Over a week back the MemoGate scandal broke making headlines around the world. Ijaz Mansoor accussed Pakistans then Ambassador to the United States Dr. Husain Haqqani as the princple architect of the memo.The Ambassador denied Ijaz's claims, was summond by President Asif Zardari to present a briefing on the Memo to Islamabad, and after a series of high level meetings Haqqani requests Prime Minister Gilani to accept his resignation, or so how it was presented to the public.
After much deliberation by the PPP-P leadership former federal minister Sherry Rehman was appointed as Ambassador to succeed Husain Haqqani as Pakistans envoy to Washignton D.C. The new Ambassador having barely settled in, let alone hasm't yet departed for Washington and the countries faced with a situation on the Afganistan-Pakistan border. Last night (U.S. PST) NATO allegedly launches an unprovoked attack on a Pakistani border check post killing 28 Pakistan Army soldiers include civilians.
In the immediate aftermath of NATOs attack Islamabad shut down NATO supply routes through Pakistan and sent notice to the United States to vacate Shamsi Air Base , which is allegedly the launch pad for NATOs unmanned drones in the province of Balochistan within 15 days.
Based on sketchy media reports and tweets found under #Pakistan and #NATOAttack hashtags it would appear like the unprovoced attack was a result of mis-communication between NATO and Pakistani forces. Which is believable. Not related but there was a similar incident of friendly fire between U.S. forces a couples weeks back resulting in lose of life.
Additionally earlier today their was a tweet shared that reported senior White House officials have apologized to Pakistan, and vowes to conduct a detailed probe into the attack. Which was confirmed by an ABC News report on the Obama Administrations formal apology to Pakistan. On the face of things the situation appears like it's under control, however the sentiment on the ground hasn't changed, sabre rattling and anti-America stance is abound. To make matters worst Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaaf chairman Imran Khan addressing a scheduled rally today adds further fuel to the popular sentiment.
With the Obama adminstrations appology the onus now rests on the Gilani (civilian) government to issue an equivalent and measured statement, as General Kiyani has already issued a statement ordering an "effective response" to the attack, whatever that's suppose to mean.
So now what? Appears like its a closed and shut case. Well not entirely. As there is still the issue of The Memo and Mansoor Ijaz. On the face of things it would appear to be seperate and isolated issue. However the timing of events is suspect, and a clear give away of a deeper plot in the works.
Having said that who is it thats behind the Memo? Why did Mansoor Ijaz decide to break his silence now? Is Ijaz acting independently, or does he have support? If he infact has support then who could it be, are they internal or external to Pakistan? It would seem whoever was behind the Memo and the suspected broader plan precieved Ambassador Haqqani as a threat, and his removal was / is critical to the future success of the Plan.
The events of the past several days have done nothing other than further weaken the civialian apparatus in Islamabad with the resignation of it's most imporant spokesperson In Washington at the behest of the military establishment. Though I don't doubt the incoming Ambassador-select Sherry Rehman's abilities, I do wonder if her boots are able to measure up to Husain Haqqani's footprints. Rehman is stepping into a hot seat, all eyes will be upon her to quell misunderstandings, as she chalks out a renewed US-Pak partnership.
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Showing posts with label Pakistan Army. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Pakistan Army. Show all posts
Saturday, November 26, 2011
Thursday, April 12, 2007
BHUTTO-MUSHARRAF Alliance ...warding off TALIBAN sympathizers
Is this possible? A Bhutto-Musharraf alliance, joining forces to defeat the Taliban'ites from the political arena. Sounds like a a great idea, perhaps the next best thing. Not only for Musharraf and Benazir but for Pakistan in general. According to the TimesOnline article Marriage of necessity men the least-wort option,
It does not look as though Bhutto is about to be prime minister again; under the Constitution, no one can serve a third term. But if Musharraf could strike a deal with her party, that would tackle some of the worst threats. It would mark an end to his dangerous courtship of the religious parties, which has boosted their influence above their natural level of support. It would also require him to step down as head of the Army.
It does not look as though Bhutto is about to be prime minister again; under the Constitution, no one can serve a third term. But if Musharraf could strike a deal with her party, that would tackle some of the worst threats. It would mark an end to his dangerous courtship of the religious parties, which has boosted their influence above their natural level of support. It would also require him to step down as head of the Army.
It is hardly a done deal. But in a very difficult year for Pakistan, the possibility of the President bringing a large, secular political party into the centre of power is one of the few encouraging signs.
Though, then it may be wishful thinking on the part of the TimesOnline. As in a report in the HindustanTimes Musharraf says he introduced real democracy in Pak it appears like there may not be any such alliance taking place in the very near future.
As to the rumour about Musharraf stepping down from the post of Chief of Army Staff (COAS), it may end up taking permanent place in Rumors Galore, "Though I am in uniform, I have introduced real democracy in the country. Those who were in civil dress did nothing for democracy. My government worked for women rights and gave them authority," said Musharraf.
Further the following statement by the General is indicative to the fact there is no intention on his part to relinquish his Uniform Musharraf said he was concerned that his uniform was the chief subject and target of criticism of his adversaries, but vowed to serve the country whether he was in uniform or not.
As to the rumour about Musharraf stepping down from the post of Chief of Army Staff (COAS), it may end up taking permanent place in Rumors Galore, "Though I am in uniform, I have introduced real democracy in the country. Those who were in civil dress did nothing for democracy. My government worked for women rights and gave them authority," said Musharraf.
Further the following statement by the General is indicative to the fact there is no intention on his part to relinquish his Uniform Musharraf said he was concerned that his uniform was the chief subject and target of criticism of his adversaries, but vowed to serve the country whether he was in uniform or not.
With such a stance such an alliance may not be possible, Bhutto quoted by the Ireland On-Line Bhutto acknowledged having talks with Pakistan's government, but said the resignation was essential before her party entered any political pact.....she said: "PPP will not accept anyone in uniform."
The ultimate decision may very well rest on the issue of Musharraf letting go of the uniform or not? As Bhutto appears adamant on this point....thus we find that one again Pakistan's fate hangs in the balance.
Copyright C. Abdulrahman Rafiq (ARR)
Monday, April 02, 2007
Musharraf's Dillema...[Part 1]
The Recent protests challenging President Musharraf's authority have conjured up rumor after rumor with very little fact, or are there facts to back up all the rumors out there? This post is an attempt try and separate the fact from fiction.Following are a number of news articles and blog posts gathered from the internet.
The RabitaZone (The RZone) will continue to monitor the situation in Pakistan and post any new data we learn. If any of our readership come across any thing new you may submit this via email or feel free to comment to this post.
===NEWS FLASH:
Chief of Lal Masjid gives one month deadline to govt for closure ...
PakTribune.com - Pakistan
We have not forced the owners of video shops to close down their business nor our students have taken such step, he underlined." ...
Protesters urge Pakistan's president to step down
Vancouver Sun (subscription) - Vancouver,British Columbia,Canada
ISLAMABAD -- Thousands of flag-waving protesters rallied at Pakistan's Supreme Court on Tuesday to urge President Pervez Musharraf to step down for ...
Musharraf under siege: Endgame for Pakistan’s Military Regime
Asian Tribune - Bangkok,Thailand
In the unlikely eventuality that Musharraf heeds the call to step down as COAS, he will follow in Zia’s footsteps and continue as Pakistan’s de facto ruler. ...
US Congress team meets Nawaz
LONDON, March 31: A four-member delegation of the US Congress met former prime minister Nawaz Sharif here on Saturday to what PML-N sources said get Mr Sharif's assessment of the ongoing political turmoil in Pakistan....
Baloch asks Musharraf to step down http://www.onlinenews.com.pk/details.php?id=110429
Also see PublicGyna blog
http://www.publicgyan.com/blog/?p=45
U.S. Impatient with Musharraf http://www.playfuls.com/news_10_22219-US-Impatient-With-Musharraf.html
Blog: Battle brews over Military Rule
http://johnib.wordpress.com/2007/04/02/battle-brews-over-rule-by-military-in-pakistan/
Blog: BB coming back to Pakistan
http://www.themuslimwoman.org/entry/bhutto-coming-back-to-pakistan-is-the-province-ready-to-welcome-her/
CBS News: Musharraf a Problamatic Ally
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2007/03/29/terror/main2623620.shtml
CSM: Pakistan: US Ally, US dilemma
http://news.yahoo.com/s/csm/20070329/ts_csm/apaki_1
Copyright (c) 2007 Abdulrahman Rafiq (ARR)
The RabitaZone, The RZone are copyright trademarks of Abdulrahman Rafiq (2007)
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