The “War on Terror” is touted by its proponents as an epic struggle between religious fanaticism and secular, democratic civilization. However, the striking lack of any real promotion of democracy in the West’s policy in parts of the Middle East brings to light the inconsistency between bellicose rhetoric and political reality.
The latest example is the West’s response to Pakistani General Pervez Musharraf’s imposition of emergency rule on Nov. 3. Despite arresting thousands of his political opponents and forcibly detaining his main rival in her home, the West’s only reaction has remained one of muted protest. This reflects poorly on the Bush administration’s commitment to promote democracy in Pakistan, a country ravaged by a petty dictator for eight years. Our politicians’ cowardice undermines the bravery of Canadian troops dying in Afghanistan to support a democratic regime that is faithful to its people.
Pakistan has been a key ally in the United States’ campaign in Afghanistan, developing a regime that has been rewarded handsomely. In fact, Musharraf’s very survival as a leader is dependent on the financial support from the superpower. Since the terrorist attacks of 9/11, Pakistan has received about $10 billion in U.S. foreign aid, consisting of direct cash transfers that are not subject to any oversight. It is estimated that only 10 per cent goes towards developmental aid and humanitarian assistance—even after the devastating earthquake of October 2005 that killed some 75,000 people.
It must be understood that improving the living conditions of Pakistani citizens, particularly those in the tribal regions, is vitally important in the struggle against religious fundamentalism. Musharraf’s mismanagement of these funds, directed towards increasing literacy and building basic infrastructure, contributes to the hostility of these tribal communities towards a government, and its Western backers, that shirks off any responsibility to improve the lives of its citizens.
It‘s obvious that the tin-pot dictatorship, to satisfy its western backers, is contributing only the bare minimum to the NATO mission in Afghanistan. How else can we account for the pitiful state of Pakistan’s 80,000 strong Frontier Corp, often equipped with little more than “sandals and bolt-action rifles,” whilst the enemy carries AK-47s and RPGs. It is little wonder that nearly 300 of these ragtag soldiers were captured by thirty Taliban fighters without firing a single shot earlier this year. The vast majority of the military aid provided to Pakistan is spent on big-ticket items such as harpoon missiles designed to sink warships, F-16 fighter jets, and howitzers that have to be towed into position; none of these weapons are used to root out the militants within Pakistan’s borders, and have been purchased with another target in mind: Pakistan’s traditional enemy, a democratic India.
The real danger of supporting Musharraf at this juncture, especially when Pakistan’s middle class is adamantly resisting his dictatorial authority, is to potentially nurture a whole new generation of disenfranchised youth, ones who resent the West’s support of the tyrant who oppresses them. Ordinary people across the world notice the hypocrisy in play even if we in North America pay little attention to it. This double standard damages the credibility of the West and hinders our ability to promote democratic ideals elsewhere. What keeps the leaders of the Burmese junta from validating their regime on the basis of this inconsistency?
One only has to look back a few decades to see how this scenario will play out. Iran’s Islamic Revolution of 1979 stemmed from over two decades of American support for the Shah, who brutally oppressed his people. Repeating this mistake with nuclear-armed Pakistan will undoubtedly have graver consequences. As long as the West aids Musharraf in denying the country’s people their rights, we are set on a very dangerous course. The Middle East’s moderate majority, not its military dictators, needs to be supported by the West. Failure to do so risks the ascendance of extremism as the only political vehicle left available to the oppressed. In the epic struggle that dominates our generation, the forces of rationality must triumph.
