatest threat to the security of Pakistan and
23

Daily Dawn, Editorial (Timely reminder) 25 April 2011, Islamabad, Pakistan http://dawn.com/2011/04/25/timely-reminder/

11

barring a multi-pronged strategy to fight it, the country will not be able to look forward to a stable and prosperous future.24 Notwithstanding many hitches war on terror is Pakistan`s own war which it cannot afford to abandon25 Writer admits that Pakistani public is against this war and a huge majority considers it some ones else war that we are fighting: there are deep suspicions among the public about America`s role in Pakistan and many are convinced that we are fighting someone else`s war. That is not entirely true; for this is our own battle as well26 The insistence on owning this alien war continues even as writer admits that this war has caused us massive damages The decade-old war has cost Pakistan 40,000 lives, led to political discord and caused colossal economic dislocation27 In order to eradicate this menace of militancy from our tribal areas editorial suggests that military operation in NWA, a hub of militant activities, is inevitable On NWA, there has long been a consensus that a military operation of some kind is inevitable. US frustrations over the Haqqani network aside, Pakistani analysts have consistently flagged the threats that radiate from NWA into Pakistan proper. South Punjab militants, the TTP, the Gul Bahadur and Maulvi Nazir networks , members of the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan and of course the Haqqani network NWA has become a stamping ground for militants of every conceivable hue and affiliation
28

Though consensus on operation was achieved

only in the imagination of the writer yet he portrays it as the collective voice of all
24

Daily Dawn, Editorial (Timely reminder) 25 April 2011, Islamabad, Pakistan http://dawn.com/2011/04/25/timely-reminder/
25

Daily Dawn, Editorial (Clintonss response) 25 May 2011, Islamabad, Pakistan http://dawn.com/2011/05/25/clintons-response/
26

Daily Dawn, Editorial (US Report), 08 April 2011, Islamabad, Pakistan http://dawn.com/2011/04/08/us-report/

27

Daily Dawn, Editorial (New Drone policy?), 06 Nov 2011, Islamabad, Pakistan http://dawn.com/2011/11/06/new-drone-policy/
28

Daily Dawn, Editorial (North Waziristan Operation), 01 June 2011, Islamabad, Pakistan http://dawn.com/2011/06/01/north-waziristan-operation/

12

concerned. He lambastes Pakistan for protecting Haqqanis and relying on an obsolete defense strategy: Pakistan continues to hedge its bets and shield the Haqqanis in case their influence is needed if Afghanistan does implode and return to the terrible days of the mid-1990s.29 but time has come for Pakistan to rethink its approach to the Haqqani network. Quite aside from the demonstrated risks of a defence strategy that involves harbouring handpicked militants, one of the last things Pakistan can afford is to be proven a facilitator of attacks against Americans in Afghanistan.30 ii). On Drone Strikes: Dawn harbors a very controversial view on Drone

strikes. It admits that drones cause collateral damage, violate Pakistans air space and increase militancy in Pakistan but in the same breadth it seems fond of the effectiveness of drone technology! Authorizing Drone attacks in Pakistani areas and other such murky deals were done under hand by Musharaf because Gen Musharraf was wearing the twin hats of army chief and president and because of the army`s strict adherence to the chain of command, concessions considered not in the state`s interests were made to the US without much internal debate31 and in those dictatorial times cooperation between Pakistan and the US on security issues was never spelled out with any specificity that either side could later refer back to in the case of a disagreement. The reason presumably was that ambivalence and vagueness suited both sides, allowing them to adjust their tactics as the relationship between the two countries ebbed and flowed32 this ambivalence and vagueness that Musharaf kept under his hat to do all the nasty
29

Daily Dawn, Editorial (US-Pakistan ties), 18 Aug 2011, Islamabad, Pakistan http://dawn.com/2011/08/18/us-pakistan-ties-2/
30

Daily Dawn, Editorial (Armys response), 25 Sep 2011, Islamabad, Pakistan http://dawn.com/2011/09/25/armys-response/
31

Daily Dawn, Editorial (Fresh Tensions), 13 April 2011, Islamabad, Pakistan http://dawn.com/2011/04/13/fresh-tensions-2/
32

Daily Dawn, Editorial (Fresh Tensions), 13 April 2011, Islamabad, Pakistan http://dawn.com/2011/04/13/fresh-tensions-2/

13

dealings unnoticed resulted in a merciless drone campaign by CIA. After Musharaf era this policy of under hand dealings on drone issue continued and some newspapers like Dawn adopted it whole heartedly notwithstanding the fact that it was a sheer violation of an independent countrys sovereignty. Dawn believes that drones have limited counter-terrorism potential33 and when lacking any good options, the drone strikes are a way of `doing something`34 At the assassination of Illyas Kashmiri in a drone attack a jubilant editorial of Dawn says: American drones have once again proved their efficacy in taking out dangerous militants, resulting in at least some level of disruption in the terrorists` ranks35 it further expresses its ecstasy and suggests that both Pakistan and America should work out some transparent drone policy: considering the success of the strike on Ilyas Kashmiri and fellow militants, it would be worthwhile for the two countries to work towards a more transparent and coordinated drone policy, with the Americans realising how imperative it is to carry out the strikes with Pakistan`s knowledge and approval36 but in the same year after witnessing public wrath over drones, editorials of Dawn tone down their mirth and admit: Apart from the question of legality of foreign planes entering a sovereign country and taking hostile action, the drone strikes have killed hundreds of innocent people they have often missed their target or hit the wrong one37 But despite admitting that popular reaction in Pakistan has been one of intense anger Dawns romance with drones continue brazenly: Some drones have
33

Daily Dawn, Editorial (Possible Compromise?), 15 April 2011, Islamabad, Pakistan http://dawn.com/2011/04/15/possible-compromise/
34

Daily Dawn, Editorial (Possible Compromise?), 15 April 2011, Islamabad, Pakistan http://dawn.com/2011/04/15/possible-compromise/
35

Daily Dawn, Editorial (Drone Attacks), 07 June 2011, Islamabad, Pakistan http://dawn.com/2011/06/07/drone-attacks-4/
36

Daily Dawn, Editorial (Drone Attacks), 07 June 2011, Islamabad, Pakistan http://dawn.com/2011/06/07/drone-attacks-4/
37

Daily Dawn, Editorial (New Drone Policy?), 06 Nov 2011, Islamabad, Pakistan http://dawn.com/2011/11/06/new-drone-policy/

14

indeed served their purpose, killing wanted terrorists; but many victims of the Hellfire missiles fired by US drones were `suspected militants`, and, in many cases, turned out to be civilian casualties38 On Salala check post incident editorial of Dawn can not be discerned from that of New York Times or Washington Post. One wonders whether presenting Pakistans point of view is the primary objective of Dawn or defending American stance is her responsibility! After ruthless massacre of 24 Pakistani soldiers guarding the check post to stop incursion of militants on Afghan border, Dawn defends this heartless misadventure of trigger-happy American marines as a self defence act. It says: despite some reports that the Nato strike on Saturday that took the lives of 24 Pakistani soldiers may have been in self-defence, the attack will continue to smack of the arrogance of a superpower until a joint investigation is allowed to establish the facts of the case
39

From defending Drone attacks to inventing excuses for American invasion on Pakistani soil Dawns point of view is amazingly absurd! No spokesperson of American forces could have defended American mischievous attack as boldly as this Pakistani newspaper did! iii). On Pak-US Relations. The newspaper strongly supports a close,

friendly relationship between Pakistan and America and terms it a difficult but necessary relationship40. Though both these so called allies remain unhappy with one another but they can not get an early divorce as they depend on one another for their fight against a common enemy: Unhappy as the US administration and the Pakistani establishment may be with one another, the relationship is ultimately
38

Daily Dawn, Editorial (New Drone Policy?), 06 Nov 2011, Islamabad, Pakistan http://dawn.com/2011/11/06/new-drone-policy/
39

Daily Dawn, Editorial (Deteriorating Ties), 29 Nov 2011, Islamabad, Pakistan http://dawn.com/2011/11/29/deteriorating-ties/
40

Daily Dawn, Editorial (US-Pakistan Ties), 18 Aug 2011, Islamabad, Pakistan http://dawn.com/2011/08/18/us-pakistan-ties-2/

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one of interdependence. And to a large extent there remains a common enemy: militancy.41 This common enemy is the only source between these two divergent nations to work together and therefore the paper whenever senses some rupture in the relations gives its healing advices. It believes that on the Pakistani side it is ultimately the military that runs the show when it comes to relations with America42 therefore it gives more weightage to the remarks of Gen Kayani than any civilian leader. Military leaders resolve that no terrorist would be left in the tribal areas have soothing affect on Dawn and it takes a sigh of relief : Gen Kayani`s words also give hope that the security establishment, recognizing what is at stake, will not allow matters to spiral out of control with the Americans. A pragmatic understanding of the threat militants pose inside this country can be matched with pragmatism on both the American and Pakistani sides about what can be achieved in Afghanistan. Paper wants to make it sure that both sides are aware that a permanent rupture is not possible43 Dawn looks at America engaging in talks with Afghan Taliban as a kind of face saving exercise on part of Americans though it considers this process as a positive development: The Afghan Taliban, unlike the TTP, have reportedly begun to talk to Kabul. Islamists they may be, but the Taliban across the Durand Line are aware of their Afghan identity and cherish it. Most Afghans are not internationalists. They have mostly fought along tribal and ethnic lines, but have often closed ranks against foreign forces in the past.44 Surprisingly the Paper doesnt seem ready to give the same concessions to Pakistani militants as it
41

Daily Dawn, Editorial (More Sparring), 22 Apr 2011, Islamabad, Pakistan http://dawn.com/2011/04/22/more-sparring/
42

Daily Dawn, Editorial (Armys response), 25 Sep 2011, Islamabad, Pakistan http://dawn.com/2011/09/25/armys-response/
43

Daily Dawn, Editorial (Timely reminder), 25 Apr 2011, Islamabad, Pakistan http://dawn.com/2011/04/25/timely-reminder/
44

Daily Dawn, Editorial (Decommissioning), 27 Feb 2011, Islamabad, Pakistan http://dawn.com/2011/02/27/decommissioning/

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believes that only coercive power can resolve the issue in Pakistan! When America moves ahead ignoring Pakistan on Afghan issue the paper criticizes this policy and says: Talks on Afghanistan without Pakistan are like playing Hamlet without the Prince of Denmark. No instigation to anti-Americanism is intended, but there is a lot of disorientation in Washingtons policy.45 This disorientation is a direct result of Americas obsession that Pakistan is not doing enough to stop militants and her failure to look at her own blunders: while America sees reluctance on Islamabads part to `do more`, it has entered into a dialogue with militant groups to cover its retreat.46 8. Model After going through the editorials of the daily Dawn the images constructed in the minds of readers remain blurry and confused about the inscrutable militancy saga in Pakistan. Dawns ultra leftist didacticism presents militancy as a specter that can only be get rid of when whole nation will arm itself with an intense abhorrence for these monsters. All the four major players of this war have been portrayed in specifics hues and colours: America is a haughty superpower which is struggling to save her skin after plunging into a bloody, endless war just to satiate its ego; Pakistan is an unwilling ally which is striving to play the role of a hero and a villain at the same time supporting the Savior and the Satan in the same breath; Militants are weird warriors who are trying to implement their alien ideas and ideals on otherwise enlightened people of Pakistan and Afghanistan and Afghan government led by lamenting Karzai is a toothless authority! All the four players of this struggle seem playing a double game: America claims that Pakistan is her friend but doesnt hesitate punching this friend whenever it gets a chance;
45

Daily Dawn, Editorial (Excluding Pakistan), 25 Feb 2011, Islamabad, Pakistan http://dawn.com/2011/02/25/excluding-pakistan/
46

Daily Dawn, Editorial (Complicated Ties), 19 Feb 2011, Islamabad, Pakistan http://dawn.com/2011/02/19/complicated-ties/

17

Pakistan supports the war on terror whole heartedly but also helps Haqqanis to destabilize the Afghan and American forces; Militants are sworn enemies of America but they can accept a dialogue offer from crusader Americans but at the same time shun the idea of having a dialogue with their coreligionist Pakistani or Afghan authorities; and Karzai government is a farcical puppet show which is trying to pose as a genuine authority struggling for the welfare of Afghan people! The paper pictures Pakistani civilian government as a powerless regime which has no say in shaping the foreign policy of the country. The military is all powerful as for as taking decisions on war on terror are concerned. It takes all its decisions independently and its spy agency harbors a soft corner for militants of Haqqani network. The over all scenario presented by the paper is very grim and unpredictable. The remedies discussed by the paper are just whimsical notions fancied under a preset mind and ideology and hence these remedies remain unfeasible as they do not cover the ground realities!

9. Explanation The discourse on militancy explains extensively the causes and reasons that shaped the state of affairs to the present level. In a multifaceted war no single explanation of any occurrence is enough and a comprehensive look into the issue is needed to unfurl different factors involved in the conflict. Dawn believes that the situation worsened because Pakistans civilian rulers have little or no say in the affairs of foreign policy: civilians have little control of the countrys security

18

policy, with consequences that are plain to see47 and that it is ultimately the military that runs the show when it comes to relations with America.48 Pakistans ambivalence on the issue of curbing militancy is owing to its intimate relations with the militant groups that it once cherished as its strategic assets: The establishments cherished strategic depth strategy, and the related support for selected militant groups, had already proven to be tragically damaging for Pakistan`s internal security
49

Pakistans affiliation with militant islam dates

back to Soviet Afghan war when it supported Mujahideen in their fight against Communist USSR which was a threat to Pakistans security also: Since the 1980s, when the Mujahideen in a US-led effort were supported in their resistance against the Soviets in Afghanistan, Pakistan has legitimized the idea of militant Islam. Its `security paradigm` has included using Islamic militants when convenient, with crackdowns occurring mainly after 9/11 when external pressures became too great to withstand50 this external covert threat forced Pakistan to change its policy and stop romancing with militants. Now whenever Pakistan is blamed for conniving with Haqqanis in their assaults on American forces these allegations are unfounded as Pakistan should not want to and simply cannot afford to have its territory used for attacks in this manner; the price in global and regional isolation that this country will have to pay is simply not worth it 51

47

Daily Dawn, Editorial (Mismanagement of Ties), 02 Oct 2011, Islamabad, Pakistan http://dawn.com/2011/10/02/mismanagement-of-ties/
48

Daily Dawn, Editorial (Armys response), 25 Sep 2011, Islamabad, Pakistan http://dawn.com/2011/09/25/armys-response/
49

Daily Dawn, Editorial (Civilian response), 27 Sep 2011, Islamabad, Pakistan http://dawn.com/2011/09/27/civilian-response/
50

Daily Dawn, Editorial (Security Paradigm), 05 Dec 2011, Islamabad, Pakistan http://dawn.com/2011/12/05/security-paradigm/
51

Daily Dawn, Editorial (US allegation), 24 Sep 2011, Islamabad, Pakistan http://dawn.com/2011/09/24/usallegations/

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After Ramond Davis case when relations between Pakistan and America started straining and America went to the extent of directly blaming Pakistani spy agency for having links with Haqqani Network through as high ranking an official as Admiral Mike Mullen, Dawn explained very precisely the possible causes of this American ferocity. It says: In the murky intelligence world, particularly looking in from the outside, nothing can be said with certainty. But it would appear that as the ISI has pushed fiercely following the Raymond Davis incident to limit the American presence and the sphere of activity inside Pakistan further, the American national security establishment is seeking to push back against the ISI in order to preserve, to the extent possible, US activities inside Pakistan52 When America pushes Pakistan beyond reasonable limits for launching operation in NWA, Dawn explains Pakistans reluctance in these words: its military resources are overstretched, and it cannot undertake more Swat-like operations without endangering its wider security concerns which have both internal and external dimensions. More importantly, religious extremism is a philosophy which cannot be combated by military means alone. explanations over whimsical ideas! In the last quarter of 2011 when street crimes in Karachi started soaring it was suspected that militants were involved Dawn opines on this issue: insurgents are raising funds for their activities through bank heists, kidnappings for ransom and extortion54 it further delves into the problem and comes with the explanation which can not be brushed aside: US and Pakistani military offensives have killed
52

53

It is one of the few moments

when pragmatism overwhelms Dawns ultra leftist views and it prefers rational

Daily Dawn, Editorial (More sparring), 22 Apr 2011, Islamabad, Pakistan http://dawn.com/2011/04/22/more-sparring/
53

Daily Dawn, Editorial (Clintons response), 25 May 2011, Islamabad, Pakistan http://dawn.com/2011/05/25/clintons-response/
54

Daily Dawn, Editorial (Crime and Terrorism), 15 Oct 2011, Islamabad, Pakistan http://dawn.com/2011/10/15/crime-and-terrorism/

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or sidelined many mid-level and senior commanders who were, in a number of cases, men with links to international funding networks. Meanwhile, greater scrutiny of money transfers has made it harder to send funds around the world 55 hence leaving for militants such local fund raising tactics as robberies and bank heists only! Fantastic as the explanation may look but it is the queer way Dawn looks at such intricate issues as militancy! 10. Evaluation Dawn evaluates militancy from two perspectives: global and local. On one hand it looks sympathetically at the limitations that a small country like Pakistan may face while fighting a resilient, faceless enemy like militants, while on the other hand it also analyzes the domestic political compulsions of America which is spear heading this war. At times Dawn fails to explore an event objectively because of its hatred against Islamic militancy. On different issues and incidents related with the militancy the paper sees every event from its own prefixed extreme leftist prism and analyze it accordingly. When Leon Panetta, CIA chief and Michael Lieter, chairman counter-terrorism, launch a tirade against Pakistan for its alleged failure to do more against militants, Dawn explains these remarks from American regimes domestic political interests, it opines: the Obama administrations Afghan policy has more than Americas national interests dear to it. With voters having already handed over the lower house to the Republicans in the mid-term election, the least the Democratic Party can do for the 2012 presidential election is to minimize casualties, regional states` interest being of less consequence.56 Since rules of cooperation were not defined clearly between Pakistan and America at the
55

Daily Dawn, Editorial (Crime and Terrorism), 15 Oct 2011, Islamabad, Pakistan http://dawn.com/2011/10/15/crime-and-terrorism/ 56 Daily Dawn, Editorial (Complicated ties), 19 Feb 2011, Islamabad, Pakistan http://dawn.com/2011/02/19/complicated-ties/

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beginning of War on terror so strategic tensions are inevitable at the critical juncture of America exiting Afghanistan: anything that helps clarify the apparently flaccid rules of cooperation and poorly demarcated red lines is a good thing going forward, particularly since the end game in Afghanistan is imminent and strategic tensions are expected to flare up again.57 On the issue of Drone strikes there has always been confusion in the minds of Pakistani masses, a huge majority of which disbelieves governments claim that drones trespass Pakistani airspace without a go-ahead nod from Pakistani government. Dawn raises some very valid questions on this complex issue and behind the lines tells the whole untold story, it declares: Pakistan is believed to be demanding a scaling back of the drone-strike programme in Fata, limiting it perhaps to parts of North Waziristan Agency. In the murky world of Pakistan-US ties on security issues, little can be said for certain. For example, why was the American footprint allowed to grow to an `undesirable` size in the first place? And if it is an open secret that drones are allowed to operate with Pakistan`s permission, then why the need to resort to public pressure to change the programme`s parameters?58 The problem being faced now by the weakling Pakistani regime in stopping Drone strikes on its territory raised because cooperation between Pakistan and the US on security issues was never spelled out with any specificity that either side could later refer back to in the case of a disagreement. The reason presumably was that ambivalence and vagueness suited both sides, allowing them to adjust their tactics as the relationship between the two countries ebbed and flowed.59

57

Daily Dawn, Editorial (Possible Compromise), 15 Apr 2011, Islamabad, Pakistan http://dawn.com/2011/04/15/possible-compromise/
58

Daily Dawn, Editorial (Fresh Tensions), 13 Apr 2011, Islamabad, Pakistan http://dawn.com/2011/04/13/fresh-tensions-2/
59

Daily Dawn, Editorial (Fresh Tensions), 13 Apr 2011, Islamabad, Pakistan http://dawn.com/2011/04/13/fresh-tensions-2/

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Dawn considers taking militants head-on as the only viable option left to Pakistan. After facing colossal embarrassment due to Mehran air base attack when Pakistani government announces that a full fledge operation would be launched in militant strong holds Dawn counts unwillingness on part of many political parties on this core issue as a major problem. It says: a national consensus is needed, as well as a comprehensive strategy, and in these context key players representing all spectrums of the political arena ought to make it clear where they stand in the fight against the Taliban and the various militant groups operating under its umbrella. Do they have a soft corner for the Taliban or consider them to be enemies of Pakistan? No consensus can be achieved without coming clean on this count.60 The paper also blames Pakistani states strategic depth policy responsible for creating or helping to create Taliban, it asserts: equally if not more significantly, the state too must re-evaluate its current position on the policy of the 1980s which saw Pakistan, along with the US and other allies, extending wholehearted support to the Mujahideen in their conflict with Soviet forces in Afghanistan. It was that policy that ultimately led to the creation of the Taliban and the spurt in extremism and religious intolerance in Pakistan itself. Are we still engaged in the folly of `strategic depth` and making a distinction between `good` and `bad` Taliban? 61But the problem raises its ugly head when a large number of Pakistani public distances itself from the much trumpeted war on terror and considers it American invaders war: With Pakistani `ownership` of the war on terror under so much question and the public at large unable or unwilling to comprehend why the fight against militancy is something that is critical to the well-being of the state it is astonishing that an American official (Adm Mike

6 60

Daily Dawn, Editorial (Words and Deeds), 27 May 2011, Islamabad, Pakistan http://dawn.com/2011/05/27/words-and-deeds/
61

Daily Dawn, Editorial (Words and Deeds), 27 May 2011, Islamabad, Pakistan http://dawn.com/2011/05/27/words-and-deeds/

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Mullen) sitting in the US would take it upon himself to announce to his domestic audience plans for a Pakistani-run military operation in Fata62 When a Khyber agency based militant commander Fazal Saeed renounces his relation with TTP after ostensibly developing differences with the TTPs policy of attacking civilians and Pakistani state, Dawn looks at this development suspiciously: Though he has denied he is toeing the line of the Pakistani security agencies, Saeed is known to have links with the Haqqani network which, considered part of the `good Taliban`, is reportedly close to the security establishment. There is some speculation that he may have been pressured by the Haqqanis to make the statement63 This in depth look into the complex fabric of militancy and its deep rooted links with the Pakistani state agencies is enough to explain the real story! After attack on US embassy in Kabul America launched a hateful diatribe against Haqqani-ISI nexus and resultantly Pakistani government called an all parties conference to develop some consensus on what strategy should be adopted to counter this lethal attack Dawn counts the risks in such hyped conference. It is of the view that a conference such as this runs the risk of degenerating into a platform for all manner of hawkish, inflammatory statements whose primary purpose would be to play to or create a gallery of affronted Pakistanis. And the media`s hysteria has already demonstrated how easily and quickly this issue can be exploited for ratings64 though the paper admits that remarks such as the one issued by top military commander of America are a serious issue For the US militarys top commander to issue a statement implying that Pakistani intelligence
62

Daily Dawn, Editorial (North Waziristan Operation), 01 June 2011, Islamabad, Pakistan http://dawn.com/2011/06/01/north-waziristan-operation/
63

Daily Dawn, Editorial (Split in Taliban ranks),29 June 2011, Islamabad, Pakistan http://dawn.com/2011/06/29/split-in-taliban-ranks/
64

Daily Dawn, Editorial (Civilian response), 27 Sep 2011, Islamabad, Pakistan http://dawn.com/2011/09/27/civilian-response/

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had plotted to attack Americans in Afghanistan is a serious issue, and his administrations subsequent back-pedalling implies either deliberate manipulation or the mismanagement of its very delicate relationship with Pakistan either conclusion a worrying one.65 The paper digs deep into these reckless remarks of Mullen and comes out with a very strong possible reason behind this verbal attack Was Adm Mullen used to get Pakistan to focus on the Haqqanis because he was days away from retirement? Is his continued defence of his language part of a plan supported by strategic leaks to the media? Or was he speaking on his own, and has the civilian administration stepped in for fear of upsetting a relationship neither the US nor Pakistan want to live with but know they cant do without?
66

Dawn looks into the allegations of Pakistan supporting

Haqqanis who attacked US embassy and rejects these allegations from reasons point of view: even if Pakistan does have serious influence with the Haqqani group, why would it urge them to attack the US embassy compound. 67 The paper believes that Americas strategy of coercing Pakistan to hunt down Haqqani network will not work as Pakistan is indispensable in this war and without Pakistans cooperation militants cant be pushed back In the context of events at the time, this is effectively an indication that Pakistan will only launch an operation against the Haqqanis if and when it wants to and not under US pressure. How will this be squared with America`s recently expressed desire that militants be squeezed even as talks are taking place? Can the Haqqani network be brought to the table if Pakistan refuses to go after it? 68
65

Daily Dawn, Editorial (Mismanagement of ties), 02 Oct 2011, Islamabad, Pakistan http://dawn.com/2011/10/02/mismanagement-of-ties/
66

Daily Dawn, Editorial (Mismanagement of ties), 02 Oct 2011, Islamabad, Pakistan http://dawn.com/2011/10/02/mismanagement-of-ties/
67

Daily Dawn, Editorial (US allegations), 24 Sep 2011, Islamabad, Pakistan http://dawn.com/2011/09/24/us-allegations/
68

Daily Dawn, Editorial (Afghan Reconciliation ), 27 Oct 2011, Islamabad, Pakistan http://dawn.com/2011/10/27/afghan-reconciliation/

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As Dawn considers militancy a more lethal enemy of Pakistani state than any foreign threat so it wants even after the massacre of Pakistani soldiers at a border post by American marines in a night raid that Pakistani guns should remain focused on militants: Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani on Saturday told the Parliamentary Committee on National Security that the latest incursion and the Abbottabad raid last May compel us to revisit our national security paradigm. No doubt this is a welcome move and one that should have been made more than a decade ago. But any review of the country`s security paradigm, which has several aspects, should start with the nature of the threat emanating from within the country, i.e. Islamic militancy.69 This obsession of the paper sometimes mars its ability to analyze events more dispassionately.

11. Recommendations The editorials of Dawn mirror crystal clear views on militancy and it gives sound suggestions on how to tackle this monster. The remedy is simple according to the paper: If militants attack Pakistani state and people they are monsters and hence should be crushed ruthlessly; If American rouge marines attack Pakistani state and people they might have done this in self defense so they must be excused and we should go for militants again because sacred cow of cooperation must be saved to ensure regional stability! Though generally Dawn doesnt give weightage to the idea of engaging militants through talks yet it says that 3 dimensional strategy is viable The 3D strategy deterrence, dialogue and development Mr Gilani spoke of must be followed with vigour and without apology, notwithstanding the murmur from pro-terrorism
69

Daily Dawn, Editorial (Security Paradigm ), 05 Dec 2011, Islamabad, Pakistan http://dawn.com/2011/12/05/security-paradigm/

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lobbies.70 It is debatable whether putting deterrence prior to dialogue will work in this case or not. The paper suggests the Taliban to accept the decommissioning offer because it will give them the opportunity to join the political process, Unlike Afghanistan, Pakistan has a functional democracy, howsoever imperfect. This gives the TTP leadership an opening without losing face, for it could join the political process and end what is the agony not just of the pauperised Fata people but of the entire country. Perhaps the government needs to make the TTP understand what exactly the prime minister means by decommissioning.71 The advice may be very sound but again the crux of the problem is that militants fighting Pakistan, America and multi national NATO forces simultaneously can not be so nave to fall into the trap of decommissioning (which is a softer way of asking to lay down arms). Neither they might have any interest in politics of Pakistan! The paper advices Pakistan to re-evaluate its flawed policy of relying on militant groups to tackle the threat of an unfriendly Afghanistan on western border and a hostile India on eastern front: Equally if not more significantly, the state too must re-evaluate its current position on the policy of the 1980s which saw Pakistan, along with the US and other allies, extending wholehearted support to the Mujahideen in their conflict with Soviet forces in Afghanistan. It was that policy that ultimately led to the creation of the Taliban and the spurt in extremism and religious intolerance in Pakistan itself. Are we still engaged in the folly of `strategic depth` and making a distinction between `good` and `bad` Taliban? 72 Dawn consider it a biggest blunder on part of Pakistani establishment that they harbored militants for such a long time. Now the solution lies in taking out all the
70

Daily Dawn, Editorial (Decommissioning ), 27 Feb 2011, Islamabad, Pakistan http://dawn.com/2011/02/27/decommissioning/

71

Daily Dawn, Editorial (Decommissioning ), 27 Feb 2011, Islamabad, Pakistan http://dawn.com/2011/02/27/decommissioning/

72

Daily Dawn, Editorial (Words and Deeds), 27 May 2011, Islamabad, Pakistan http://dawn.com/2011/05/27/words-and-deeds/

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hostile elements from NWA by launching a full fledge, crippling attack on these insurgents: Denying sanctuary to militants there is therefore a necessary, though not sufficient, condition for moving forward in the fight against militancy 73 Dawn believes that strong Pak-US relations are beneficial for Pakistan therefore whenever some irritants pose a threat to this bond the paper suggests remedies. It suggests that in order to sustain a long-term and mutually beneficial relationship, both sides need to resolve if not ignore passing irritants instead of allowing them to sour their relationship.74 The irritants may be too big to handle but America being the bigger partner should shoulder bigger responsibility If common interests brought Pakistan and America together, let Washington ensure that the long-term ties it has pledged do not fall victim to passing irritants as the Raymond Davis affair or its view of the ISI`s purported walk on both sides. The hazards of the future should serve to cement their relationship.75 Pragmatism should prevail all the tests of this precarious partnership as only a pragmatic understanding of the threat militants pose inside this country can be matched with pragmatism on both the American and Pakistani sides about what can be achieved in Afghanistan 76 A principal irritant in Pak-US relations is unilateral Drone policy of United States. The paper wants American policy makers to understand the sensitivities attached with the unleashing of these death machines into Pakistani territories: Washington would also do well to remember that there is no shortage of anti7 73

Daily Dawn, Editorial (North Waziristan Operation), 01 June 2011, Islamabad, Pakistan http://dawn.com/2011/06/01/north-waziristan-operation/
74

Daily Dawn, Editorial (Excluding Pakistan), 27 Feb 2011, Islamabad, Pakistan http://dawn.com/2011/02/25/excluding-pakistan/
75

Daily Dawn, Editorial (Complicated ties), 19 Feb 2011, Islamabad, Pakistan http://dawn.com/2011/02/19/complicated-ties/
76

Daily Dawn, Editorial (Timely reminder), 25 Apr 2011, Islamabad, Pakistan http://dawn.com/2011/04/25/timely-reminder/

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American sentiment in Pakistan and there are plenty of conservative and rightwing politicians here who will jump at the chance to exploit any perceived slight. As it is, there are deep suspicions among the public about America`s role in Pakistan and many are convinced that we are fighting someone else`s war. That is not entirely true, for this is our own battle as well, but inflammatory statements do not help either side`s cause.77 The dangers lying in continuation of this policy would pose threats for both Pakistan and America therefore the process should be made more transparent. The paper suggests Some `sunlight` on the dronestrikes programme would reduce the possibility of either side spinning and dissembling on what has been agreed to and what hasn`t. The danger with trying to `manage` tensions, as both sides seem to be doing, is that those tensions could unintentionally spin out of control.78 This sunlight will enlighten the foggy minds of Pakistani Public and they would, according to the paper, start looking at drone attacks more sympathetically: To identify the common enemy and then jointly work towards eliminating it would allay public perceptions of the strikes being an intrusion; in other words both sides need to come clean on the drone policy so that misgivings are kept at bay and the way is cleared for an unequivocal joint stance79 Even on outrageous Salala check post attack incident Dawn advises extreme restraint, it says While outrage needed to be conveyed to America, domestic emotions need not be whipped up to the point where the alliance becomes untenable. For the sake of regional stability, Pakistani troops will have to

77

Daily Dawn, Editorial (US report), 08 Apr 2011, Islamabad, Pakistan http://dawn.com/2011/04/08/us-report/
78

Daily Dawn, Editorial (Fresh Tensions), 13 Apr 2011, Islamabad, Pakistan http://dawn.com/2011/04/13/fresh-tensions-2/
79

Daily Dawn, Editorial (Drone attacks), 07 June 2011, Islamabad, Pakistan http://dawn.com/2011/06/07/drone-attacks-4/

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continue to cooperate with Isaf troops at the border.80 It further goes to the extent of suggesting a realistic approach: there has been plenty of sound and fury already and it is time for some realism and a toning down of aggressive rhetoric, or at least an acknowledgment within the rhetoric that cooperation is the ultimate goal.81 Dawn considers porous Pak-Afghan border as major factor towards militants success in perpetuating their hostilities. It is of the view that coordination along the Pak-Afghan border and the denial of safe havens to militants are necessary for ensuring the security of all three nations.82 The paper looks approvingly at the initiation of talks with Afghan Taliban and suggests Afghan reconciliation. Attempts to bring Taliban insurgents into the political process are necessary if there is to be any chance of avoiding a repeat of what followed the withdrawal of the Soviets in 1989.83 The major suggestions of the paper can be summarized as: Pakistan should go whole heartedly against militants in its tribal areas, America should respect Pakistans sovereignty and stop accusing this fatigued ally, talks should be held with Afghan Taliban. Contradictions in Dawns recommendations are too obvious to be explained! 12. Theme

80

Daily Dawn, Editorial (Military Positions), 03 Dec 2011, Islamabad, Pakistan http://dawn.com/2011/12/03/military-positions/
81

Daily Dawn, Editorial (Military Positions), 03 Dec 2011, Islamabad, Pakistan http://dawn.com/2011/12/03/military-positions/
8 82

Daily Dawn, Editorial (Deteriorating ties), 29 Nov 2011, Islamabad, Pakistan http://dawn.com/2011/11/29/deteriorating-ties/
83

Daily Dawn, Editorial (Deteriorating ties), 29 Nov 2011, Islamabad, Pakistan http://dawn.com/2011/11/29/deteriorating-ties/

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Being in a war torn region Pakistan and Afghanistan are passing through worst turmoil of their history. On both sides of Durand line hardened militants are fighting a deadly war against America and its allies. Of the two countries being direct affectees of war on terror Pakistan is badly wounded for it has borne colossal damages. Pakistans survival lies in untying its relations with militants and fighting this menace whole heartedly. This country can not afford global isolation by continuing its policy of playing on both sides. An arrogant America has started learning some very important lessons after fighting a decade long fruitless war in Afghanistan. In order to find an honorable exit from the graveyard of empires America has been left with no option but to talk with the same Taliban that it detests so strongly! The end game is near all the players are reprioritizing their positions!

Editorial on Haqqani Network

An unpleasant choice!
Our establishments myopic vision has again thrown us into a quagmire where we have been miserably left with two very unpleasant options: devil or the deep blue sea! After harboring militancy for almost two decades partly at the behest of communist-phobic United States and partly at the hands of her own strategic depth syndrome, Pakistan is now being pressurized to hunt the same Haqqanis that are now sworn enemies of America but surely have some soft, cosy corner for Pakistan. The U-turn in foreign policy taken by Musharaf after nine-eleven might have been an unavoidable compulsion at the heat of hour but the aftermath of this decision has turned everything upside down in this volatile land and the gore and destruction that ensued is a grim proof that this was a mindless decision.
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Every time militants in Afghanistan squeeze the occupying forces, America uses its quick formula of blaming Pakistan based Haqqani network and thus tries to absolve itself of all the sins of incompetence and mismanagement. With the war in Afghanistan pacing towards its logical end, the only concern of the United States and its NATO allies would be a safe, honorable exit which, at the moment, seems unlikely. The recent thrust in pressure on Pakistan to do more against Haqqanis is a bleak reminder that Pakistan is being cornered by America as a possible scapegoat for American follies and failures in Afghanistan. A beleaguered Pakistan will not be too blunt if it asks its ally America: is this the final fruit that Pakistan will have to reap after all sacrifices of a decade long faithful following of Americas war on terror? Increasing influence of Pakistans arch enemy India into Afghanistan is another threat to the interests of Pakistan. If America leaves Afghanistan in the present chaotic state Pakistan will be left with no choice but to bet again on ethnic Pashtun militants to counter the influence of India as other ethnic entities in Afghanistan are overtly pro-India. While America seems to be interested only in her own interests leaving Pakistan in the lurch, it would be wise for us to look into our own interests too. Definitely, War on terror mantra will soon loose its spell and we will have to face the changing regional challenges. After toeing the American line for more than a decade now we should wisely change our priorities according to the interests of our own country. Serving America blindly will serve no purpose at all. We should not take the crucial decision of hunting or harboring Haqqanis on any American coercion. Our own national interests should always come first!

*Shahid Iqbal*
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