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| India-Pakistan |
| Embarrassing times for expatriates |
| 2007-09-15 |
| By Shadaba Islam NOT so long ago, Pakistan rarely topped the European news agenda. Britain was an exception, of course, but continental Europeans devoted little time to the country, preferring to focus instead on the growing political and economic clout of China and the rise of India. There were some exceptions. Many Europeans were enchanted by the music of Nusrat Fateh Ali and curious about how former premier Benazir Bhutto had made it all the way to the top as the female leader of a conservative Muslim country. They were also well aware of the dangers of the fraught relationship between nuclear-armed Pakistan and India. But apart from enthusiastic mountaineers and trekkers, few Europeans showed any interest in the country itself. Pakistani leaders rarely came to Brussels to see their European Union counterparts. When they did, the focus was often more on visiting Indian and Jewish diamond merchants in Antwerp than on official business. Not surprising, the busy Brussels-based press corps studiously ignored visiting Pakistani government delegations — unless invited to sumptuous lunches at Michelin-rated luxury restaurants. How times change. The Sept 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on the United States catapulted Pakistan to the top of the EU news agenda, prompting massive public and media interest in all aspects of the country. This curiosity and unrelenting focus on Pakistan, however, remains a cause for consternation and dismay to many Pakistanis abroad. And not because of any lack of interest in what happens at home. Thanks to the Internet, frequent visits home and e-mail exchanges with friends and relatives, little that happens in the country escapes the notice of Pakistani expatriates. Once in a while, however, we would like to hear some good news about the country — and then share it with others. As it is, however, apart from a few rare positive comments about Pakistan’s economic strengths and the stalwart resilience of its people in the face of natural calamities like the 2005 earthquake, most Europeans are convinced that Pakistan today is synonymous with terrorism, dictatorship, religious extremism and repression.Articles across the continent constantly and consistently point out that, inter alia, Pakistan is a haven for international terrorists, including Al Qaeda chief Osama bin Laden (believed to be hiding in the mountains of Waziristan), is funding and arming a resurgent Taliban in its battle against Nato soldiers in Afghanistan and, despite Islamabad’s protests to the contrary, is behind terror attacks in Kashmir and parts of India. The recent violent end to the Red Mosque siege in Islamabad and the seemingly unending attacks by militants on Pakistani army personnel — not to mention tragic inter-factional violence — have further heightened fears that Pakistan and Pakistanis are a danger to others and to themselves. Last week was cringe-time again as Pakistan was spotlighted by the German press following reports that suspected terrorists accused of masterminding a foiled terrorist plot in Germany had a connection to “terror training camps” in Pakistan. The German case, coming on top of recent successive terror alerts in Britain — and the 2005 transport bombings in London carried out by young British-Pakistanis — has convinced most Europeans that Pakistan not only produces its own brand of local terrorists wreaking havoc at home but also offers disaffected young European Muslims the training and encouragement they need to go forth and do evil in Europe. For most of the past week, however, it’s not Pakistan’s terrorist connections but the strange political soap opera of Pakistani politics that has captured Europe’s attention. European public, media and government officials have been riveted by the dramatic but short-lived return to Pakistan of former premier Nawaz Sharif — and his immediate deportation to Saudi Arabia. While he may not have been viewed as a great democrat when in power, Mr Sharif’s so far lacklustre profile in Europe has been boosted by what many view as his courageous attempt to do battle with General Pervez Musharraf. In contrast, Ms Benazir Bhutto, the one-time darling of the European intelligentsia, press and politicians, has seen her star dim as she ponders a return to Pakistan and a possible power-sharing alliance with the president. “It looks too much like a marriage of convenience,” a member of the European Parliament told me, adding that he was not impressed by the PPP leader’s readiness to do unsavoury deals with the military. Several European journalists have pointed out the difference between Ms Bhutto’s courting of the US and Mr Sharif’s “independent” decision to head home alone. Clearly, President Musharraf’s standing in Europe has been hit hardest by recent events. The episode with Mr Sharif has spotlighted the growing array of problems facing the general as he struggles to hold on to power in the face of falling popularity, a self-confident and independent judiciary and an assertive and independent press. Never as enthusiastic as the US administration about doing business with an army man — even one with a starring role in the “war on terror” — EU officials and diplomats are watching the president’s recent actions — including the ill-considered sacking of the Chief Justice — with unconcealed alarm. This was demonstrated last week when the US called Mr Sharif’s deportation an “internal matter” but the EU took a much firmer line. In an unusually firm statement, an EU spokeswoman urged Pakistan to respect its own Supreme Court ruling and allow Mr Sharif to stay in the country. “In our view, the Supreme Court’s view is very clear and should be respected,” said Christiane Hohmann, the European Commission’s external affairs spokeswoman in Brussels. “If there is any legal case against Sharif, he should have the chance to defend himself in a Pakistan court,” she added. Such EU plain-talking may be exceptional — but then as one EU diplomat pointed out, “when it comes to Pakistan, these are exceptional times.” EU governments are worried President Musharraf may be tempted to impose martial law or emergency in the country, a move they warn would lead to the disastrous isolation of one of the world’s largest Muslim nations, triggering even more extremism and violence — and further aggravating a tendency to interfere in the affairs of neighbouring states. Instead of considering the introduction of martial law, the president should be focusing on holding free and fair elections — and once that is done, should honourably retire from the political scene, said an EU parliamentarian. “Of course that’s not going to happen,” he admitted, adding: “As long as the Bush administration provides cover, Musharraf is not going to change tack because of what the EU says.” Others agree. The EU may be an important trading partner and a key donor — providing over 330 million euros in assistance to Pakistan plus 100 million euros for the earthquake during the last 10 years — but Europe’s clout in Pakistan remains modest. That may change as the EU becomes a more powerful player in Asia and a future civilian Pakistani government decides it’s time to look beyond Washington and spend more time and energy on making true friends in Europe. For the moment, however, Islamabad should expect more tough-talking from an exasperated EU. And as politics at home heat up even more, Pakistani expatriates in Europe should brace themselves for months of uncomfortable and embarrassing moments. The writer is Dawn’s correspondent based in Brussels. |
| Posted by:john frum |
| #3 "As long as the Bush administration provides cover, Musharraf is not going to change tack because of what the EU says." Let me fix that little piece of Bush-bashing: "As long as the EU remains impotent, Musharraf is not going to change tack because of what the EU says." |
| Posted by: Darrell 2007-09-15 16:27 |
| #2 > triggering even more extremism and violence Not possible. But that the standard Pakistani tactic to extort aid or concessions... The very first Pak PM Liqiat Ali Khan used it on India... negotiate quickly with him because after him would be the bearded Islamists.. and that was in 1948... It was worked great.. India signed the Indus Water Treaty granting Pakistan a disproportionate share of water to encourage friendship (or so Nehru thought). Decades later the Indian PM IK Gujral ordered Indian intelligence to cease offensive covert operations in Pakistan and allegedly handed over a list of Pakistani operatives working for India. Pakistan promised to cease activities in the Punjab (they continue to sponsor Sikh terrorists to this day). Not to mention the tens of billions of dollars in US aid and weaponry that Pakistan has received over decades... |
| Posted by: john frum 2007-09-15 15:37 |
| #1 a move they warn would lead to the disastrous isolation of one of the worldÂ’s largest Muslim nations, triggering even more extremism and violence Not possible. Instead of considering the introduction of martial law, the president should be focusing on holding free and fair elections I do believe the Palestinians taught us about that path's folly. |
| Posted by: Zenster 2007-09-15 15:06 |