Wednesday, February 18, 2009

SWAT - HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE, CLEAR AND PRESENT DANGER TO INDIA

Times of India one day writes : US frets over Pak’s deal with Taliban and the very next day writes: US winks at Pak-Taliban deal.

My earlier article which had the Pakistani view also showed differing viewpoints. Hence, this filler article before the Indian perspective. (It might be boring to many, but for the strategically minded, you have to know the history before strategizing).

A historical perspective of SWAT. I am writing this exclusively from this erudite article “SWAT - A CRITICAL ANALYSIS” written by Dr Sultan-i-Rome, (Asst. Professor of History, Jahanzeb College, Saidu Sharif, SWAT, Pakistan). Those of you who have the time and inclination, please read this exceptional article to truly understand the going ons in SWAT.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Dr. SULTAN i ROME

Sultan-i-Rome has a Ph.D. in history from the Department of History, University of Peshawar. His doctoral dissertation was on Swat State. He joined the Department of Higher Education (Colleges), Government of North-West Frontier Province, as Lecturer in History in 1988, and is presently Assistant Professor. Sultan-i-Rome is life member of: Pakistan Historical Society, Council of Social Sciences Pakistan (COSS), and Pukhtu Adabi Board. He is also member of Environmental Protection Society (EPS), based at Swat, and remained its Councillor (Member of the Board of Governors) for the years 1999-2002. He remained Member of the Review Committee Manuscripts for Islamic History (for Classes IX-X & XI-XII), in 1995, NWFP Text Book Board, Peshawar. He has participated in various seminars, conferences and workshops, and published several articles.

Oxford University Press (OUP), has published his book:

Swat State, 1915-1969: From Genesis to Merger: An Analysis of Political, Administrative, Socio-Political, and Economic Development.



Amazon link to the book: Click here.

Synopsis:

Why the armed struggle in SWAT?

The presence of foreign forces in Afghanistan, the government's operations in Waziristan and other parts of FATA (Federally Administered Tribal Areas), the Lal Masjid (Red Mosque) operation in Islamabad (especially the manner in which it was carried out), and the government’s failure to spiritedly enforce and implement Islamic laws in the courts — as demanded by the TNSM and promised by successive governments — are the other key reasons why the Pakistani Taliban’s influence has spread from Waziristan to Swat; and resulted in the current armed struggle and upheaval.

Who are TNSM?


I HAVE ARRIVED IN SWAT

In 1989, a movement was started in Dir District and an organization headed by Sufi Muhammad, called the Tanzim Nifaz-e- Shariat-e-Muhammadi (TNSM), meaning ‘Movement for the Enforcement of Islamic Law’, was formed. The motto of the organization was to compel the Pakistani authorities to enforce Islamic laws in the judicial arena and make the judiciary conform to the Islamic system in Malakand Division. The organization gradually extended the movement to Swat as well. The prolonged legal procedures (after the merger of Swat State), undue delay, heightened expenditure, bribery, misuse of riwaj and further deterioration under the PATA (Provincially Administered) Regulations had already aggrieved most people of Swat. The judgment of the Peshawar High Court and then Supreme Court of Pakistan (declaring PATA Regulations ultra virus to the constitution) aggrieved the executive circle in Malakand Division, for it meant a dilution of their unbounded power. The executive were of the opinion that it was not possible to enforce Islamic law in the Malakand Division alone, and thus, the government would have to introduce other regulations of the nature of the defunct PATA Regulations, under whichthey would once again wield immense power. Therefore, they allowed a free run to the TNSM and approved and supported its activities tacitly. All this resulted in an increased momentum for the TNSM movement in SWAT. The logo of the organization (TNSM) even bears the words ‘ya shariat ya shahadat’ (either Shariat or martyrdom).

It is worth noting that the demand for the enforcement of Islamic laws in Swat is not a new development. In 1949, Sirajuddin Khan (son of Sherzada Khan of Mingawara, brother of Muzafarul Mulk alias Kaki Khan—sitting member, national assembly— and uncle of Wajid Ali Khan—sitting provincial minister for forests) in a memorandum, asked the ruler of Swat state to enforce Islamic laws in the state, arguing that this would solve the problems of the people and ameliorate their distress. And in June 1971, after the merger of the state, Dani Gul (a resident of Mingawara), advocated the enforcement of Islamic laws in Swat; terming it the only solution to the problems of Swat and arguing that it was in consonance with the people’s temperament/mood.

As the promulgation of the ‘Provincially Administered Tribal Areas (PATA, Nifaz-e-Nizam- e-Sharia) Regulation, 1994,’ and the purported changes it brought about did not satisfy the TNSM, the organization started ‘Jeel Bharao Tahrik’ in June 1995. Consequent upon the resentment and the struggle, a new regulation titled ‘Shari- Nizam-e-Adl Regulation, 1999,’ was promulgated, but it also failed to bring about any practical change; and the issue continued to fester. And all this while Sufi Muhammad and his organization were busy in the struggle for the enforcement of Islamic laws and change in the judicial System.

AMERICAN INVASION:

America invaded Afghanistan in 2001. He (Sufi Muhammad), along with tens of thousands of his supporters crossed into Afghanistan in November 2001, to fight on the Taliban’s side, against the Americans and their allies, despite the Taliban having asked him not to come. After having lost a large number of his supporters and being unable to counter US bombardment, he, along with his son-in- law Fazlullah, made their way back to Pakistan, where they were caught and subsequently incarcerated.

BIRTH OF FAZLULLAH & BAITULLAH MEHSUD:

Sufi Muhammad remained in jail; but Fazlullah was released after seventeen months. After his release, he started preaching a purity campaign on an FM radio channel. Since his father-in-law was in prison, he was supported by TNSM sympathisers and with the assistance of the radio channel he quickly became popular.

The policy and course adopted by Fazlullah however, became a source of dissension within the rank and file of the TNSM. Though the TNSM disavowed his policy and officially severed connections with him, his power and popularity continued to increase. And in 2007, the breakaway faction, led by Fazlullah, became part of the newly-established Tahrik Taliban Pakistan (TTP), headed by Baitullah Masud, which is an alliance or umbrella organization of different groups. The Fazlullah-led group is more influential than the TNSM-led group, headed by Sufi Muhammad, for the former are militarily well trained and possess greater zeal and commitment.


WHAT GREATER ZEAL WILL LEAD TO


MUSA KHAN - KILLED IN SWAT BY THE TALIBAN OR WAS IT ???

A gang of Taliban kidnapped journalist (Of GEO TV) Musa Khankhel on Wednesday and then rigged him with bullets and beheaded his dead corpse. The building of the press club in Wana was blown up the same day Musa Khan was murdered. Truth is no longer welcome in SWAT and anyone reporting on going ons in SWAT will be killed. Greater zeal, indeed ! (BuA: I have another theory. Geo TV got on the nerve of Pak Army & ISI by relentlessly going after the 26/11 perpetrators and proving that Ajmal Kasav was from Pakistan, the hideouts of the militants were shown in Karachi and other places - reason enough to scare off Geo TV from further meddling into the affairs of ISI / Pak Army).

HISTORY:

SWAT has been the cradle of a great civilization (Gandhara) and has also been periodically invaded by formidable armies.



Swat, which was the religious centre for Buddhists at one time, had ‘some 1400’ Buddhist sangharamas (monasteries), with ‘some 18,000 priests in them.’ And it was here that a third school of Buddhism called Vajrayana or the Tantric Buddhism developed and flourished; due to which it turned into a sacred place ‘for the Tibetans, as a birthplace of Padmasambahava.


TALIBAN IN SWAT NOT BE OUTDONE BY THEIR AFGHAN COUNTERPARTS' CRIME WITH BAMIYAN BUDDHA STATUES

For most of its known history, Swat has remained independent or at least semi- independent. It was occupied by the Yusufzai Afghans in the sixteenth century, who emerged the dominant segment in society.

They, however, did not establish a government or state and lived in the tribal welter, divided into two opposite blocks called dalay (singular dala). During 1879 - 1881, the neighbouring Khan of Dir occupied the right-bank Swat and in 1895, the British brought the left-bank lower Swat under their protectorate and loose control with the formation of the Agency of Dir and Swat, to which Chitral was added in 1897.Incensed at the repressive policy of the Dir ruler and the high handedness of his tax collectors, the people of the Shamizi, Sebujni and Nikpi Khel cantons of the right-bank Swat at last struck common cause under the patronage of a religious figure Wali Ahmad alias Sandakai Baba, in the beginning of 1915. After various encounters, they defeated and expelled the Dir forces, formed a five-member council to manage the affairs of the liberated area and at last installed Sayyad Abdul Jabbar Shah, on 24 April 1915, as their king. Abdul Jabbar Shah, however, was asked to relinquish power and leave Swat in September 1917. It must be noted however, that Abdul Jabbar Shah’s domain did not encompass the entire Swat.

At the removal of Abdul Jabbar Shah, Miangul Abdul Wadud (the grandson of Akhund Abdul Ghafur alias Saidu Baba) was installed as the new king of Swat. Abdul Wadud alias Bacha Sahib was dynamic and energetic and expanded and consolidated the state during his reign. The drive, initiatives and policies of the new king made Swat a model of peace in the Pukhtun tribal areas; and an incredible sense of peace and respect for the authority of the state prevailed in an overwhelmingly illiterate tribal society. Under the term of an illiterate, but enlightened person, Swat became ‘a unique State’; and a model of peace, tranquility and progress in the Pukhtun tribal society.


In December 1949, Abdul Wadud abdicated his throne in favour of his son and heir apparent, Miangul Abdul Haq Jahanzeb. Miangul Jahanzeb alias Wali Sahib’s efforts gave an impetus to developmental work with priority to the education, communication and health sectors. Moreover, he endeavoured to westernize the state and society. While the Swat state survived despite the opposition from within and outside; several factors, finally culminated in the announcement made on 28 July 1969, regarding state merger by the then Chief Martial Law Administrator and President of Pakistan, General Yahya Khan; and the ruler was formally divested of his powers on 15 August 1969.

After bringing an end to the state, the former State (which was ruled by the Wali on behalf of the government of Pakistan as administrator for the said area) and Kalam areas were made a district (headed by a commissioner).

CONSTITUTIONAL ISSUES:

Before the partition of India and the emergence of Pakistan on 15 August 1947, the subcontinent was primarily divided into two entities: British India and princely/Indian states.

There was a third category called the ‘tribal area’. The Government of India Act, 1935, defined ‘tribal area’ as ‘the areas along the Frontier of India or in Baluchistan which are not part of British India or of Burma or of any Indian State or of any Foreign States.’

All the three had a different status and were governed by different laws. British India was directly ruled by the British, under the laws framed by them. The princely states were ruled by their rulers according to their own laws and systems, but almost all of them had entered into treaties with the British government, on certain terms. The tribal area was neither subservient to the laws in vogue in British India nor was it ruled under the same administrative apparatus; but was internally independent and had treaty relations with the British; and was under loose British control.

Recognizing that under the Indian Independence Act, 1947, the princely states (Swat being one of them) and the tribal area would become independent, especially once the treaties entered into with the British government would lapse on 15 August 1947; the governments of Pakistan and Swat determined their future relations in the form of the Instrument of Accession.

Under the Instrument of Accession (signed by the Swati ruler on 3 November and Governor-General of Pakistan on 24 November 1947), the ruler of Swat, while retaining his own sovereignty over the state, surrendered his authority in respect of matters concerning defence, external affairs and communications of the state, to the dominion of Pakistan. With this Agreement, Swat gained admission into the Federation of Pakistan and also a mention in clause (a) of sub-section 5 of the Government of India Act, 1935. It therefore, constituted a part of Pakistan and was known as a ‘Federated State’.

Like the other Federated States, with the solitary exception of Dir, Swat executed the Supplementary Instrument of Accession under which the Wali surrendered further authority to the Federal Legislature of Pakistan, and empowered it to enact laws for his state in the same manner in which it could make laws for other parts of Pakistan, in the Federal and Concurrent fields (Lists I and III, VII schedule of the Government of India Act, 1935); and to exercise executive authority in the State in respect of matters in the said fields.

Swat retained its status of a ‘Special Area’ under article 218 of the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, 1956. Under article 104, it was clarified that ‘....no Act of Parliament or of the Provincial Legislature shall apply to a Special Area or to any part thereof unless the Governor with the previous approval of the President so directs....’ The article further provided details on how laws shall be made for the Special Areas or a part thereof, and also stated that the special status of a Special Area or part thereof could be revoked by the president at any time, but only after ascertaining the views of the people of the concerned area.

The Constitution of the Republic of Pakistan, 1962, declared the Frontier States, ‘Tribal Areas’, and Article 223, declared that no central or provincial law would apply to a Tribal Area or any part of it unless the president and the governor (with the approval of the president), so directed.

Though Swat’s status as a state was brought to an end in 1969, the special status of the area remained intact.

And section (6), of article 261, granted the president the same power as was previously given in section 4 of article 104 of the Constitution of 1956 and section (3) of article 223 of the Constitution of 1962, but with the difference that the president shall ascertain the views of the people of the area concerned, for doing away with its tribal status, ‘as represented in jirga.’

The aforesaid, envisaged in Articles 260 and 261 of the Interim Constitution of 1972 —were retained under Articles 246 and 247 of the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, 1973.

Therefore, no law made or act passed by the central and provincial legislatures applies to the area, unless specially extended under the special and specific extra procedures. And the special status of the area as a tribal area can only be changed with the consent of the people, represented in a tribal jarga.

PATA Regulations were challenged under the context that they were in opposition of Articles 8 and 25 of the Constitution of Islamic Republic of Pakistan 1973 and hence the PATA regulations were declared null and void (Div Bench of High Court on 24th Nov, 1990). This paved the way for TNSM demands for the enforcement of Islamic laws and make the judicial system an Islamic one.

Hence, constitutionally and legally the imposition of Shariat in SWAT has historical context and “good in law”. (The part where it says after ascertaining the views of the local people will always be a victim of interpretation).


ROLE of POLICE:

The police contributed significantly to the creation of the present situation. The indifferent and repressive behaviour of the police towards the people, bribery, torture, and their collaboration with and assistance to criminals, embittered and alienated most people. Instead of providing peace, security and assistance to the people, the police became a source of trouble for them.



Blatant police corruption, which included collecting the bhata (sum received as bribery for allowing unlawful activities) even for day to day affairs was an open secret and became the cause for much resentment.

INTELLIGENCE AGENCIES:

Foreign and Pakistani intelligence agencies have also played an important role. The Pakistani and American intelligence agencies have supported militant organizations in the area for their own ends. These agencies organized and trained jihadi organizations (forerunners of the Taliban) for armed jihad (qital) to counter the Soviet Union in Afghanistan.



The Pakistani intelligence agencies did the same (in the name of jihad) in Kashmir. The Taliban — an offshoot and conglomeration of the jihadi organizations that fought the USSR (Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, also called the Soviet Union) in Afghanistan and India in Kashmir — are not only well equipped, but also well trained.

Many believe that the Taliban was the creation of Pakistan’s intelligence agencies and army. Not only have they benefited from its struggle in Kashmir and Afghanistan in the past, but also regard the Taliban as useful for the future.

Syed Saleen Shahzad in his article: The Taliban get their first wish - states: "The dynamics of the region have changed once again. Nizam-i-Adal Regulation 2009, which proclaims the enforcement of sharia law in Malakand division, is indeed a written document of Pakistan's defeat in the American-inspired war in NWFP"

Interesting he also points out: "Many Muslims believe that ancient Khorasan - which covers parts of modern-day Afghanistan, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Iran, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan - is the promised land from where they will secure the first victory in the end-of-time battle in which the final round, according to their beliefs, will be fought in Bilad-i-Sham (Palestine-Lebanon-Syria).

The geographical borders of Bilad-i-Sham-Khorasan extend from Samarkand in Uzbekistan to the small Malakand division in the northern fringe of Pakistan's North-West Frontier Province (NWFP) that includes the militant-dominated Swat Valley
."

Another thought provoking and brilliant article from Pakistan - written by Pervez Hoodbhoy:" The Saudi - isation of Pakistan." Hoodbhoy writes: "The common belief in Pakistan is that Islamic radicalism is a problem only in FATA, and that madrassas are the only institutions serving as jihad factories. This is a serious misconception. Extremism is breeding at a ferocious rate in public and private schools within Pakistan’s towns and cities. Left unchallenged, this education will produce a generation incapable of co-existing with anyone except strictly their own kind. The mindset it creates may eventually lead to Pakistan’s demise as a nation state."

BuA statement:INDIA - CLEAR & PRESENT DANGER:

(Back of Dr Rome's report & citations) Interestingly, in the backdrop of the Mumbai attacks of 26 December 2008 and the Indian threats to Pakistan, the Pakistan army spokesman has termed Baitullah Mahsud and Fazlullah their brothers (see Tanweer Qaisar Shahid, ‘Musla’, Roznama Express Peshawar (Urdu daily: Peshawar), 20 December 2008). And in a special interview, Muhammad Alam alias Binaurai—an important figure and commandern of the Tahrik Taliban Swat—has said that if the government is honest in restoring law and order it shall enforce Islamic law practically; all members of Tahrik Taliban will become well-wishers of the government and fully cooperate. He asked the government to immediately practically enforce Islamic law in Swat and use the power of all the Taliban against India and America (see Roznama Azadi Swat (Urdu daily: Mingawara, Swat), 18 December 2008).

As stated in previous post: The ISI Directorate chief Lieutenant-General Shuja Pasha hailed jihadist leaders Baitullah Mehsud and Mullah Fazlullah, whose depredations have claimed the lives of thousands of Pakistanis, as true patriots for offering to fight India.

27 comments:

Anonymous said...

Hey BuA
I'm not a Paki. I'm a Bangladeshi. When I said that I'm going to scrap your blog, I didn't mean it. Sorry!

I was reading your blog that day and I didn't like you for writing that Bangladeshi climate change crap. I damn well know that India is a democratic nation and of course you have that so-called freedom of expression, but for Allah's sake, remove that article.

Yes, I can scrap this blog, and that too with utmost ease, but I wouldn't do that. So, I'm advising you against writing anything about
Bangladesh. Stereotyping other communities is an evil one can never lay.

Yours truly,
Hamid

BENGAL UNDER ATTACK said...

Dear Hamid Md,

Tomare shathe bangla tei kotha boli. Amar Bangladesh e onek bhalo bondhura thake, aar aami Dhaka te onek baar gechi. Tai, aami Bangladesh er opore kono kharab kotha likbo naa, at least general public er opore to noyi.

Climate change article e kee kharab likechi bolo. Eita to shotti, jodi climate change hobe, tokun Bangladesh er onek elaka doobe jaabe. Tokhun bharatborsher kache poyesha aar jayega thakbe naa je Bangladesh theke climate refugee jara ashbe, tader rakhte parbo.

Tumi jodi article ka theek kore poro, aami kintu Bangladesher opore kichui kharab likhi ni.

Kintu climate change e kee hote paare, shudu sheita likhechilam. Aar lokeder to eikhaneyo kono gyan nei je climate change ta kee jinish. Tai request korchi, ei article ke rakhi.

Ashakori, tomar apotti thakbe na. Ami Bangali, tai Bangla te likhlam.

Anonymous said...

wow mr hamid, you are even better than Zaid Zaman!! at least that guy just goes around ranting in an identity of people right from russia to antartica...when BUA wrote about himself.

but u want article about your country removed? why? is it untrue? can u prove that the larger part of the article is false?

come on, since u understand about freedom of expression in india, then live in that spirit. this article not only critisises pakistan and bangladesh but also india and most of its worthless leaders.

if these articles affect you, if you cannot live in the spirit, then pls dont come to this blog.

i hope i am not talking in the authority of BUA but we are all one

Anonymous said...

My first reaction on seeing the "SAMe to you" cartoon was - SERVES AMERICA RIGHT.

Anonymous said...

The history was apparently written by Dr Sultan-i-Rome, (Asst. Professor of History, Jahanzeb College, Saidu Sharif, SWAT, Pakistan).

1. this is Jahanzeb college:

>> http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1301/654243
444_98531234d8.jpg?v=0

2. they dont have a website

3. i never even heard of saidu sharif b4 this. i definately isnt a big city. Or is it even a city?

4. BUA why link your article to such uncredible sources? i expected better from you. Ok all paki unis are bad but at least some in Karachi / Islamabad would be enough to form a credible source. you pick up a professor from an unheard college (not uni also) from a pakistani slum. soom are you going to have an article from Hamid Muhammad from Chittagong High School, Bangladesh?

5. its really dissapointing BUA - i expected better from you. yuo usually source material from proper analysts or scholars from reputable institutions. quality is going down.

6. please take this as a suggestion to improve your references in future to maintain credibility of your blog.

Anonymous said...

Sorry, here's the picture

http://flickr.com/photos/41218604@N00/654243444/

And apparently it was to be demolished. (demolished already)?

come on BUA, pls watch out next time before sourcing material from any tom, dick and harry analyst

Anonymous said...

rock on bua.. very nice

BENGAL UNDER ATTACK said...

To Anon @ Feb 19, 9:53 AM & 9:56 AM:

I noted that you have a grouse that the University is not well known and neither is the city. You made no comments regarding the content of writing that the author,namely Dr Sultan i Rome has written.

I must add, I was a bit taken aback by your response, something that even Z Hamid and his alter egos were not able to do. The source who gave me the link to this author is impeccable and his knowledge of NWFP, Af-Pak, is exceptional.

I have come to realize one thing though, that many exceptional teachers / professors do not necc teach in the best of universities. This could be due to various reasons, but one of them could be "close to birthplace".

Let's discuss the person: Dr. Sultan i Rome.

Sultan-i-Rome has a Ph.D. in history from the Department of History, University of Peshawar. His doctoral dissertation was on Swat State. He joined the Department of Higher Education (Colleges), Government of North-West Frontier Province, as Lecturer in History in 1988, and is presently Assistant Professor. Sultan-i-Rome is life member of: Pakistan Historical Society, Council of Social Sciences Pakistan (COSS), and Pukhtu Adabi Board. He is also member of Environmental Protection Society (EPS), based at Swat, and remained its Councillor (Member of the Board of Governors) for the years 1999-2002. He remained Member of the Review Committee Manuscripts for Islamic History (for Classes IX-X & XI-XII), in 1995, NWFP Text Book Board, Peshawar. He has participated in various seminars, conferences and workshops, and published several articles.

Oxford University Press (OUP), has published his book: Swat State, 1915-1969

From Genesis to Merger: An Analysis of Political, Administrative, Socio-Political, and Economic Development.

ISBN13: 9780195471137
ISBN10: 019547113X

Oxford University Press is not known to print "reference books" or indeed "books" from authors of "less" repute or "questionable" repute.

Dr Sultan's article was also published in India and he remains a speaker doing the IVY LEAGUE rounds.

I hope, I will have regained some of your "credibility" and that you are not that "disappointed".

You have every right to question source, and it has been my endeavour to give only the "best" or "most credible source". You have to understand SWAT is not that developed and you will not find IVY League doctorates doing thesis on SWAT (may do so now), but I have got hold of the best material on SWAT that is available from someone who is the foremost authority on the history of SWAT.

Anonymous said...

RIGHT UP UNCLE SAM'S ASS ...... PRICELESS ....AND WHERE IT BELONGS ..... LOL !

Anonymous said...

Excellent blog on Afghanistan.

http://sharonchadha.blogspot.com/

Anonymous said...

1. This is the problem. I am just giving a suggestion and you are wronging me by comparing me to one psycho Paki and his alter egos.

2. But anyway thanks for the clarification. If he has authored a book published by OUP then he cannot be too bad. I was just concerned because you were bragging that Dr Sultan-i-Rome, (Asst. Professor of History, Jahanzeb College, Saidu Sharif, SWAT, Pakistan) like as if it is some great uni. U should then have wrote he is the author of SWAT STATE (ISBN xxxxxxxxxx) like how you write now.

3. Article is generally fine. Just small errors like spelling "ultra vires" as "ultra virus" (2 different meanings)!! but on the larger side it was OK

4. The reason why I made no comment about the content is because when u present a article sourcing material from here and there, the source has to be reliable and credible so that the viewer wants to read on. When a reader sees: this is an analysis from (1) Dr. Sultan of Zaidu Sharif, compared to say,(2) Dr. Joshi from Delhi or (3) Dr. Madhu from Cambridge, which yould you feel like indulging in? Definately (2) and (3). So thats why you need to present reliable sources and prove it is reliable from very beginning.

5. OK now you clarify he authored a book (wasnt a great bestseller book but nevertheless OUP means it should be way above average Saidu standard). So now its fine.

6. You cannot say because it is undeveloped SWAT only SWAT graduats can cover the events accurately. I believe tht even Dr Sultan would have sourced his material on history from British Archives and Asiatic Society Bengal not Saidu Sharif Library (if there is one). As such anybody can do analysis on an area be it rural or urban. Most reports on rural areas come from developed countries. eg Sierra Leone, Madagascar..etc..

take note

BENGAL UNDER ATTACK said...

To Anon above,

No don't get me wrong - I did not compare you with that nutcase Z Harris at all.

I wanted to thank you for allowing me to do a bit more study on Dr Rome and in fact, because of you, I have given his brief introduction in the main article.

So, actually thanks to you.

BENGAL UNDER ATTACK said...

Some comments are more important than what we get to hear in the newspapers. A comment by a Doctor in Pakistan:

---------------------------

I am putting my thoughts, my opinions forward so people can critique it, correct it, or debate it. I am happy if some of you don't agree with it. But its an angle that I am putting forward because I was running into this problem with everyone I would sit and discuss Swat situation.

From ISI insiders, to Army majors, to swati people, politicians, doctors, engineers, local tribal people and none could give me the reason why Army despite its ability to apprehend the criminals is always allowing them a backdoor to escape.

I heard frequently that a lot of talibs killed by Army jawans were found to be not circumcised so conclusion was "they must be Indian Raw agents". That is laughable. Because a high number of people from Tribal areas like Waziristan and Afghanistan are not circumcised. (Me and my collegues in surgery department rotations would see them frequently and we circumcised quite a few adults ourselves).

Then I heard theories that Mossad is totally involved. What is even the slightist hint or sign that a mossad agent is doing this. How can they? So then CIA is doing it. Then Russian Intelligence is involved. But I kept asking one question..... if that is so, what is the purpose?

Then everyone would look stumped and coudn't give me any coherent and clear answer. They would basically contradict themselves within their own answers.


But one thing is and has always been clear. The trainers of all these fighting Talebans is ISI. No one disagrees with that. And Pakistani military wants a Pakistan-sympathizing Taliban government in Afghanistan. We also know that Pakistani ISI and MI have very good know-how of the terrain, people and ethnic tensions, weaknesses and religious aspirations......infact no one is better at this than them.

I asked one Army Major about how long the operation will take to apprehend and kill those thugs. He said "we can clean Swat in 2 wks". Q:" so whats stopping you". Answer "the superiors won't give us the marching orders". Q:"Why not?" - Then the answer becomes muddled : "Americans are controlling it" to "Indian RAW" to ISI-rogue comes up as the theory. "Our Major General was willing to, but he was called back", Q:"Why?" A: "we don't know the workings of GHQ". What does it tell us. This has been the answer from many military brass - not just one.

So my theory is based on other well-informed individuals, writers, lot of readings, interviewing, debating etc. But I am going to the first one to say it may be off target.

As for someone who responded to me rather sarcastically commenting that "we" (which meant me) "see a lot of STAR tv and other drama shows", I want to relay to him that I don't have STAR channel, never seen it, nor have I seen any drama shows in the last 10-15 years. The only Indian movie I have ever watched is Ghalib and a few old B&W Indian movies. I did use to love quality shows like Waris, Tanhayyan, Khuda ki Basti, Alaf Noon, Fifty Fifty etc which in my point of view are world class.
=====================

Ray Lightning said...

Why did China specifically make a deal with the Jamat-e-Islami political party ? How big a player are they ?

It seems like they are at the middle-level providing logistical, organizing and motivational support. They also probably do recruiting work for the Jehadi camps. They have a rich history of engaging in Jehadi activities including genocide (in Bangladesh). And everyone knows that they are the fount of Jehadi philosophy from which all types of extremists are born.

Should India demand the extradition of JeT leaders and push for an international ban of JeT.

Interestingly, JeT is still active in India. More interestingly, JeT has an independent Kashmir wing !

Ray Lightning said...

^I meant JeI

Anonymous said...

u can give taliban ANYTHING, islamic law, money, control...anything. they will still fight because there is so much infighting within these Talibans... now hsould this deal work there will be infighting as to who will control SWAT. new breakaway fations will operate. and if pak army and ISI support Taliban A, then Taliban B,C,D,E,F... will hail pak army and ISI as enemy and the same shit will start

Anonymous said...

so its.. whoever win pakistan lose. pakistan is just prolonging the inevitable. DOOM

BENGAL UNDER ATTACK said...

Ray,

I had stated about China and JEI a couple of articles back either in the main body copy of the article or on comments.

Anyway, here is a take of Saleem Shahzad - who has hardly ever gone wrong in his analysis:

How China eyes the rapidly unfolding situation in the Afghan war theater can be assessed by the Chinese Communist Party officially inviting an eight-member delegation of the Jamaat-i-Islami's leadership led by Qazi Hussain Ahmed to visit China. The JI is the main Islamist political party in Pakistan.

"The delegation comprising the Jamaat-i-Islami's top leadership led by its chief Qazi Hussain Ahmed departed from Islamabad. They were officially invited by the ruling Chinese [communist] party," the JI's chief spokesperson, Shahid Shamsi, confirmed to Asia Times Online.

This is a visible Chinese bid to strengthen its relations with possible new players in the region. The JI is ideologically part of the global Islamic political movement and is very well connected with the Muslim Brotherhood in the Arab world.

China wants to keep in touch with this important movement. In the late 1980s, on a trip arranged by Pakistani intelligence, Qazi Hussain Ahmed visited China to convince the Muslim separatist movement in the country to stop its insurgency.

In Afghanistan, the JI has a deep-rooted connection with the Hezb-e-Islami Afghanistan of Gulbuddin Hekmatyar as well as ideological and friendly relations with the Jamiat-i-Islami Afghanistan led by Professor Burhan-ud-din Rabbani and the Ittehad-i-Islami Afghanistan of Professor Abdul Rab Rasool Sayyaf.

=====

All these factions are of course the fav of ISI.

Anonymous said...

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/India-keeps-off-US-Pakistan-Afghanistan-meet/articleshow/4162963.cms

Why does india stay out?? whatta waste?? doesnt af-pak also affects us?? i dunno why all this sorts of stupid decisions are made by cong!! anyway it also has news about the Obama's administration wanting Karzai out.

Anonymous said...

gr8 going BUA... waiting for p3

Anonymous said...

to Anon above:

India has done the right thing by not going as India knows that Holbrooke's original agenda was to put Kashmir together with the Af-Pak agenda. And knowing the US "secret" agenda, India knows just what to do.

It has also dawned to India, at last, that even so called India's all weather friend, Hillary Clinton herself struck off India from the nations she will have first visited. To her and clearly to USA - the two countries that matter are China (Yuan, exports, security) and Pakistan (security, gas pipelines).

Hence, India has at long last, taken a stand.

Anonymous said...

anon above, actually even if hillary comes what is she gonna talk apart frm our internal matters?? better she didnt come

Anonymous said...

bengal attack, did dr. rome sultan also include about the topic ''INDIA - CLEAR & PRESENT DANGER'' or is that ur edition? pls marginalise between ur facts and dr. rome sultan's

Anonymous said...

high time india started pushing pro-turkistan rebels into china from pakistan. afterall its easy to indoctrinate these muslim freaks in to doing any damn thing including blowing their own arse. and pakistan can be our training center / barracks / factory for those freaks.

BENGAL UNDER ATTACK said...

TO Anon @ Feb 22, 5:04 AM

The comment "India, clear and present danger" is mine. Yes, I see your point and will state as much in the main report.

However, the sources cited later (newspaper) etc are there in Dr Rome's report.

Thanks

BuA

Part 3 - Monday (after I see AR Rahman bagging the Oscar). I am pre-empting, I know, but I am sure AR Rahman is getting the golden statue.

GO for it, AR Rahman - I am very proud of you.

Anonymous said...

where is zaid hamid??

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