A series of recent bomb blasts in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has once again made the 'Taliban issue' central to discussions on media, streets and classrooms. One is however struck by the simplicity of debate, focused on two plain choices: dialogue or full-fledged military action. Ironically, both of these options have been tested and tried over and over again in the past. Well, to this the proponents of military operation argue that the operations in the past lacked 'sincerity' and 'resolve'. Likewise, those supporting the dialogue offer exactly the same reason for the failure of any meaningful dialogue.
The question here is; how would that 'sincerity and resolve' (that were absent in the past) appear all of a sudden to make either of these options effective. Well, some might say, there is a change in the political government. But does that really make a difference?
In case of a military operation, the political leadership could authorize one but it won't be able to follow the operational dynamics of any such action inside the war zone. Similarly, in case of a dialogue the same political elite could talk but it can't rule out the role of any possible spoilers. Its a Catch 22!
Now is the time for intelligence agencies to,
1. decide and declare if they agree to the idea of National integration and consolidation.
2. Share with public the information they have about the nature, character and objectives of all the groups operating in FATA and other parts of Pakistan.
3. Carry out sophisticated intelligence operations against all those who are responsible for bomb blasts and other atrocities committed against the people of Pakistan.
4. And carry out special operations to either kill or apprehend the perpetrators.
Its now or never...
And to begin with let us know who is the enemy. Let not lose this country and the people living here in the 'Fog of War'!
The question here is; how would that 'sincerity and resolve' (that were absent in the past) appear all of a sudden to make either of these options effective. Well, some might say, there is a change in the political government. But does that really make a difference?
In case of a military operation, the political leadership could authorize one but it won't be able to follow the operational dynamics of any such action inside the war zone. Similarly, in case of a dialogue the same political elite could talk but it can't rule out the role of any possible spoilers. Its a Catch 22!
Now is the time for intelligence agencies to,
1. decide and declare if they agree to the idea of National integration and consolidation.
2. Share with public the information they have about the nature, character and objectives of all the groups operating in FATA and other parts of Pakistan.
3. Carry out sophisticated intelligence operations against all those who are responsible for bomb blasts and other atrocities committed against the people of Pakistan.
4. And carry out special operations to either kill or apprehend the perpetrators.
Its now or never...
And to begin with let us know who is the enemy. Let not lose this country and the people living here in the 'Fog of War'!