NOTHING CHANGES WITH OBAMA

By: MUHAMMAD MAHTAB BASHIR
ISLAMABAD
mahtabbashir@gmail.com

The Americans has made their decision by rebuffing the policies of The Republicans in favor of The Democrats. The recipe of defeat for Republicans was made possible by President Bush using the word “crusade” and “war against terror” victimizing the Muslims all over the world labeling them radical cluster on earth. He himself divulged the defeat with an excuse of fretfulness amongst the masses over his foreign policy especially in Iraq and Afghanistan. The then defense secretary Donald Rumsfeld’s exit to his office was the valid indication of Bush administration’s strategic letdown.

The debate who is pro-Pakistan and who is anti-Pakistan to me is totally absurd as both parties work on a specific agenda manifested in their election campaigns. The past scenario of political flux in US reflected no massive change in interior of Pakistan.

However, it is a common believe on a firm grounds by political pundits that Republicans are better for Pakistan’s establishment and democrats are not. The fact is, Republican Party is preferential in support of Military regime whereas Democrats always used their right to disparage dictatorship. Thus it is not so early to say that President Musharruf’s days are numbered.

One of the specialties of Democrats’ strategy in the inner Pakistan is an articulation in support of democracy in every possible way. It also agitates against nuclear proliferation. In such regard, Dr. A Q Khan issue will raise up more controversy, besides that Dr publicly admits he is innocent. The Democratic Party shall definitely slash the foreign policy of Bush administration and will have to juggle around with its strategic campaigns in countering terror with the use of terror.
It is not a win for Obama but a defeat for Bush establishment courtesy of its biased foreign policy by the name of salvation of Muslims all over the world. Although, there’s not a drastic distinction in Democratic rule and Republican reign, a common mass of Pakistan has ever viewed. However, on a larger extent, the foreign policy of US in both parties rule remained the same.

Obama has already threatened attacks on Pakistan’s tribal areas against alleged Al-Qaeda basis, which incensed the people of Pakistan.

The last week address before AIPAC (American-Israel Public Affairs Committee) of Barack Hossein Obama, the first African-American presumptive President of USA unmistakably has given the idea to the Muslims all over that he is a true friend of Israel but a true foe to Iran. He remarked at AIPAC policy conference, “Our alliance is based on shared interests and shared values. Those who threaten Israel threaten us. Israel has always faced these threats on the front lines. And I will bring to the White House an unshakable commitment to Israel’s security. That starts with ensuring Israel’s qualitative military advantage. I will ensure that Israel can defend itself from any threat - from Gaza to Tehran. Defense cooperation between the United States and Israel is a model of success, and must be deepened.”
“As president, I will implement a memorandum of Understanding that provides $30 billion in assistance to Israel over the next decade- investment to Israel’s security that will not be tied to any other nation.”

His concluding words were, “But just as we are clear-eyed about the threat, we must be clear about the failure of today’s policy. We knew, in 2002, that Iran supported terrorism. We knew Iran posed a grave threat to Israel. But instead of pursuing a strategy to address this threat, we ignore it and instead invaded and occupied Iraq. When I opposed the war, I warned that it would fan the flames of extremism in the Middle East. That is precisely what happened in Iran- the hardliners tightened their grip, and Mahmoud Ahamadinejad was elected President in 2005. And the United States and Israel are less secure.”

The problem in Pakistan is that over the years, all foreign policy issues are hostage to US policies. While it is true that the make-up of a regime determines its world view and shapes its foreign policy outlook, there are broad contours of that policy on which there must be a national consensus. Yet in Pakistan, the opposition plays politics with even sensitive issues like nuclear policy or the ongoing alliance with the US. While the government itself has failed to carry the opposition along, the opposition has not come up to the broad approach expected of it in the realm of foreign policy. What is in the state’s interest can not be sacrificed at the altar of partisan politics. But one thing is for certain; Washington never accepted the foreign policy of Pakistan made by ourselves and keeps on over ruling it.

Before I conclude this commentary, allow me to reprimand Pakistani nation again that, “American love is just like a date-palm tree, when you are hungry its fruit is well out off your reach, and when you feel sizzling heat, it refuse to give you its shade.” My words may not be as powerful to aware my nation-fellows and rulers in particular. So let me share the words what Henry Kissinger once said, “It is dangerous enough to be America’s enemy, but it is disastrous to be its friend.”

The Islamabad-based writer is a freelance columnist & a political analyst

MUHAMMAD MAHTAB BASHIR
House # 2026, Street # 32,
I-10/2, ISLAMABAD.
Cell: 0300 52 56 875
mahtabbashir@gmail.com

Bilal from unknown place comments':
June 24, 2008 10:19 PM
Brother if the role models are Rumi, Iqbal and Michealangelo than I think the sex oriented discription of life and work at the top is not required. To be a better person you need to be a better human.. You have a good vision and are actually going to make it high, but believe me brother try to be a humble and sublime person.