Transitory Gains, Endless Pains |
Faulty strategic decisions by Pakistan have historically centred on regional over-extension, alliances of convenience, and delayed economic reforms. The primary consequences include severe economic instability, prolonged internal radicalisation, and international isolation vis-à-vis regional rivals. The decision by the Pakistani leadership to unconditionally support the US in fighting a war against the former USSR in 1979, and again in its so-called war on terror after the 9/11 attacks, has had long-term consequences. Nevertheless, soon after the US intervention in Afghanistan ended in 2021, the implications became painfully clear, as was the case in 1990 after the defeat of the USSR. The supporters of past decisions, mostly the beneficiaries, argue that at the time those decisions were made, the prevalent environment dictated that the government of Pakistan act quickly in favour of the USA. To defy the US would have meant grave consequences; Pakistan lacked the means and resources to chart an independent path; in that atmosphere of overwhelming coercion and fear, the only rational choice was complete cooperation; and the government of Pakistan chose to unconditionally side with the US, even to the astonishment of the US government. Well, as ends justify the means, the intractable cobweb of economic and security issues hurting Pakistan to this day defies the poor logic and arguments spread by the never-changing ruling elite.
This piece expostulates that the decision-making process is short-circuited when a single person is........