logo
Zia-Musharraf-Munir: Why the US needs Pakistan's dictators

Zia-Musharraf-Munir: Why the US needs Pakistan's dictators

India Today19-06-2025
"The area of Pakistan is strategically the most important on the continent of India and the majority of our strategic requirements could be metby an agreement with Pakistan alone. We do not therefore consider that failure to obtain an agreement with India (Hindustan) would cause us to modify any of our requirements... We have the use of strategic airfields, primarily in Pakistan, in the event of a major war".advertisementThis extract from a Top Secret assessment prepared on 7 July 1947 by the British Chiefs of Staff Committee in Whitehall clinically stated why Pakistan and not India suited British imperial interests. The creation of Pakistan was a geopolitical coup for the departing British.A pliant state with a 909 km border with Iran, a 2,640 km border with Afghanistan, which was on the southern flank of the Soviet Union, and a short hop away from the oil-rich Arabian Peninsula, which the British called "wells of power".
India's access to Afghanistan and Central Asia was severed when a British sleight of hand saw Gilgit-Baltistan, part of the kingdom of Jammu and Kashmir, go over to Pakistan in 1948. The occupation of Gilgit-Baltistan led to the creation of a 596 km border with China.advertisementWhen the 1947 assessment was prepared in the afterglow of World War 2, the US had already displaced Great Britain as the head of the informal Anglosphere — white majority Anglo-Saxon-ruled countries, the 'Five Eyes'.It also inherited British global interests, including those that created Pakistan. In 2025, US President Donald Trump, the head of his informal alliance, sits down for lunch with the most powerful man in Pakistan, Field Marshal Asim Munir. Pakistan's strategic location matters more than ever. The Israel-Iran war has been on for nearly five days now with Israeli jets overflying Iran with impunity, bombing targets including its nuclear facilities.Meanwhile, US bombers, carrier strike groups and fighter jets are moving in for what many believe will be decisive action to destroy Iran's underground nuclear enrichment facilities at Natanz and Fordow. The Trump-Munir lunch menu is not known, but the main course will undoubtedly be a long list of demands by both sides-assistance for the US-Israel war, the use of airfields and bases and most importantly, steering clear of a fellow Muslim country, Iran.Munir in return could ask for advanced weapons and for US intervention in mediating Jammu & Kashmir.THE BELOVED DICTATORSThe US is the world's oldest democracy, but it loves doing business with dictators. 'He's a b*****d, but he's our b*****d,' President Franklin D Roosevelt is believed to have said of Dominican dictator Rafael Trujillo.advertisementIt was the military factor in Pakistan that brought it closer to the US. India and the US were in opposite camps during the Cold War. But Pakistan has been a willing accomplice ever since Field Marshal Ayub Khan's 1958 coup.Since then, the Army, Allah and America are the three As which it is said that have guided the destiny of a rentier state which has historically rented itself out to the US. What transpires over the Munir-Trump lunch could help answer the puzzle of how bankrupt Pakistan bounced back into favour in the White House in the first six months of the Trump administration.What followed was assistance from the western-dominated IMF and World Bank and the de-listing of the FATF. For New Delhi, the US's pro-Pakistan tilt possibly explains the West's reluctance to condemn Pakistan's state-sponsored terror, the direct cause of the May 22 massacre of Indian tourists in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir.New Delhi will recall how Pakistani dictators have always leveraged global crises to their advantage. When the Soviet Union invaded Afghanistan in 1979, Pakistan's dictator, General Zia ul Haq, turned his country into a frontline state in the West's proxy war against the Soviets. When Al-Qaeda struck the US on September 11, 2001, General Musharraf speedily became a major non-NATO ally against the Taliban and Al-Qaeda, ironically, organisations his army actively created and supported.advertisementHamas's murderous attack on Israeli civilians on October 7, 2023 has now culminated with Israel's direct attack on Iran. This is where Field Marshal Munir and his rentier state enter the picture. The past two engagements resulted in short-term gains for the Pakistan Army but long-term devastation for their country. General Headquarters Rawalpindi, which runs Pakistan, sees these as acceptable risks because they help in their long war against India.In 1979, the West turned a blind eye to Zia's nuclear weapons programme because of the dictator's strategic utility. Pakistan obtained nuclear weapons in the mid-1980s when it was a Western ally. When the US withdrew after the Soviet retreat from Afghanistan, the Pakistan Army redirected the massive weapons stockpiles from the CIA's Operation Cyclone into Punjab and Jammu and Kashmir.Under Musharraf, it welded terrorists and strategic weapons to craft a unique strategy of nuclear blackmail — bleeding India through terror attacks and threatening nuclear weapons use if India retaliated militarily. When Pakistan's dictators are mollycoddled by the White House, they begin to develop an over-inflated view of themselves, just like the Aesop's Fable where a frog, deeply envious of an ox, begins to fill himself with air.advertisementThis could explain the startling turnaround in Gen Munir's behaviour this year, beginning with his infamous and blatantly communal 'Two Nations' speech on April 16, which led to the slaughter of Indian tourists in Pahalgam six days later, on April 22. Aesop's fable ends with the frog exploding. Munir reached that point when India unleashed a storm of missiles shattering Pakistani military bases on May 12. India put the 65-year-old Indus water treaty in abeyance, with Prime Minister Modi calling out Pakistan's nuclear blackmail and ending the distinction between state and non-state actors.The Pakistan Army called for a ceasefire on May 12, which India acceded to. Munir's salve was a Lazarus-like resurrection, anointing himself Field Marshal and declaring victory. Now in Washington, the Field Marshal is preparing himself for his big day with Trump, the star of another fairy tale — the Grimm's story of a nasty frog that turns into a handsome Prince after being kissed by a princess. Will President Trump play ball?advertisement(Sandeep Unnithan is an author and senior journalist. He is the Editor-in-Chief of Chakra Newz, a digital media platform)(Views expressed in this opinion piece are those of the author)Must Watch
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

'Where Did You Learn That?': Trump Trolled For Praising Liberian President's English
'Where Did You Learn That?': Trump Trolled For Praising Liberian President's English

News18

time34 minutes ago

  • News18

'Where Did You Learn That?': Trump Trolled For Praising Liberian President's English

Donald Trump faced backlash after praising Liberian President Boakai for speaking "such good English". US President Donald Trump faced backlash on social media after he praised Liberian President Joseph Boakai for speaking 'such good English" during a meeting with African leaders at the White House- seemingly unaware that English is Liberia's official language. 'Where did you learn to speak so beautifully?" Donald Trump asked Joseph Boakai, adding, 'Where were you educated? Where? In Liberia? Well, that's very interesting. It's beautiful English. I have people at this table who can't speak nearly as well." Trump to the President of Liberia: 'Such good English. Where did you learn to speak so beautifully?"English is the official language of Liberia… — The Bulwark (@BulwarkOnline) July 9, 2025 Joseph Boakai, who was speaking at the event, made no visible reaction to Donald Trump's comments but the clip quickly went viral, triggering a wave of criticism on social media. 'Trump just praised the leader of Liberia for his English. 'Where did you learn to speak so beautifully?' FACT: English is the official language of Liberia. NATIONAL EMBARRASSMENT," wrote influencer Brian Krassenstein on X (formerly Twitter). 'Trump to Liberian President: Such beautiful English, where did you learn to speak English? English is the official language of Liberia. This is embarrassing," another user posted. 'Trump patronizingly asks the President of Liberia how he learned to speak English so beautifully. Trump, of course, has no idea that English is the official language of Liberia," added another. English has been Liberia's national language since the country's founding in the 19th century by freed American slaves. Its capital, Monrovia, is named after US President James Monroe, and the country's constitution was modeled after the US system. This isn't the first time Donald Trump's comments on African nations have sparked controversy. In 2018, during his first term, he referred to Haiti and several African countries as 'shithole nations" during a closed-door meeting. Get breaking news, in-depth analysis, and expert perspectives on everything from geopolitics to diplomacy and global trends. Stay informed with the latest world news only on News18. Download the News18 App to stay updated! view comments First Published: July 10, 2025, 03:07 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.

Trump tariffs goods from Brazil at 50%, citing ‘witch hunt' trial against Bolsonaro
Trump tariffs goods from Brazil at 50%, citing ‘witch hunt' trial against Bolsonaro

The Hindu

timean hour ago

  • The Hindu

Trump tariffs goods from Brazil at 50%, citing ‘witch hunt' trial against Bolsonaro

President Donald Trump singled out Brazil for import taxes of 50% on Wednesday (July 9, 2025) for its treatment of its former President, Jair Bolsonaro, showing that personal grudges rather than simple economics were driving the U.S. leader's use of import taxes. The Brazilian real dove more than two percent against the U.S. dollar on Wednesday (July 9, 2025) after President Donald Trump threatened tariffs of 50% on the country's goods. Mr. Trump avoided his standard form letter with Brazil, specifically tying his tariffs to the trial of Bolsonaro, who is charged with trying to overturn his 2022 election loss. Mr. Trump has described Bolsonaro as a friend and hosted the former Brazilian president at his Mar-a-Lago resort when both were in power in 2020. 'This Trial should not be taking place,' Mr. Trump wrote in the letter posted on Truth Social. 'It is a Witch Hunt that should end IMMEDIATELY!' Mr. Trump also objected to Brazil's Supreme Court fining of social media companies such as X, saying the temporary blocking last year amounted to 'SECRET and UNLAWFUL Censorship Orders.' Mr. Trump said he is launching an investigation as a result under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974, which applies to companies with trade practices that are deemed unfair to U.S. companies. The Brazil letter was a reminder that politics and personal relations with Mr. Trump matter just as much as any economic fundamentals. And while Mr. Trump has said the high tariff rates he's setting are based on trade imbalances, it was unclear by his Wednesday actions how the countries being targeted would help to reindustrialize America. Trump also sent letters on Wednesday (July 9, 2025) to the leaders of seven other nations. None of them — the Philippines, Brunei, Moldova, Algeria, Libya, Iraq and Sri Lanka — is a major industrial rival to the United States. Most economic analyses say the tariffs will worsen inflationary pressures and subtract from economic growth, but Mr. Trump has used the taxes as a way to assert the diplomatic and financial power of the U.S. on both rivals and allies. His administration is promising that the taxes on imports will lower trade imbalances, offset some of the cost of the tax cuts he signed into law on Friday and cause factory jobs to return to the United States.

Trump's silent economic war on China: How he's cornering Xi Jinping one nation at a time
Trump's silent economic war on China: How he's cornering Xi Jinping one nation at a time

Economic Times

timean hour ago

  • Economic Times

Trump's silent economic war on China: How he's cornering Xi Jinping one nation at a time

Donald Trump is reportedly broadening his trade war with China by imposing tariffs on Asian nations like Japan and South Korea. Simultaneously, deals are being pursued with countries including Indonesia and Thailand. This strategy aims to isolate China by restricting access to crucial Asian markets that bolster its export-driven economy. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Donald Trump Targeting Asia to Corner Beijing Setting the Tone with Vietnam and the UK Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Donald Trump Cracking Down on Transshipments More Asian Countries on Trump's Notice China's Growth Model Hinges on Exports Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads FAQs US president Donald Trump is quietly expanding his trade war with China by targeting the entire Asian region through a series of new tariff deals, as per a though the US reached a recent pact with Beijing, Trump is imposing fresh tariffs on countries like Japan and South Korea while pushing for agreements with Indonesia, Thailand, Cambodia, and others, according to The Telegraph successful, this strategy would trap Xi Jinping's China by cutting off key Asian markets that support Beijing's export-driven economy , as per the report. Economist at Capital Economics, Neil Shearing, pointed out that 'What we are witnessing is no passing trade war,' and added that, 'Rather, it is the manifestation of a deeper, more durable superpower rivalry between the world's two largest economies,' as quoted in The Telegraph READ: Billionaires ditch Nvidia for this AI stock that's soared 2,000% since 2023 Trump's earlier deals with the UK and Vietnam set the tone for his plan to weaken Beijing's trading power, according to the report. The UK agreement allows the White House to 'veto' Chinese investment in Britain, while the Vietnam deal cracks down on China's tactic of sending goods through Vietnam to avoid US tariffs, as per The Telegraph instance, Trump imposed a 40% tariff on 'transshipments', goods imported into Vietnam mostly from China, then exported to the US, which is double the 20% tariff on Vietnamese-made products. This sends a clear message to Hanoi that Vietnam is welcome to export to the US if it can cope with a 20% levy, Trump will come down on the country like a tonne of bricks if it replaces 'Made in Vietnam' stickers with 'Made in China,' as reported by The READ: Craving McDonald's snack wraps? They are back — with bold new flavors you need to try Trump is now threatening steep tariffs on Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, and Cambodia if they don't make trade deals soon, with levies as high as 36% on some countries, as these measures are expected to further squeeze China's export reach, according to the was Trump's early candidate for this strategy because, since Trump first came to power in 2017, China's machinery and electrical goods shipments to Vietnam have increased from just 17% of its total exports to nearly half, as reported by The Telegraph. After Trump returned to the White House this year, Vietnam's imports of these goods from China rose by nearly a quarter, as per the READ: Linda Yaccarino resigns: What drove the X CEO to step down and what's her net worth? Xi's strategy is to keep China's economy increasing by at least 5% a year due to the exports to Asia, reported The Telegraph. Beijing increases its GDP by pumping subsidies and investments into manufacturing, as Chinese households simply don't spend enough to allow consumption to power the economy, as reported by The Telegraph.A senior research fellow at the think tank Chatham House, David Lubin explained that, 'Whenever Chinese domestic spending growth sags, export growth accelerates,' adding, 'And that's simply because Chinese companies can't sell stuff domestically, so they sell it abroad,' as quoted in the economic model has led to overcapacity and oversupply, which has forced businesses into damaging price wars, and if these companies are not able to export their surplus to Asia, supply gluts appear inevitable, as reported by The READ: New Mexico flooding: Emergency declared - track maps, road closures and all the details He's trying to block China from using Asian markets to fuel its export-heavy penalizing Vietnam with 40% tariffs if it helps China dodge US tariffs by re-exporting Chinese goods.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store