by Muttaqin Ur Rahman

The Institute of Policy Studies (IPS) organized a roundtable "Terrorism: Challenges and the Way-out" on Sept. 24, 2001. The speakers included former Secretary General foreign affairs Mr. Akram Zaki, Director General Institute of Strategic Studies Ms. Shireen Mazari, former ambassador Dr. S.M. Koreshi, Dr. Ijaz Hussain, and Dr. Anis Ahmad. Following is in brief what appeared as consensus of this session:

* Justice not war: There are no two opinions about the heinous nature of the terrorist attacks on World Trade Center and the Pentagon, but the question is who are the perpetrators. If it is justice that the US seeks it must provide evidence against whom it wants to declare war, or it would be revenge and considered 'politically motivated'.

* Adopting a rational strategy: Any hasty action from America would fail the purpose of 'war against terrorism'. America would be seen as jumping to the pre-determined conclusion, while the perpetrator may escape unscathed. America should not single-out Afghanistan and try to punish Taliban for having provided shelter to Osama who is allegedly involved in acts of terrorism.

* Introversion: It is in America's interests to refrain from attacking or invading Afghanistan and pressuring its neighbors for cooperation. It should come up with evidence and share the information it claims to have with those it wants to include in the Coalition. The need is also to weed out the causes of terrorism. War against terrorism cannot be won without removing injustices and deprivation. If world powers fail to restore to the oppressed their rights by removing flaws and tilts in their policies, the sense of deprivation and revenge would only increase. It may take on 'what otherwise seem to be invincible' or 'fortress America'.

* Violence breeds more violence: It is also necessary to identify the real culprits. Thrusting war and punishing the innocent would only contribute to making the world 'hot-bed for terrorism'. America should be motivated by the principles of justice and fair play and move carefully knowing well that a mistake or hasty action may threaten global peace.

* Muslim masses sentiments: While the entire world condemns terrorist acts, it is reluctant to get involved in such an action that appears discriminate, grave and revengeful. "Muslim world condemned attacks in New York and Washington, but no Muslim country can be comfortable in becoming part of an 'offensive' against another Muslim country. Saudi Arabia has refused to provide airbases and cracks are visible in the West and European Community over the extent and nature of operation against terrorism.

* Intervention Prohibited: International law prohibits intervention and invasion of a sovereign country. If a country is subject to aggression or terrorism it should refer the matter to the United Nations Security Council and should keep from settling scores on its own. By neglecting the importance of the UN or taking it for granted, America would commit a folly and might have to apologize as it had to for attacking a Sudanese pharmaceutical factory in 1998.

* To Dos for Pakistan: While Pakistan is under immense pressure, still it can do a lot. First of all it should requisition an extraordinary session of the Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC) that provides a platform to Muslim countries for united stand and action. The government of Pakistan should take all decisions after consulting informed and concerned figures and public opinion makers. "Consultations should precede action or decision, not follow them". Pakistan also needs to define limits of its cooperation.

* Assurance to Pakistan: In Pakistan, America is widely seen as 'untrustworthy' and a friend who has always ditched and forsook us after securing its objectives. While Pakistan is not 'bargaining', it asks for 'reciprocity' and assured that American intentions are far from being revengeful against some, tilted towards others, and discriminatory against the Muslim world.

Date/Time Last Modified: 6/17/2002 3:37:18 PM

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