The anatomy of Abbottabad

Ishtiaq Ali Mehkri (Counter Point) / 3 May 2012

Im very forgetful about dates. But I made it a point to remember the biggest fiasco in Pakistans history: Abbottabad, May 1st midnight, 2011.

The day, perhaps night, when the countrys nuclear-armed edifice was taken for a ride, as its sovereignty was breached, and the worlds dreaded terrorist was caught off the guard sleeping at a stone throw distance from a pivotal military cantonment. The intruding US Seals overhauled and killed Osama bin Laden. The rest is history. The countrys political and military establishment cried foul and played to the gallery to hide their incompetence and insanity. But the mantra of taking the US forces head-on next time, if they transgressed the territory, ended up in a hoax as reports of complicity poured in. The Memogate is a case in point.

One year down the line, nothing has come out of the Commission constituted under Justice Javed Iqbal to probe into the Abbottabad disaster, as it seems to be at pains in getting out of the puzzles of overt and covert testimonials. Thus, as per convention, nothing will emerge out of this probe commission as well, and that too in real time to prosecute the faces behind connivance.

Pakistan, United States relations for almost a year continue to be at their lowest ebb. Yet, the White House supports the political dispensation at work, irrespective of the fact that its chief executive stands convicted, and an utterly unpopular regime rules the roost. Not much different is the tale as far as the army is concerned. It is in a dilemma of its own as repeated failures on its part to defend its air and territorial space from NATO-US combine intrusions has exposed its mysterious limitations. Nevertheless, the people are made to believe that the defence is impregnable (an illusion which lives on since the generals smilingly signed the Fall of Dhaka documents)!

Pentagon-manned drone attacks and aerial sorties continue at impunity, providing added fuel to anti-US sentiments in one of the most volatile restive zones of the region. Not a single drone has been shot down by Pakistan military nor any of its understandings with US authorities to coordinate such ventures seem to be working. The only substance-oriented chip that Islamabad holds to this day is the suspension of supplies to the Coalition forces stranded in Afghanistan, coupled with the closure of Shamsi airbase in Balochistan. And that too are subject to ifs and buts, given to understand the mounting pressure that is being exerted on the beleaguered administration.

The myth of as to why, how and what made Osama find a perfect refuge in Pakistan is now no more a subject of debate at the helm of affairs. It is as if bygones are bygones! This is too embarrassing for a nation that has been deprived of its due share in governance and nation building.

Such a status quo and operational mode in interstate relations between the allied allies is quite unbecoming of an all-weather friendship. Washington and Islamabad have to do some serious homework to address not only irritants in their relations but also to map out a plan of action that should comprehensively come to address the geostrategic necessities of the region.

It goes without saying that the Americans are unmindful, and rather ignorant, of ground realities in Pakistan, and have unfortunately placed all their eggs in a single basket. The relationship of the day is one of viceroy and his deputy offshore, and isnt one of people-driven conscience. An overwhelming section of Pakistans demography want cordial relations with the United States, and look up to it in awe for addressing their developmental issues. The disappointment sets in with the myopic approach of restricting ties to fighting terrorism and self-centric military-political hobnobbing at the expense of the nation. The situation demands a serious introspection in order to rehabilitate the confidence of the masses. Only then could the monster of terrorism and extremism be nailed in its bud. Let heads roll for plunging the security of millions in Southwest Asia for the pocketed peanuts. Covering up of Abbottabad and Memogate riddles under reasons of exigency is tantamount to turpitude.