ISLAMABAD – JAMES Mattis unfolded new US Defence strategy (NSS) counteringChina and Russia speaking at John Hopkins University. Israeli PrimeMinister Netanyahu visit to Delhi, any Israeli PM in last 15 years.Ironically Ashraf Ghanai was there so was Reportedly Mehmood Achakzai (notconfirmed). It is opening of a new game in the region and globally. US isescalating same time it activities in Afghanistan, and increase expenditureon new weapons systems.
Note point is there is a shift from war against terrorism to globalstrategic reorientation .The focus is major strategy shift of global game.What Trump policy portray in future conflict there is every possibility ofuse of force. It is indeed dangerous for world peace. Where as Chineseresponse is more diplomatic and to resolve issues through peaceful means
The increase in Taliban attacks in Afghanistan and recent attack onintercontinental Kabul and Afghan Military Academy indicate a new surge inAfghanistan by Taliban. It will increase further pressures on Pakistan.
Already Afghan spy agency is claiming Pakistan’s hand. No surprise Rawitself is the Architect to malign Pakistan. We will see more and increasein Indian violations on LOC. Recent attack and now on the working Boundaryis certainly a pointer for the events to come.
TTP will increase activity in Pakistan especially in Balochistan. It isall-indicative of a nexus emerging where the strategic targets will be CPECand check Pakistan shift towards China and Russia.
The new policy articulate the central theme the new threat emergingeconomically, militarily and politically is China and Russia . The Russianthreat as perceived by USA is Military and thus both threaten the Dominanceof USA globally.
It places emphasis on India to counter regionally thus shifting theemphasis from South East Asia to South Asia. In this scenario Pakistan tilttowards China, Russia and CPEC is to be checked. For the these aims USA hasto stay in Afghanistan.
Acting Secretary of Atate visit and again in pressurising Pakistan tofollow US line all speak of the scene emerging fraught with dangersRegionally and globally.
Link it with Indian Army Chief threats and financial pressures beingcreated through WB and IMF slipping rupee down , should be taken seriously. What are we doing to counter these ominous moves is questionable.Unfortunately latest posture of MNS if I am not there a la East Pakistanlike situation could develop is an extremely dangerous statement.Unfortunately neither our Opposition nor other Parliament parties haveacted on a serious note.
Parties are squabbling on non issues whereas the governance is losing itsgrip. This is what our enemies plan is. Create fissures in the Society andattack when the vulnerability occur.In this milieu Pakistan’s response is conventional and stereotype.Internally and externally we have to take some considered steps.
Growing power of Indian Navy in Indian Ocean and beyond has to be counteredas with Gwadar coming up, in between another port beside Karachi and PortQasim the Coastal road Karachi Gwadar running along, the exposure hasvastly increased.
Pakistan Navy has to have deep-sea offensive capability. So is theartillery and armour capability matters a lot. We must develop fast actingCombat Groups with this punch not only to counter swift conventionalattacks as part of cold start doctrine but supported by Air and Navy aroundcoastal belt.
As mentioned above our Eastern coastal areas are specially vulnerable tolandings as part of cold start and thus speaks of the requirements ofoffensive punch to Navy. Sea surveillance and monitoring call aerialssurveillance capability enhancement.
Coupled with this our diplomacy has to be par excellent in Washington andglobally. The present set of Staff in US failed to address and hob-nob withvery elements who are working against the interests of Pakistan.
We must understand how Govt function in US and impact of lobbying firm inpolicy formulation in different tiers. Nevertheless Pakistan should try tokeep good relationships with US. In international affairs there is no suchthing to cut of relationship. Pakistan has many ways to convey its point ofview. Pakistan must develop a strategic balance between all three powers.
—The writer, a retired Brigadier, is decorated veteran of 65 & 71 wars anda defence analyst based in Lahore.By: Brigadier Tariq Khalil