(This write up appeared in 'The Friday Times' Lahore in three parts, on 17, 24 and 31 January 2014. The author (that's me) consider it needs to be read as one whole. So, has taken the liberty to share the whole write up in one go)
There is no insurgency in FATA – I - 17 Jan 2014
There is no insurgency in FATA – I - 17 Jan 2014
There is no insurgency in FATA – III - 31 Jan 2014There is No Insurgency in FATA
Prof. Ijaz Khan
Dept of International Relations
University of Peshawar
There is a continuous talk of an insurgency in FATA and the need to
Counter Insurgency (COIN) action there since at least 2003-4. In 2004, Pakistan Army
moved into FATA for COIN operations.
Experts and others interested have strong opinion about how to end
insurgency in FATA restore ‘writ of the State’ there.
One plans and acts according to
the problem or challenge one is facing. Like a doctor can only prescribe
correct medicine if s/he diagnoses the disease correctly, decision makers must
first correctly identify the problem, its level, intensity and location, assess
their own capabilities and take a decision accordingly. The debate revolves
around a situation in FATA and more specifically in the two agencies, North and
South Waziristan. That situation is termed as insurgency and experts and others
interested give opinion on how to deal with it, suggesting various counter
insurgency policies and actions. The contention of this scribe is the situation
in Waziristan and rest of FATA is not that of insurgency. This mistake in
identifying the situation has resulted in counterproductive policies and
actions.
