Saudi Arabia has aided Pakistan, especially Nawaz Sharif's government, in many ways and also during difficult times. Provision of weapons and oil grants and the list goes on. Will Sharif and Pakistan return the favor? What backlash will Pakistan expect ones it decides to join in this fight against the rebels in Yemen? If this fight isn't stopped from spreading in the entire Middle East, like if Iran, Iraq and Russia also decide to join in and help the rebels, then I believe that Pakistan could suffer severe consequences. Best bet would be if Pakistan plays the role of promoting peace talks between Saudis and the rebels Yemeni rebels and bring them on one table to sort out this conflict.
It's annoying me to no end how the Sharif govt has pledged support to the Saudis. We have our own million problems and fighting someone else's war will just be detrimental to the country. However the share amount of oil and support Pakistan (particularly this govt) gets is possibly the reason why Sharif can't say no to the Saudis. But I wish and hope he grows a spine and stays out of it.
ReplyDeleteFrankly, declaring their support for the Saudi governments plans to fight the Houthi rebels in Yemen is a stupid decision on part of the 'Sharif biraderaan'. We have our own problems: we are waging a war against terrorism, our army is stretched thin. Yes, Saudia Arabia has come to Pakistan's aid several times. But does that justify fighting someone else's war, as Rida has put it, when it means that there will be more problems within your own country? I fear that the PML-N government's support for the Saudis attacking Yemen might come off as an open declaration of the state's support of the Sunni ideology. This will further marginalize the Shia community within Pakistan, creating further unrest and might even lead to greater sectarian violence. We are going to end up being more divided than ever.
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However, retracting a little from my earlier comment, this decision might not be entirely stupid. Staying in the Saudis good books ensures that the Sharif brothers have some place to run off to once they've bled the country dry (at the end of this term). Of course, that way no one will be able to hold them accountable for anything that they've done.
ReplyDelete(I apologize if I've offended any PML-N supporters - but I am little annoyed with the direction the leadership of this country is taking.)
Interesting post and comments. More on this in class tomorrow.
ReplyDeleteI am not sure if Nawaz Sharif will take this decision alone. He will consult with Gen Raheel Sharif. These two have formed a great partnership which has brought stability in Pakistan to some extend. Having both the army and the civil government on one page is always healthy for any country and Gen Raheel is one of those COAS who does have faith in Nawaz Sharif and has been cooperating with him since the start of Zarb e Azb. And the way I see, even our COAS is willing to support Saudi Arabia in this rebellious fight and it would be a matter time that he might ask Nawaz to confirm their support. Obviously the PM will not pass any such statements without the consent of COAS.
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