Joe Biden visits Israel

The US Vice President Joe Biden is on a visit to Israel. Such visits to Israel are essential for the US leaders in order to secure Israeli blessings which, in turn, ensure their own survival. So obviously, Joe Biden assured Israel of his government’s total commitment to Israel, as if that has ever been in doubt, and also to inform Israeli leaders that in accordance with their wish, which in turn, is their command, the US government, and its top leaders personally, are planning ‘crippling’ sanctions against Iran. So, here we have two top terrorist states of the world, US and Israel, accusing Iran of supporting terrorists.

Joe Biden also declared that the agreed resumption of Israeli-Palestinian talks through US mediation was a ‘real opportunity” for peace. The joke is in a really bad taste. We know that George Bush proved himself to be the worst thing that ever happened to the Palestinians, and Muslims for that matter, but there are clear indications that Obama and his team will leave even George Bush far behind. On meeting resistance from Israel’s Benjamin Netanyahu, Obama went down on his knees so early in his presidency, dropped his demand for a settlement freeze and, scaling down his own expectations, agreed to a partial freeze for a limited time, but even this is being violated by Israel but the US is of course not perturbed at all. The US is also trying to improve its relations with Syria but that is more to draw a wedge between Syria and Iran, who are warming up to each other, and to smooth the way for Israel.

Israeli government’s thuggish behaviour of killing Hamas leader in Dubai, involving the misuse of the passports of ‘Israel-friendly’ countries, which is the worst form of international terrorism, is sure not to be discussed by Joe Biden as it could ‘upset’ Israel, a risk that he cannot afford to take. So, the US commitment is to international thugs, scoundrels and murderers, who violate every rule and humiliate even its patron, financier and benefactor, the US but the US leaders do not feel insulted at all and will confine their role to Israeli-appeasement, which they are all very good at, and consider as their national duty and their personal survival kit.

Israel has successfully buried US roadmap and Maryland conference and even before the start of the present ‘useless’ indirect peace talks between Israelis and Palestinians, the Israeli government has announced 112 new homes in West Bank included in the partial moratorium, and 1600 new settler homes in East Jerusalem, which Palestinians want as their capital. As usual, the Americans will not get upset in the least over these dangerous moves, such is their commitment, goodwill and patience towards Israel.

It is really a shame that the US, which is governed by useless, incompetent, murderous and timid leaders, has become the sole superpower.

S.R.H. Hashmi,

Karachi.

 Strategic partners

The ‘do more’ rhetoric perhaps has lost its significance for the US as its own influence is diminishing over time due to its severely militarised foreign policies. Being involved in a war that was organised and triggered by Washington, Pakistan has been a key ally but the status it enjoys is not of one, rather the eruption of a serious economic crisis further dismantles the entire social and moral fibre of the nation. This is an inevitable outcome as the defence budget leaves little for the public welfare. The expenditure has far exceeded the meagre amount given for fighting terrorism by the US, as the weapons used are made locally in contrast to the sophisticated weaponry and devices used by the Taliban, which greatly increases the risk our army officer and jawans are left facing.

A little reluctance from Islamabad to fully support the US strategy for the Af-Pak region, forces the US central command Gen Patraeus to glance back at a ‘chequered past with Pakistan’ which reveals the cruel and horrid twin betrayals of the US inflicted upon the Pakistanis as they were left to deal with a massive exodus of millions of Afghan refugees and a large number of aimless religious organisations.

It has emerged as a surprise that Washington has realised and actually voiced Pakistan’s concern over its lack of strategic depth and that Pakistan has indulged in many endeavours and need to ‘consolidate their gains in those areas’ before moving any further and finally recognising that “there’s a limit to how much you can do”.

A wind of change can be seen blowing from Washington as Mr Holbrook feels a need for re-establishing its relationship with Pakistan by focusing on the economic and energy sectors which would be a great sigh of relief for Pakistan. The greatly talked about diplomacy and “soft power”, which legitimises America’s international aims, reveals the US desperation of amplifying its global influence which it should try to achieve by winning the hearts and minds of the Pakistanis and not by mere words. Also concrete measures need to be taken by redefining the US attitude towards Pakistan and by giving it its due credit as a strategic partner.

Lubna Umar,

Islamabad.

Code of conduct for MPs

It is very honourable to be elected to the provincial or National assembly. The moment you are elected, you are representing the aspirations of the people of the whole province or in the case of National Assembly, the whole of Pakistan, and not of one particular constituency.

If you are elected on a party ticket, then you are bound to act on the manifesto of the party and bring changes in the country to benefit the common man of the whole country or of the province, whatever the case may be.

I think it is a breach of conduct, if you ask for money to pave the streets of your constituency, or induct your favourites in the government department, or transfer your friends to the lucrative jobs. This is the job of the concerned departments to run their affairs. If you interfere in the posting, transfers or any other matters, this weaken the institutions, and you cannot expect them to work properly. This is the main cause of mismanagement, and corruption in our country and we are, all suffering, because of this behaviour.

They can better serve your people, by making laws to make life easier for the people, and bring credit to their party. For example, if they make all hospitals and schools autonomous, give the MS, or the principal, the budgetary money to manage the institution (of course with the help of a few local board of governors,) they can hire or fire any one efficient or inefficient, to their staff. Leave it to them to work out. But this should be made clear to them, that they want results. Then see how much benefits they give to the nation. Just see how many jobs they create. How much good they do to the people, and how much they improve the image of their party.

I appeal to the media, civil society or even to the judiciary, to make a code of conduct, and get it signed by every representative, before they take oath that they will not interfere in the working of institutions and they will not ask for getting people of their constituencies into the government departments. But they will see, and will not tolerate any mismanagement in any departments, and will try to correct the deficiencies in the departments by executive or legislative means, whatever is necessary. To my mind that should be their duty, which is required of their esteem positions.

Dr. Habib Ullah Khan,

Swat.

Extension for Pasha

Extension given to ISI Chief Lt General Ahmed Shujah Pasha depicts government’s sincerity in its resolve to bring out Pakistan from the menace of terrorism. Anti-Pakistan elements are trying to make Pakistan hostage by fulfilling their conspiracies of destabilising Pakistan. The ongoing wave of suicidal attacks and terrorist activities in Pakistan is a sign of Indo-US and Israel nexus and intrigues against our nation. Obviously during this time frame it was not a wise move to retire such an experienced, patriotic and responsible person. Lt General Pasha must be carrying along an experience of more than three decades which has to be used in greater interest of the nation and the country.

I think President and the Prime Minister have taken a very right step by keeping the existing DG ISI for at least for one more year, in office. Because the time when US and allied forces are thinking of withdrawal from Afghanistan and Pakistan are busy fighting war on terror such official should not have gone home. One must appreciate President, PM and their government for taking right decisions - though few - as well.

Shahbaz Khan,

Peshawar.