G
Gandalf Grey
Guest
Liberate Balochistan: USA Should Target Pakistan, Talk to Iran
By John Stanton
Created Mar 30 2007 - 9:34am
Since 1947, the Islamic Republic of Pakistan (Land of the Pure), a military
dictatorship, has been a fragile entity perpetually on the brink of internal
civil war, and constantly at loggerheads with India over contested Kashmir.
It is a destabilizing factor on the Asian continent. The recent sacking of
Pakistan's Supreme Court Justice by President Pervez Musharraf in March of
2007 is just another one of many straws weighing on the central government's
back in Islamabad, a portent of what more is to come.
The Sunni dominant country is a nation-state in name only being held
together by the force of its military and with the Machiavellian support of
the USA. It is a powder keg of conflict pitting Pakistan's ruthless military
against tribal factions in the North along Afghanistan's border and, in
particular, against the Baloch in the South whose homeland is resource rich
Balochistan.
In many respects, Musharaf's Pakistan resembles the US puppet regime of
Hamid Karzai in Kabul, Afghanistan. There, the central government has little
influence beyond its seat of government in the capital city and any
authority it does have comes from the barrel of a gun or the bomb rack of an
American made military aircraft. And, in rather depressing respects,
Islamabad's handling of the Baloch and their homeland is seems a mirror
image of the US treatment of local Iraqis in the ongoing US misadventure in
Iraq. But, one must have hope that the USA will learn.
PAK has NUKE: Anyone Care?
The CIA Factbook 2007 paints an even grimmer picture of the Land of the
Pure. It garners a "high risk" mark for food and waterborne diseases such as
bacterial diarrhea, hepatitis A and E, and typhoid fever. It suffers from
water pollution from raw sewage, industrial wastes, and agricultural runoff.
Pakistan has limited natural fresh water resources and a majority of the
population does not have access to potable water. It's a transit country for
opium. Yet, this military dictatorship overseen by Musharaff maintains a
nuclear arsenal and each year, in the face of its internal strife, manages
to find the funds to purchase weaponry from an assortment of international
military contractors--among them the USA. But the hard reality for the USA
is that Pakistan, or whatever may become of it, will remain a chess piece
for the geopolitical machinations of the USA, China, India and Russia.
If the National Security Policy of the USA makes any sense at all, then it's
Pakistan that the USA should be looking to target with UN sanctions or
economic/military pressure, perhaps in conjunction with India and in
consultation with China and Russia. After all, Pakistan is a failing state
that already has nuclear weapons. And it is worth stating again that the
country is a military dictatorship whose intelligence service--the ISI--is
known to have a lot of animosity towards the USA, and has continually lent
support to the Taliban--if not Al Qaeda. Moreover, US oil and natural gas
concerns own 30% of the finds in Balochistan. It would be in the USA's best
interest to court the local Baloch rather than sit by and watch the
government in Islamabad crush the Baloch. Lessons-learned in Iraq should
have taught the leaders in Washington, DC something (anything?) about how
not to make enemies out of local populations.
Strategic Interests Served
Balochistan is in the southwest portion of Pakistan and borders Iran,
Afghanistan, and India. The province is rich in oil & natural gas and its
mostly 800 miles of underdeveloped coastline is flush with an abundance of
ocean resources. A portion of Balochistan resides in Iran and is known as
"Sistan and Balochestan", an Iranian province bordering on the Sea of Oman
and Afghanistan and Pakistan. It is Iran's poorest province and is home to
roughly 400,000 people. Could the The US and Iran find some common ground
for an independent Balochistan? Why not link the issue to current US and
Iranian grievances with each other? Perhaps Iran cedes some territory for US
concessions and economic aid. Once the troublesome Pakistani military is out
of Balochistan on the Pakistan side, and the Baloch become independent and
negotiate fair treatment for their people, and worthy prices for their land
and resources, the Baloch might agree to stop attacking commercial
interests.
The Baloch view themselves as an occupied territory and have done so since
March 27, 1948 when the Pakistanis invaded Balochistan. Quoting Dr. Wahid
Baloch, "Balochistan was a free sovereign independent state with its own
parliament, the Dar-ul Awaam, the House of Commons, and Dar-ul Umraa, House
of Lords. Soon after the creation of Pakistan, Pakistan invaded Balochistan
and forcefully annexed it into Pakistan. From 1977-2005, Pakistan continues
its crime against the Baloch people. Thousands of Baloch political activists
and students have been arrested and are being tortured in secret jails. Many
are missing, including Dr. Allah Nazar Baloch, Goher Baloch and Akther
Nadeem Baloch. Pakistani military, paramilitary and security forces are
given the task to arrest, kidnap or kill any Baloch who talks or thinks
about freedom. More than 600 military check [points] have been established
all over Balochistan to control the activities and movements of the Baloch
people.
There are 60,000 Pakistani troops stationed in Balochistan and more are on
the way. Balochistan has been turned into a military occupied war zone.
Baloch people are living in fear and in hopelessness. They are desperately
looking to the world community...for their help and rescue against the
tyranny of Pakistani and Iranian regimes."
Just so.
According to a recent report by Forum-Asia; Asian Legal Resource Centre,
INFID; and Pax Romana; in Pakistan's Balochistan province, more than 4000
people have reportedly disappeared as the result of military operations
between 2001 and late 2005. They have not been produced before a court by
the military intelligence agencies--such as the notorious ISI--and their
whereabouts remain unknown.
Turkey to Pakistan: Treat Baloch Like Kurds! Investors Don't Care
China, through Islamabad, has already gotten a piece of the action in
Balochistan. China's Harbour Engineering Company recently helped Pakistan
complete Phase II of the mammoth deep sea Port at Gwadar and it is open for
business for all, it seems, except Baloch locals. Associated with that
development effort are dozens of opportunities that are destined to cut-out
the local population: resorts, casinos, and the letting of commercial
fishing rights are among those listed by the Pakistan Board of Investment
that are, worldwide, normally associated with corruption. The PAKBOI showed
its contempt for the Baloch when it indicated on its website (pakboi.gov.pk
[1]) that "...Balochistan can provide land on easy terms."
In 2003, the South Asian Analysis Group (saag.org [2]) noted the many ways
in which the Musharaff government has exploited the Baloch.
a.. Military authorities have bought most of the prime land at throw-away
prices.
b.. Large-scale influx of Pashtuns from the North-West Frontier Province
of Pakistan and Afghanistan, officially encouraged by the Pakistan Army, and
re-settlement of Punjabi ex-servicemen in order to reduce the Balochs to a
minority in their homeland.
c.. Non-payment of adequate royalty to the people of Balochistan for the
gas found in their territory, which has contributed to the economic
development of Punjab, without any economic benefits for the Balochs; the
displacement of a large number of poor Balochs by the construction of the
Gwadar port and town with Chinese assistance without adequate compensation;
the re-settlement of a large number of Punjabi and Pashtun ex-servicemen in
Balochistan to work in the Gwadar port and Mekran coastal highway projects,
in violation of the Government assurances that preference would be given to
the sons of the soil for work in the projects; violation of the labour
rights of the people employed by the Chinese construction company which is
building the port; and the setting-up of three new cantonments by the army
in Balochistan.
d.. The anger over the non-payment of adequate royalty for the gas being
supplied to Punjab and Sindh has led to a number of incidents of sabotage of
the gas pipelines and attacks involving the use of explosives and landmines
directed against the staff employed for the protection of the pipelines.
e.. The construction of the Gwadar Port and the Mekran coastal highway has
resulted in the displacement of thousands of Balochs from their ancestral
land and the forcible acquisition of their land by the Government without
paying them adequate compensation and without giving them suitable land in
return. Moreover, fearing Indian attempts to sabotage the projects, the
Government has forcibly removed the Hindus and many of the Balochs, whose
loyalty was suspected, from the area, which has been declared a sensitive
defence zone.
f.. Balochs, who are suspected of being sympathetic to India, have been
removed far away from the site of the Gwadar port. A large number of Punjabi
and Pashtun ex-servicemen, whose loyalty to Islamabad is beyond doubt, have
been re-settled in the Mekran coastal area to work in sea port projects.
Washington, DC! Hello! Listen to This!
According to Shaukat Baloch, here's what would happen if the Baloch got
their shot at nationhood. "If a referendum under the supervision of UN is
held in Balochistan and the people are asked to answer 'yes' or 'no' to the
question 'whether Balochistan should be declared to be an independent
country, ' it is certain that this question would answered in the
affirmative by a large majority of people. If the international community
seriously puts its pressure on Pakistani generals--who are the de facto
rulers even during civilian governments--they would agree to it. Gas and
minerals would be sold to Pakistan and India on rates fixed by Balochistan.
In this regard no artificial problems would be created for the people of
remaining Pakistan. Pakistan would be treated as a friendly country. Foreign
companies would be invited to invest on further research of oil, gas and
minerals.
Balochistan would be a secular, democratic country with freedom of faith,
religion, thought and expression in a peaceful manner. There would be
complete freedom of worship for all. No person would be allowed to preach
hatred. Under the constitution, slogans based on religion, sects, etc. would
be excluded from election campaigns. There would be a parliamentary system
of government accompanied with an independent judiciary and a free press.
Religious extremists would be asked not to meddle in politics. However they
may keep their views with themselves. Unlike today, religious extremists
will not receive funds in millions of dollars from ISI and other sources.
Consequently they would remain peaceful. A Nation of Baloch of about 7
million will run and flourish in a way similar to Switzerland and
Scandinavian countries. Professors, scientists and experts in other fields
from the West would be invited to work in the universities and labs of
Balochistan."
The Baloch Nation wants Independence not just because they are being
persecuted and cheated by both Iran and Pakistan with regards to their
natural resources, said Shabir Ahmed. The primary reason is that they want
to be free to govern themselves. Whatever the reasons for the creation of
Pakistan , the illegal annexation of Balochistan by Pakistan is a bitter
pill to swallow .
According to Ahmed, "Simply put the Baloch Nation will never accept
Pakistani or Iranian rule . It is inhuman and cruel to expect people of
different races and languages to become 3rd class citizens in their own land
, and to be governed by aliens . With regards to what shape a future Baloch
Government should take , the best role model in that respect is the British
political model we have today . The House of Commons and the House of Lords
.. This particular system was up and running in 1947 , and then brought to an
abrupt end by the illegal annexation of Balochistan by Pakistan. The Baloch
are very different from their more fanatical immediate neighbors . Baloch
society is naturally secular and very tolerant of other religions and races
.. However it must be noted that history shows us that the Baloch love their
freedom and will never tolerate interference from outsiders , or alien rule.
There are many a Widows sons who will fight to the bitter end to bring about
an Independent Baloch State."
An independent Balochistan is inevitable (as is an independent Kurdistan)
and essential to peace on the Asian continent. The sheer will and tenacity
of Baloch freedom fighters makes this outcome certain.
As anonymous said, "Dear Baloch friends. 90% of Balochistan is controlled by
real sons of soil--meaning Baloch Liberation fighters. Pakis and their
cronies control few cities and towns in Balochistan. Bravo! Baloch Fighters.
Victory belongs to Baloch warriors!"
_______
--
NOTICE: This post contains copyrighted material the use of which has not
always been authorized by the copyright owner. I am making such material
available to advance understanding of
political, human rights, democracy, scientific, and social justice issues. I
believe this constitutes a 'fair use' of such copyrighted material as
provided for in section 107 of the US Copyright
Law. In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107
"A little patience and we shall see the reign of witches pass over, their
spells dissolve, and the people recovering their true sight, restore their
government to its true principles. It is true that in the meantime we are
suffering deeply in spirit,
and incurring the horrors of a war and long oppressions of enormous public
debt. But if the game runs sometimes against us at home we must have
patience till luck turns, and then we shall have an opportunity of winning
back the principles we have lost, for this is a game where principles are at
stake."
-Thomas Jefferson
By John Stanton
Created Mar 30 2007 - 9:34am
Since 1947, the Islamic Republic of Pakistan (Land of the Pure), a military
dictatorship, has been a fragile entity perpetually on the brink of internal
civil war, and constantly at loggerheads with India over contested Kashmir.
It is a destabilizing factor on the Asian continent. The recent sacking of
Pakistan's Supreme Court Justice by President Pervez Musharraf in March of
2007 is just another one of many straws weighing on the central government's
back in Islamabad, a portent of what more is to come.
The Sunni dominant country is a nation-state in name only being held
together by the force of its military and with the Machiavellian support of
the USA. It is a powder keg of conflict pitting Pakistan's ruthless military
against tribal factions in the North along Afghanistan's border and, in
particular, against the Baloch in the South whose homeland is resource rich
Balochistan.
In many respects, Musharaf's Pakistan resembles the US puppet regime of
Hamid Karzai in Kabul, Afghanistan. There, the central government has little
influence beyond its seat of government in the capital city and any
authority it does have comes from the barrel of a gun or the bomb rack of an
American made military aircraft. And, in rather depressing respects,
Islamabad's handling of the Baloch and their homeland is seems a mirror
image of the US treatment of local Iraqis in the ongoing US misadventure in
Iraq. But, one must have hope that the USA will learn.
PAK has NUKE: Anyone Care?
The CIA Factbook 2007 paints an even grimmer picture of the Land of the
Pure. It garners a "high risk" mark for food and waterborne diseases such as
bacterial diarrhea, hepatitis A and E, and typhoid fever. It suffers from
water pollution from raw sewage, industrial wastes, and agricultural runoff.
Pakistan has limited natural fresh water resources and a majority of the
population does not have access to potable water. It's a transit country for
opium. Yet, this military dictatorship overseen by Musharaff maintains a
nuclear arsenal and each year, in the face of its internal strife, manages
to find the funds to purchase weaponry from an assortment of international
military contractors--among them the USA. But the hard reality for the USA
is that Pakistan, or whatever may become of it, will remain a chess piece
for the geopolitical machinations of the USA, China, India and Russia.
If the National Security Policy of the USA makes any sense at all, then it's
Pakistan that the USA should be looking to target with UN sanctions or
economic/military pressure, perhaps in conjunction with India and in
consultation with China and Russia. After all, Pakistan is a failing state
that already has nuclear weapons. And it is worth stating again that the
country is a military dictatorship whose intelligence service--the ISI--is
known to have a lot of animosity towards the USA, and has continually lent
support to the Taliban--if not Al Qaeda. Moreover, US oil and natural gas
concerns own 30% of the finds in Balochistan. It would be in the USA's best
interest to court the local Baloch rather than sit by and watch the
government in Islamabad crush the Baloch. Lessons-learned in Iraq should
have taught the leaders in Washington, DC something (anything?) about how
not to make enemies out of local populations.
Strategic Interests Served
Balochistan is in the southwest portion of Pakistan and borders Iran,
Afghanistan, and India. The province is rich in oil & natural gas and its
mostly 800 miles of underdeveloped coastline is flush with an abundance of
ocean resources. A portion of Balochistan resides in Iran and is known as
"Sistan and Balochestan", an Iranian province bordering on the Sea of Oman
and Afghanistan and Pakistan. It is Iran's poorest province and is home to
roughly 400,000 people. Could the The US and Iran find some common ground
for an independent Balochistan? Why not link the issue to current US and
Iranian grievances with each other? Perhaps Iran cedes some territory for US
concessions and economic aid. Once the troublesome Pakistani military is out
of Balochistan on the Pakistan side, and the Baloch become independent and
negotiate fair treatment for their people, and worthy prices for their land
and resources, the Baloch might agree to stop attacking commercial
interests.
The Baloch view themselves as an occupied territory and have done so since
March 27, 1948 when the Pakistanis invaded Balochistan. Quoting Dr. Wahid
Baloch, "Balochistan was a free sovereign independent state with its own
parliament, the Dar-ul Awaam, the House of Commons, and Dar-ul Umraa, House
of Lords. Soon after the creation of Pakistan, Pakistan invaded Balochistan
and forcefully annexed it into Pakistan. From 1977-2005, Pakistan continues
its crime against the Baloch people. Thousands of Baloch political activists
and students have been arrested and are being tortured in secret jails. Many
are missing, including Dr. Allah Nazar Baloch, Goher Baloch and Akther
Nadeem Baloch. Pakistani military, paramilitary and security forces are
given the task to arrest, kidnap or kill any Baloch who talks or thinks
about freedom. More than 600 military check [points] have been established
all over Balochistan to control the activities and movements of the Baloch
people.
There are 60,000 Pakistani troops stationed in Balochistan and more are on
the way. Balochistan has been turned into a military occupied war zone.
Baloch people are living in fear and in hopelessness. They are desperately
looking to the world community...for their help and rescue against the
tyranny of Pakistani and Iranian regimes."
Just so.
According to a recent report by Forum-Asia; Asian Legal Resource Centre,
INFID; and Pax Romana; in Pakistan's Balochistan province, more than 4000
people have reportedly disappeared as the result of military operations
between 2001 and late 2005. They have not been produced before a court by
the military intelligence agencies--such as the notorious ISI--and their
whereabouts remain unknown.
Turkey to Pakistan: Treat Baloch Like Kurds! Investors Don't Care
China, through Islamabad, has already gotten a piece of the action in
Balochistan. China's Harbour Engineering Company recently helped Pakistan
complete Phase II of the mammoth deep sea Port at Gwadar and it is open for
business for all, it seems, except Baloch locals. Associated with that
development effort are dozens of opportunities that are destined to cut-out
the local population: resorts, casinos, and the letting of commercial
fishing rights are among those listed by the Pakistan Board of Investment
that are, worldwide, normally associated with corruption. The PAKBOI showed
its contempt for the Baloch when it indicated on its website (pakboi.gov.pk
[1]) that "...Balochistan can provide land on easy terms."
In 2003, the South Asian Analysis Group (saag.org [2]) noted the many ways
in which the Musharaff government has exploited the Baloch.
a.. Military authorities have bought most of the prime land at throw-away
prices.
b.. Large-scale influx of Pashtuns from the North-West Frontier Province
of Pakistan and Afghanistan, officially encouraged by the Pakistan Army, and
re-settlement of Punjabi ex-servicemen in order to reduce the Balochs to a
minority in their homeland.
c.. Non-payment of adequate royalty to the people of Balochistan for the
gas found in their territory, which has contributed to the economic
development of Punjab, without any economic benefits for the Balochs; the
displacement of a large number of poor Balochs by the construction of the
Gwadar port and town with Chinese assistance without adequate compensation;
the re-settlement of a large number of Punjabi and Pashtun ex-servicemen in
Balochistan to work in the Gwadar port and Mekran coastal highway projects,
in violation of the Government assurances that preference would be given to
the sons of the soil for work in the projects; violation of the labour
rights of the people employed by the Chinese construction company which is
building the port; and the setting-up of three new cantonments by the army
in Balochistan.
d.. The anger over the non-payment of adequate royalty for the gas being
supplied to Punjab and Sindh has led to a number of incidents of sabotage of
the gas pipelines and attacks involving the use of explosives and landmines
directed against the staff employed for the protection of the pipelines.
e.. The construction of the Gwadar Port and the Mekran coastal highway has
resulted in the displacement of thousands of Balochs from their ancestral
land and the forcible acquisition of their land by the Government without
paying them adequate compensation and without giving them suitable land in
return. Moreover, fearing Indian attempts to sabotage the projects, the
Government has forcibly removed the Hindus and many of the Balochs, whose
loyalty was suspected, from the area, which has been declared a sensitive
defence zone.
f.. Balochs, who are suspected of being sympathetic to India, have been
removed far away from the site of the Gwadar port. A large number of Punjabi
and Pashtun ex-servicemen, whose loyalty to Islamabad is beyond doubt, have
been re-settled in the Mekran coastal area to work in sea port projects.
Washington, DC! Hello! Listen to This!
According to Shaukat Baloch, here's what would happen if the Baloch got
their shot at nationhood. "If a referendum under the supervision of UN is
held in Balochistan and the people are asked to answer 'yes' or 'no' to the
question 'whether Balochistan should be declared to be an independent
country, ' it is certain that this question would answered in the
affirmative by a large majority of people. If the international community
seriously puts its pressure on Pakistani generals--who are the de facto
rulers even during civilian governments--they would agree to it. Gas and
minerals would be sold to Pakistan and India on rates fixed by Balochistan.
In this regard no artificial problems would be created for the people of
remaining Pakistan. Pakistan would be treated as a friendly country. Foreign
companies would be invited to invest on further research of oil, gas and
minerals.
Balochistan would be a secular, democratic country with freedom of faith,
religion, thought and expression in a peaceful manner. There would be
complete freedom of worship for all. No person would be allowed to preach
hatred. Under the constitution, slogans based on religion, sects, etc. would
be excluded from election campaigns. There would be a parliamentary system
of government accompanied with an independent judiciary and a free press.
Religious extremists would be asked not to meddle in politics. However they
may keep their views with themselves. Unlike today, religious extremists
will not receive funds in millions of dollars from ISI and other sources.
Consequently they would remain peaceful. A Nation of Baloch of about 7
million will run and flourish in a way similar to Switzerland and
Scandinavian countries. Professors, scientists and experts in other fields
from the West would be invited to work in the universities and labs of
Balochistan."
The Baloch Nation wants Independence not just because they are being
persecuted and cheated by both Iran and Pakistan with regards to their
natural resources, said Shabir Ahmed. The primary reason is that they want
to be free to govern themselves. Whatever the reasons for the creation of
Pakistan , the illegal annexation of Balochistan by Pakistan is a bitter
pill to swallow .
According to Ahmed, "Simply put the Baloch Nation will never accept
Pakistani or Iranian rule . It is inhuman and cruel to expect people of
different races and languages to become 3rd class citizens in their own land
, and to be governed by aliens . With regards to what shape a future Baloch
Government should take , the best role model in that respect is the British
political model we have today . The House of Commons and the House of Lords
.. This particular system was up and running in 1947 , and then brought to an
abrupt end by the illegal annexation of Balochistan by Pakistan. The Baloch
are very different from their more fanatical immediate neighbors . Baloch
society is naturally secular and very tolerant of other religions and races
.. However it must be noted that history shows us that the Baloch love their
freedom and will never tolerate interference from outsiders , or alien rule.
There are many a Widows sons who will fight to the bitter end to bring about
an Independent Baloch State."
An independent Balochistan is inevitable (as is an independent Kurdistan)
and essential to peace on the Asian continent. The sheer will and tenacity
of Baloch freedom fighters makes this outcome certain.
As anonymous said, "Dear Baloch friends. 90% of Balochistan is controlled by
real sons of soil--meaning Baloch Liberation fighters. Pakis and their
cronies control few cities and towns in Balochistan. Bravo! Baloch Fighters.
Victory belongs to Baloch warriors!"
_______
--
NOTICE: This post contains copyrighted material the use of which has not
always been authorized by the copyright owner. I am making such material
available to advance understanding of
political, human rights, democracy, scientific, and social justice issues. I
believe this constitutes a 'fair use' of such copyrighted material as
provided for in section 107 of the US Copyright
Law. In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107
"A little patience and we shall see the reign of witches pass over, their
spells dissolve, and the people recovering their true sight, restore their
government to its true principles. It is true that in the meantime we are
suffering deeply in spirit,
and incurring the horrors of a war and long oppressions of enormous public
debt. But if the game runs sometimes against us at home we must have
patience till luck turns, and then we shall have an opportunity of winning
back the principles we have lost, for this is a game where principles are at
stake."
-Thomas Jefferson