19 September 2001, Copyright © Turkish Daily News
Editorial by Ilnur Cevik
Pakistan should not be punished for helping the U.S. get rid of the Soviets in Afghanistan...
Caution needed on Pakistan
Pakistan's leader Parwaz Musharraf is facing a tough time against his Islamists. They oppose his cooperation with the United States and are prepared to wreak havoc.
The leadership of Pakistan was aware of the growing Islamic extremist menace in the country and had already started to clamp down on the radicals. Several groups were banned and their weapons were confiscated.
We feel the West has to show understanding about the situation in Pakistan. The war against the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan made this country a frontline state. That meant the Americans trained the anti-U.S. guerrillas in Pakistan at bases near the border. This sowed the seeds of the Taliban and those who now aid Osama bin Laden.
The monster that has been created to defeat the Soviets has unfortunately turned against the West and Pakistan has become the real victim.
Musharraf took the bold decision to back the United States after the terrorist attacks in New York and Washington and has to be commended for that. The protests now in Pakistan should show the extent of his sacrifice and thus he should be properly supported.
We hear some talk of Americans bombing Pakistan. We feel this would be very counterproductive not only because it would alienate the people of Pakistan, who have traditionally been pro-American, but would also create serious opposition in Turkey.
Pakistan is regarded as a true friend and brotherly state by all Turks. We would be deeply hurt if an international coalition hit this country and harmed our brothers and sisters.
Turks have given all out support for the United States and that would be seriously hurt and may even create some anti-American sentiment. Do we need that?
Many Arab countries like Saudi Arabia who have announced their support for the United States would also be alienated by such an action.
The Taliban should be punished. Osama bin Laden should be captured and brought to justice. But the people of Pakistan should not be made to pay the price for hosting American-supported guerrillas that were used to rid Afghanistan of Soviet occupation.
This issue should have been addressed long ago but we feel it was seriously neglected.
Pakistan and its people do not deserve to be pushed around.
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