Friday, November 30, 2007

Pressing need for rethinking strategy

Dec.1, 2007

Pressing need for rethinking strategy

IT IS worrying to note that a recent UN report says that militancy is on the rise around the world and Al Qaeda remains determined to mount major attacks and has extended its base of support.
The UN report also says that Al Qaeda has also become more adept at communicating its message and operational plans.
More than six years after the US declared its war on terrorism, there is little sign that it has ben effective in addressing the problem.
The UN report says that Taliban rebels fighting to regain control of Afghanistan have increased their influence not only in Afghanistan but also in north-western Pakistan.
Accrording to the report, the Taliban had money from the drug trade to pay its fighters and purchase weapons. The report refers to the arrest of people suspected of links with Al Qaeda in more than 40 countries as a source of worry since it shows a "high volume" of planning.
The report, prepared by experts working for the Security Council committee monitoring UN sanctions against the Taliban and Al Qaeda, asserts that Al Qaeda had established training centres in Pakistan, operating out of houses and small compounds, and had networks that channel people into the centres.
How and why the US fail in its fight to eliminate militancy despite having thrown all its weight behind the war on terror that had drawn support from many countries around the world?
Or was it that the US, which has the most advanced communication systems and surveillance equipment in the world, waged only a half-hearted campaign?
Even some of the seasoned American politicians are suggesting that there definitely major shortcomings in the post-Sept.11 US campaign and they could perhaps even be deliberate because keeping the threat of militacy alive serves the US purpose of justifying its military and intelligence presence in many countries. If that is indeed the case, then it is time the world started asking Washington to provide answers and explanations.
Having enlisted support from the international community in the wake of the devastating Sept.11 attacks in New York and Washington, the US has an obligation to explain why and how it was unsuccessful in its efforts.
One of the reasons cited by experts is that the US went on an almost blind rampage and did an overkill after Sept.11. Instead of quelling insurgent groups, the US approach created breeding grounds for militancy around the world, and many countries face increased threats today.
It is time Washington stood on its tracks and took in a broader view of its post-Sept.11 actions. Perhaps the right answers are right there. The sooner the Washington strategists did the exercise the better for everyone around.