Pakistan – Struggles and Strategies

July 28, 2018

Pakistan – Struggles and Strategies

Padmini Arhant

Pakistan – The Islamist nation in the Indian sub-continent having sought independence on August 14th, 1947, the day before the parent, India on August 15th, 1947 as a result of colonial power devised partition with a parting gift Kashmir remaining the contentious issue for the progeny Pakistan.

Pakistan is yet to establish democracy as the free civilian authority serving the electorate mandate rather than the diktat of sources within and offshore.

Though independence and real freedom in a democracy and other political systems is far from reality due to shadow global government reining control over political events, economy and social evolution via proxies in governance and institutions, the experience of democracy is relative worldwide.

The official decree Indian Independence Act 1947 passed by British Parliament on July 5th, 1947 upon the colonial departure in 1947 referring to India and Pakistan as Dominions confining the autonomy to ninety nine years of which seventy one years gone by meaning the act nearing expiry in twenty eight years explains the imperialist motives to retain dominance.

In this respect, when reminded on this site https://padminiarhant.com with elaborate details on the Dominion reference in the Indian Independence Act 1947 and future implications from such inference,

Unlike Indian government and Parliament, Pakistan national assembly overwhelmingly acted passing legislation in 2010 essentially removing the term Dominion in the Statute of Independence declaration clarifying the independent status for Pakistan from 1947 onwards.

Dominion alludes to British Commonwealth that is maintained until today with British Monarchy and heir presiding over Commonwealth governments meeting in the so-called independence era.

As for Pakistan in the past seventy one years and up until now, the state has been subjugated by national forces viz. the Pakistan Army and the Intelligence Services Agency (ISI) asserting authority over legislative, administration and judiciary.

In fact, the military rule in Pakistan never ended even after the dismissal of former President, General Pervez Musharraf with the top brass in the army and ISI wielding power over civilian government evident in the latest developments and recent national election.

Pakistan military and ISI intervention in civilian rule is stated as necessary citing inherent corruption and incompetence of the administrations elected to power in the past three terms and earlier during the late Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto term in office. The former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto was assassinated in December 2007 during General Pervez Musharraf government in power.

Interestingly, Pakistan military and ISI in particular fail to recognize the worst legacy considering the army rule in Pakistan’s political history spanning over longer period than short lived civilian governments predominantly attributed to the former intrusion.

Going back to last Governor General and first President of Pakistan Iskander Mirza suspending the constitution much to own detriment enabling his then appointee General Ayub Khan to depose him set precedence thereafter with military successors General Yahya Khan and General Zia-ul Haq following suit in public execution of elected heads of state.

General Yahya Khan unsuccessful engagement in war with India over East Pakistan led to the liberation and formation of what is now known as Bangladesh.

Subsequently, General Pervez Musharraf daring nuclear India for potential nuclear confrontation in 1999 in Kargil war delivered outcome in favor of India.

Domestically, General Pervez Musharraf adopting army predecessors’ hard line policy, imposed emergency rule and massive crackdown on public institutions including the Supreme Court of Pakistan that ultimately forced him into exile until today.

The western backed General Pervez Musharraf was paid billions of dollars per then United States administrations account and U.S. State department expressing disappointment with Musharraf government failure to curb terror networks like Haqqani and radicalism in Saudi Arabia funded madrassas becoming recruits for al Qaeda.

On General Pervez Musharraf watch, Pakistani youth representing majority of population in the country were regularly abducted from urban and rural areas to undisclosed foreign locations under U.S. administration authorized renditions exercising unlawful extra judicial power.

The trajectory clearly demonstrates Pakistan army rulers’ priority and agenda for military confrontations with India and grossly neglected Pakistan population dire needs exacerbating people suffering and endangering lives not only in Pakistan but also in the entire South Asia.

The quest for power driving aspirants to attain by any means is the common trend not just in Pakistan but world over perhaps with distinctions in mechanisms and individual traits.

Pakistan’s ISI involvement in fomenting terror, aiding and abetting terror plots within the country especially sensitive territories like Sindh and Baluchistan as lately in Quetta with a bomb blast killing more than thirty civilians near the poll station are by no means few and far between incidents.

The violence in every part of the country with bomb blasts and terrorism wreaking havoc constantly witnessed by the world.

As for cross border terrorism with India, the terror infiltration has been the routine affair initiating Kargil war in 1999 and consequentially prompting troops deployment on either sides of the border in return making lives in Indian State of Jammu & Kashmir nearly impossible.

The terror activities across the border are experienced by other neighbors of Pakistan as well viz. Afghanistan and Iran having brought the matter to Pakistan’s army and intelligence authorities attention urging them to address the security threats to neighbors in the region.

In terms of protecting Pakistani citizens and defense personnel, the NATO air strike on Pakistan check post stationed as NATO allies in 2011 killing 24 Pakistani soldiers with no apology from the U.S. administration of then President Barack Obama or NATO command further defined the vulnerability to western inflicted catastrophe that continues unabated in Afghanistan and along the border with Pakistan.

Pakistan ISI knowledge in weapons supply to terror outfits like Lashkare e Taiba (LeT) and Jaish e Mohammad, the chief architects and operatives of terror attacks in India and similarly Taliban in Swat Valley are neither acknowledged nor denied leading to complicity in the terror outfits endeavors.

Last but not the least, the underworld criminal elements viz. Dawood Ibrahim facing extradition charges has found safe haven and settled in Pakistan’s metropolis and commercial capital Karachi frequenting to Dubai and Abu Dhabi, UAE in the Middle East and continuing the organized criminal operation in Mumbai, India from Pakistan.

In light of such track record,

Could Pakistan army and intelligence agency ISI blame the civilian governments in Pakistan solely responsible for lack of economic and social development?

The corruption investigation against political families are not disputed, however the policy targeting only some and not applied across the spectrum including the army, intelligence and others in society evading taxes, taking bribes, hoarding money overseas and money laundering makes the process selective raising credibility factor.

Meanwhile, Pakistan public hope for civil governance and elections devoid of army and ISI meddling seen in the latest polls appears to be a fantasy unless introspection amongst those contributing to impediments in Pakistan’s trail for political stability and economic growth that are desperately required reverse actions and refrain from counterproductive measures.

The corruption scandals among political class ejecting governments having become the norm, the pursuit to drain the swamp has to be impartial and consistent in the application of law on all barring preferences and exemptions based on political, economic, social or religious background.

Meanwhile, the new government ushered in with army and ISI paving the way for victory is burdened with the balancing act of accountable governance and civilian administration functioning independently away from the shadow of the forces in national and foreign domain.

Pakistan cannot afford wars with India or any other nation in the region. The escalation of tension between India and Pakistan only promotes adversarial relations that benefits none. Instead, Pakistan investing resources in purging terror and terror affiliates within the country besides intelligence sharing with India and other neighbors on any possible terror assault in their soil would improve situation and restore trust, the main aspect for normal ties with nations near and far.

Importantly, the terror masterminds and agents behind terrorism in Pakistan, India and anywhere residing in Pakistan brought to justice would indeed highlight the commitment towards the slogan Naya (New) Pakistan.

The military and intelligence renewal of contacts and cordial approach with counterparts in India would enhance understanding assuming better positions that could guarantee peace and harmony anticipated among population on both sides affected in the status quo.

The topic on Pakistan will resume with the focus on economy, social status, human rights and environment.

Thank you.

Padmini Arhant

Author & Presenter PadminiArhant.com

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Indian Sub Continent – India Pakistan NSA Talks Cancellation

August 24, 2015

By Padmini Arhant

India and Pakistan national security advisors talks cancellation is regrettable and reveals lack of commitment in saving lives from terrorism.

Pakistan invitation to Kashmir separatists Hurriyat Conference and factions alike prior to NSA meeting scheduled on August 24, 2015 in New Delhi and demand to include Kashmir issue in the bilateral discussion rather than focus on terror in entirety is deviation from past and present official agreements.

The recent terror attacks in India – Udhampur, Jammu and Kashmir and Gurdaspur, Punjab deserves unequivocal attention considering repeat events leading to terror networks in Pakistan.  The discourse devoted to terror incidents endangering civilian population on both sides is critical and would demonstrate Pakistan’s renewed efforts to expunge terror within state.

Furthermore, adherence to planned sessions on important matter such as terrorism without Kashmir and various problems in Indo-Pak relationship could have conveyed strong message to the world and terror sponsors as well as operatives in particular on Pakistan’s seriousness to free the nation from terror control.

Beginning with 9/11 in the United States and multiple terror activities against India and other neighbors notwithstanding terror blasts across Pakistan wreaking havoc in the country, the NSA forum was prime opportunity to exchange relevant information and devise effective strategy to purge terror.

Pakistan’s rejection of the proposal to hold exclusive summit on terrorism could be misinterpreted amongst terror groups as state complicity to terror operations inside and across the border.

The series of Line of Control violations in the frontiers cannot be slighted promoting militancy and incursion aimed at escalating tensions between two nuclear nations.

Pakistan’s statement on armed forces ability to defend national sovereignty ignores reality.

Pakistan is under siege with diverse terror organizations making life impossible for citizens in national domain and conducting terror against India and Afghanistan with ISI support.

The nation’s first enemy is the one committing treason and betray citizenry.

Pakistan’s sovereignty violated on many occasions and prominent instance being United States Abbottabad mission supposedly to capture and kill the long deceased al Qaeda leader Osama Bin Laden near national defense headquarter.

NATO provocative air raid on Pakistan that resulted in several armed personnel tragic casualties while deployed as coalition forces in Pakistan with no apology from aggressors until today is a major setback for military, intelligence and political establishment.

As for Baluchistan secessionism, the evidence with Israel’s Mossad trained agents infiltration in disguise proficient in local language apparently not detected by Pakistan’s intelligence and military in predisposition towards India.

Pakistan internal circles on Saudi Arabia funding and United States military aid remain existential threat to nation and the region.

The debate on Kashmir for Pakistan and external sources instigating hostility using the subject as pretext evade responsibility on involvements in aiding and abetting terror at home and foreign land.

Kashmir separatists as proxies to members with vested interests at Kashmiris expense contributing to endless plight in subversion embarked as liberation crusade.

Kashmir is relevant to citizens in the valley more than anyone anywhere in the world.  The proselytized state comprises people of origin not necessarily subscribing to politically motivated foreign agenda. Accordingly, Kashmir merits comprehensive review and resolution to follow in due course.

Those nations prompting behind Kashmir topic need to introspect on prevalent situations against religious denominations of Islam viz. Bahai in Iran, incessant violence against Shia in Pakistan, the war in Yemen targeting Shias representing Houthi movement, the persecution of Kurds in Turkey, sectarianism in Iraq facilitating western and Middle East allies recruited terror and last but not the least the contentious Palestinian dispute.

Muslim nations worldwide are confronted with interior turmoil and fragility emanating from western influenced policy to deny political freedom in Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, UAE, Iraq as well as Iran to name a few in volatile Middle East.

Similarly, Islamic nations in South, South East and Central Asia besides Africa susceptible to political instability and unrest largely from incoherence and western dominance through military bases and occupation under the guise of security.

Pakistan’s democracy suppressed with military and intelligence agency intrusion in governance.  Since British partition of India in 1947, Pakistan struggles to retain democratic system with lingering opposition to civilian rule.

Then there are schisms proliferating turbulence with underworld crime syndicate and nefarious elements provided refuge with immunity from investigation and extradition.

The existing conditions in Pakistan is impetus on national priority to engage in constructive and meaningful interaction with India and surrounding neighbors in containing terror and insurgency claiming innocent lives all around.

Setting political differences and opinions aside, Pakistan and India resumption of talks at political, military and Border Security Forces levels pertinent to alleviate civilian suffering on either side.

The national pledge to safeguard citizens’ safety and territorial integrity is possible upon renouncing ties with those causing mayhem.

In the absence of delineation from terror manufacturers, the posturing on fighting terror is disingenuous and already consuming the premise fostering enmity.

Pakistan and India dealing with positive intentions to protect lives and eliminate skirmishes would guarantee sustainable peace.

The desirable economic growth and progress is attainable in peaceful and stable environment.  The governments dedication to diplomacy in reaching mutual consensus would determine the strength of democracy and independent status of a nation.

Pakistan and India are urged to move forward in forging better relations based on respect for life and trust in delivering secure future to the current and next generations.

Peace to all!

Thank you.

Padmini Arhant

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Pakistan – Independence Day Celebration 2015

August 13, 2015

By Padmini Arhant

As much as I would like to wish citizens in Pakistan – Azadi Mubarak with August 14 observed as Independence Day, the situation reflect otherwise.

Pakistan may have sought independent status following British Raj partition of India in 1947.

However, Pakistan is yet to experience real freedom with fledgling democracy and foreign controlled intelligence and military restraining democratic evolution.

Pakistan is also under siege with terrorism within and across the borders in every frontier.

Saudi Arabia funding and influence in Pakistan is one of the reasons for terror manifestation considering Saudi kingdom involvement in terrorism since 9/11 in 2001 up until now in the Middle East, North Africa, Pakistan and Central Asia.

Saudi Arabia has also been heavily engaged in running madrassas – the religious schools in Pakistan and Central Asia inculcating extremism despite contradiction with religion of Islam.

Saudi Arabia and Israel policy in the Middle East fostering terror against Iraq, Syria and Lebanon also directed in Pakistan.

The external forces designed U.S. foreign policy is aimed at maintaining Pakistan and Afghanistan as failed states to justify arms sales to the former while prolonging U.S. and NATO presence in Afghanistan.

There is also vested interest in fomenting border tensions between Pakistan and neighbors India and Afghanistan with weapons delivery to various sides in addition to necessitating increase in national defense budget.

Pakistan’s major problem is terrorism wreaking havoc inside the country and across the boundaries and those behind incessant violence are operatives within Pakistan representing sources that are behind secessionism in Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, Libya and Yemen.

The internal radicalism exploiting economically deprived youth recruited by terror factions viz. Lakshar è Taiba (LeT) and Jaish è Mohammad (JeM) besides other factions receiving support from Pakistan’s Inter Services Intelligence (ISI) remain existential threat to all – Pakistan, India and Afghanistan.

Pakistan border skirmishes with Iran pose security issue as well.

Amid terror and relentless violence, Pakistan is affected by natural disasters like severe floods leaving significant majority in adverse conditions with obstacles for humanitarian relief.

Pakistan is also targeted for provincial separatism in Sindh and Baluchistan.

Kashmir is a distraction restricting Pakistan from forging normal ties with India and avail opportunity in economic, cultural and infrastructure development.

Pakistan’s political system reliance on Saudi Arabia that is strongly opposed to democracy due to insecurity emanating from inevitable ending of dynasty rule should be a cause for concern and accordingly transform relations to economic trade excluding direct intervention in governance and society.

Saudi Arabia connection to sectarian killings of Shia Muslims in Pakistan in semblance with Iraq exacerbates Pakistan’s political and economic growth.

The absence of peaceful environment with terrorism and continuous bloodshed is a major hindrance for Pakistan in attracting foreign investment.

In conjunction to these constraints, Pakistan like most nations worldwide has to contend with corruption and black money in Swiss banks and offshore accounts again denying mainstream population basic means for survival.

The positive sign could perhaps be enabling democratic process to function with departure from military and intelligence agency backed coup disrupting political and economic progress.

Combatting terror is a collective responsibility and critical apparatus such as intelligence and military along with local law enforcement agency cooperation with people representatives in government rather than terror groups could lead to national freedom.

Pakistan’s focus and sincere commitment in this regard would guarantee better relations with neighbors and economic prospects in the competitive global economy.

Best Wishes to citizens in Pakistan on Independence Day celebration for a new chapter with peace and harmony.

Peace to all!

Thank you.

Padmini Arhant

 

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International Events – Pakistan Independence Day

August 15, 2010

By Padmini Arhant

Happy Independence Day on August 14, 2010 to Pakistan!

Pakistan celebrated its 63rd anniversary since partition from India and the nation has been confronted with humongous challenges until now.

The recent flooding has taken a toll on the population and the victims’ frustration is directed at the authorities engaged in rescue operation.

The United States assistance and the generous contributions from people around the world are significant in saving lives.

Pakistan is also politically and economically undermined by the various terror networks wreaking havoc within and outside the country.

More than six decades into independence and Pakistan is deprived of a vibrant democracy predominantly due to the liaison maintained by the key officials in the Pakistan military along with ISI, the intelligence agency with the militants and radical groups like Taliban, Lashkar-e-Taiba, the Haqqani networks, the underworld don viz. Dawood Ibrahim Kaskar and the likes.

Why is Pakistan so tolerant and providing refuge to these criminal elements despite their notoriety are the legitimate concerns in the international community?

One would presume that the substantial U.S. military and financial aid to Pakistan to clamp down on terrorism should have eliminated terror from the nuclear nation.

Instead, the terror organizations prominently the Al-Qaida, Taliban, the Haqqani and Lashkar-e-Taiba have transformed Pakistan into a terror haven killing more Pakistanis, their fellow Muslims in the endless explosions across the country.

Besides, them instigating violence in neighboring Kashmir and consistently plotting against the United States as well as other democracies around the world.

How can they possibly justify these actions in the name of Almighty God, the Allah and the Holy Quran that forbids any harm to the living in any shape or form?

Can these individuals be regarded Muslims considering their indiscriminate violence towards fellow human beings particularly their own Muslim brothers and sisters, whether in the United States, India, United Kingdom, Saudi Arabia, or for that matter the incessant bombings that are occurring in Pakistan?

It’s no secret that the certain Pakistani military and ISI members ‘aiding and abetting has emboldened the terror networks and enabled them to freely operate in the nuclear armed nation.

What is the solution to this radicalization and how can it be addressed effectively?

Arms embargo in addition to freezing bank accounts facilitating terror activities within Pakistan is paramount in ensuring global security.

The Pakistani educated youth and the middle class have a responsibility to take control of their nation.

For, it’s their future that is being squandered by the unscrupulous sources in the national defense and intelligence agency.

Pakistan has enough military power to have contained if not eradicated terror, considering the successful military coups against democratic governments since its birth.

Then, why the combined forces of Pakistan and U.S. military are having difficulty demolishing the medieval terror infrastructure in the twenty first century is mind boggling.

As a result, the Pakistani citizens and the U.S. taxpayers are forced to bear the brunt in human casualties and the economic aspect.

How long should these war games continue and at what cost?

These are the questions to be raised by the people of Pakistan and the United States.

Human lives are expended on both sides with no end in sight to the war on terror.

Throughout history, the people have demonstrated the will and courage to stand up to the forces stalling human progress.

Evidently, they have triumphed from time and time again.

Therefore, Pakistan’s public complacency to the decadent status quo from the myriad sources dominance is the problem and could be easily resolved through solidarity by identifying the ‘bad apples,’ and replacing them with those dedicated in renewing Pakistan’s image as a friendly neighbor, viable economic partner and a true ally in the global war on terror.

There is an opportunity for a new chapter in the twenty first century provided the people initiate the peaceful beginning.

‘Change,’ cannot be brought upon by mere hope, it has to be delivered through action.

Best Wishes to the people of Pakistan in achieving peace, progress and prosperity.

Thank you.

Padmini Arhant

Written by Padmini Arhant · Filed Under International Politics | Leave a Comment 

Global Terrorism

December 28, 2008

It is evident from recent terror attacks around the world, that democracies or other form of governments are incapacitated in dealing with security issues on national and international level.

The perennial War on Terrorism has invigorated worldwide fundamentalism aside draining the economies.

It is important for the global community to come forward and demand a legitimate explanation for their government’s impotence in establishing peace as opposed to war against human race.

Time has arrived for checks and balances in the operation of curbing terrorism that has not only frozen any advancement towards socio-economic progress in Africa, Americas, Middle East, South and Central Asia but also paralyzed the optimism for nations to come together in resolving political and economic issues as the global priority.

Given the technological power and resources available to the advanced nations,

Why violence and terror continue to dominate the world?

Why civil wars in Africa are the norm and the people of that continent deprived of normal existence?

Why is the military coup often successful in Africa, South and Central America as well as countries like Haiti in the Western hemisphere?

Why is the peace process between Israel and Palestine an eternal dismal failure?

Why does Middle East reject democratic rule over theocratic, autocratic and dynasty rule?

Last but not the least, Pakistan, presently governed by the civilian rule essentially the continuation of a political dynasty of the late Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto deserves spotlight as the country of origin of terror.

Pakistan is the haven for the terrorist organization Al-Qaida and their well oiled various networks Laskhar-e-Taiba, Jamaat-ud-Dawa, the Deccan Mujahideen, Jaish-e-Mohammad, including,

Notorious personalities like the nuclear scientist Abdul Qadeer Khan, aka Father of the nuclear program, confessed to sharing nuclear technology with Iran, Libya, and North Korea as well as the Mumbai Underworld Don / Mobster, Dawood Ibrahim.

Why statesmanship prevalent among the eligible, educated and moderate electorate denied of power in the democratic process in Pakistan?

Why the people of Pakistan never granted an opportunity for active and real democracy?

Most relevantly, who controls the controversial, corrupt Pakistani Military and Intelligence services ISI, claimed to be responsible for many terrorist activities including the recent Mumbai terror attacks?

The reasons for all of the above issues lead in one direction.

Wealth controlled and amassed by few operating as a conglomerate in the global scene propagate wars as the defense industry flourishes with the ever proliferating arms race including devastating nuclear weapons.

So, the concerted effort from these organizations ensures global unrest, turmoil, chaos and exclusively the recent energy, financial, economic and environmental crises.

The earlier centuries have been the era of colonialism or imperialism in different parts of the world creating hierarchy like industrialized nations and “third world” countries after having plundered those parts of the world for economic advantage.

In the twenty first century, imperialism is in the form of undermining —

Peace process,

Bilateral or multilateral relationships among poor and developing nations,

Invasion and occupation of sovereign nations under the guise of promoting democracy,

Fermenting oppositions against democratic rule not in cohesion with imperialistic agenda particularly in the impoverished regions of the world and more…

It is noteworthy that despite transformation in world dominance between earlier and contemporary times, the strategy of divide and rule remains effective in eliminating peace and diplomacy during conflict.

Citizens of the free world must examine these facts and reflect upon the tragedies whether it is 9/11, Mumbai attacks, Iraq war, the genocides in Darfur, Congo, Rwanda, the plight of Palestinian population, the oppression of Tibetans, persecution of the Burmese and other atrocities around the world.

Is there a light at the end of the tunnel?

Sure is, with the global cooperation of moderate thinkers determined to seek truth and justice for humanity can conquer the elements orchestrating catastrophe as the heads of the government.

People possess the power as consumers and voters in a free market and democratic systems.

History is testimony to revolutionary changes initiated and driven by ordinary citizens.

The election of an African American candidate Barack Obama as the 44th President of the United States aptly confirms that ordinary people can do extraordinary things and overcome any challenges together.

Meanwhile, please check out the following information from The Center for Research on Globalization (CRG) – Bold, uninhibited and true representation of free press reports for further understanding of the role of government and the agencies responsible for the maintenance of national and international security.

Thank you.

Padmini Arhant

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Source: http://www.globalresearch.ca/articles/CHO206A.html – Thank you.

New Revelations on 9/11

Was it an ‘intelligence failure’ to give red carpet treatment to the ‘money man’ behind the 9-11 terrorists, or was it simply ‘routine’?

On the morning of September 11, Pakistan’s Chief Spy General Mahmud Ahmad, the alleged "money-man" behind the 9-11 hijackers, was at a breakfast meeting on Capitol Hill hosted by Senator Bob Graham and Rep. Porter Goss, the chairmen of the Senate and House Intelligence committees.

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Political Deception: The Missing Link behind 9-11 by Michel Chossudovsky

In this timely study, Michel Chossudovsky blows away the smokescreen, put up by the mainstream media, that 9-11 was an "intelligence failure".

Through meticulous research, the author uncovers a military-intelligence ploy behind the September 11 attacks, and the coverup and complicity of key members of the Bush Administration.

Chossudovsky peels back the layers of rhetoric to reveal a huge hoax — a complex web of deceit aimed at tricking the American people and the rest of the world into accepting a military solution which threatens the future of humanity.

ON May 16th The New York Post dropped what appeared to be a bombshell: "Bush Knew . . .

" Hoping to score politically, the Democrats jumped on the bandwagon, pressuring the White House to come clean on two "top-secret documents" made available to President Bush prior to September 11, concerning "advance knowledge" of Al Qaeda attacks.

Meanwhile, the U.S. media had already coined a new set of buzzwords:

"Yes, there were warnings" and "clues" of possible terrorist attacks, but "there was no way President Bush could have known" what was going to happen.

The Democrats agreed to "keep the cat inside the bag" by saying:

"Osama is at war with the U.S." and the FBI and the CIA knew something was cooking but failed to connect the dots.

" In the words of House Minority Leader, Richard Gephardt:

"This is not blame-placing. . . . We support the President on the war against terrorism — have and will.

But we’ve got to do better in preventing terrorist attacks." 1

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The foreknowledge issue is a Red Herring:

"A Red Herring is a fallacy in which an irrelevant topic is presented in order to divert attention from the original issue."

In standard CIA jargon, Al Qaeda is categorized as an "intelligence asset".

The CIA keeps track of its "intelligence assets". Al Qaeda is infiltrated by the CIA.

Amply documented, Osama bin Laden’s whereabouts were always known.

In other words, there were no "intelligence failures"!

In the nature of a well-led intelligence operation, the "intelligence asset" operates (wittingly or unwittingly) with some degree of autonomy, in relation to its U.S. government sponsors, but ultimately it acts consistently, in the interests of Uncle Sam.

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Fear and Disinformation Campaign

The Bush Administration — through the personal initiative of Vice President Dick Cheney — chose not only to foreclose the possibility of a public inquiry, but also to trigger a fear and disinformation campaign:

"I think that the prospects of a future attack on the U.S. are almost a certainty. . . .

It could happen tomorrow, it could happen next week, it could happen next year, but they will keep trying. And we have to be prepared."

What Cheney is really telling us is that our "intelligence asset", which we created, is going to strike again.

Now, if this "CIA creature" were planning new terrorist attacks, you would expect that the CIA would be first to know about it.

In all likelihood, the CIA also controls the so-called ‘warnings’ emanating from CIA sources on "future terrorist attacks" on American soil.

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Carefully Planned Intelligence Operation

The 9-11 terrorists did not act on their own volition. The suicide hijackers were instruments in a carefully planned intelligence operation.

The evidence confirms that Al Qaeda is supported by Pakistan’s military intelligence, the Inter-services Intelligence (ISI). Amply documented, the ISI owes its existence to the CIA:

"With CIA backing and the funnelling of massive amounts of U.S. military aid, the ISI developed [since the early 1980s] into a parallel structure wielding enormous power over all aspects of government….

The ISI had a staff composed of military and intelligence officers, bureaucrats, undercover agents and informers estimated at 150,000."

The ISI actively collaborates with the CIA. It continues to perform the role of a ‘go-between’ in numerous intelligence operations on behalf of the CIA.

The ISI directly supports and finances a number of terrorist organizations, including Al Qaeda.

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The Missing Link

The FBI confirmed in late September, in an interview with ABC News (which went virtually unnoticed) that the 9-11 ring leader, Mohammed Atta, had been financed from unnamed sources in Pakistan:

"As to September 11th, federal authorities have told ABC News they have now tracked more than $100,000 from banks in Pakistan, to two banks in Florida, to accounts held by suspected hijack ring leader, Mohammed Atta. As well . . .

"Time Magazine" is reporting that some of that money came in the days just before the attack and can be traced directly to people connected to Osama bin Laden.

It’s all part of what has been a successful FBI effort so far to close in on the hijacker’s high commander, the money men, the planners and the mastermind."9

The FBI had information on the money trail. They knew exactly who was financing the terrorists.

Less than two weeks later, the findings of the FBI were confirmed by Agence France Presse (AFP) and the Times of India, quoting an official Indian intelligence report (which had been dispatched to Washington).

According to these two reports,

The money used to finance the 9-11 attacks had allegedly been "wired to WTC hijacker Mohammed Atta from Pakistan, by Ahmad Umar Sheikh, at the instance of [ISI Chief] General Mahmoud [Ahmad]."

According to the AFP (quoting the intelligence source):

"The evidence we have supplied to the U.S. is of a much wider range and depth than just one piece of paper linking a rogue general to some misplaced act of terrorism."

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Pakistan’s Chief Spy Visits Washington

Now, it just so happens that General Mahmoud Ahmad, the alleged "money man" behind 9-11, was in the U.S. when the attacks occurred.

He arrived on the 4th of September, one week before 9-11, on what was described as a routine visit of consultations with his U.S. counterparts.

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According to Pakistani journalist, Amir Mateen (in a prophetic article published on September 10):

"ISI Chief Lt-Gen. Mahmoud’s week-long presence in Washington has triggered speculation about the agenda of his mysterious meetings at the Pentagon and National Security Council.

Officially, he is on a routine visit in return to CIA Director George Tenet’s earlier visit to Islamabad.

Official sources confirm that he met Tenet this week.

He also held long parleys with unspecified officials at the White House and the Pentagon.

But the most important meeting was with Marc Grossman, U.S. Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs.

One can safely guess that the discussions must have centred around Afghanistan . . . and Osama bin Laden.

What added interest to his visit is the history of such visits.

Last time Ziauddin Butt, Mahmoud’s predecessor, was here, during Nawaz Sharif’s government, the domestic politics turned topsy-turvy within days."

Nawaz Sharif was overthrown by General Pervez Musharaf.

General Mahmoud Ahmad, who became the head of the ISI, played a key role in the military coup.

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Schedule of Pakistan’s Chief of Military Intelligence Lt. General Mahmoud Ahmad, Washington, 4-13 September 2001

Summer 2001: ISI Chief Lt. General Mahmoud Ahmad transfers $100,000 to 9-11 Ringleader Mohamed Atta.

4 September: Ahmad arrives in the US on an official visit.

4-9 September: He meets his US counterparts including CIA Head George Tenet.

9 September: Assassination of General Massood, leader of the Northern Alliance. Official statement by Northern Alliance points to involvement of the ISI-Osama-Taliban axis.

11 September: Terrorist Attacks on the WTC and the Pentagon.

At the time of the attacks, Lt General Ahmad was at a breakfast meeting at the Capitol with the chairmen of the House and Senate Intelligence Committees Sen Bob Graham and Rep Porter Goss.

Also present at the meeting were Sen. John Kyl and the Pakistani ambassador to the U.S., Maleeha Lodhi.

12-13 September: Meetings between Lt. General Ahmad and Deputy Secretary of State Richard Armitage.

Agreement on Pakistan’s collaboration negotiated between Ahmad and Armitage. Meeting between General Ahmad and Secretary of State Colin Powell

13 September: Ahmad meets Senator Joseph Biden, Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

On the morning of Sept. 11, Goss and Graham were having breakfast with a Pakistani general named Mahmud Ahmed – the soon-to-be-sacked head of Pakistan’s intelligence service.

Ahmed ran a spy agency notoriously close to Osama bin Laden and the Taliban.

While the Washington Post acknowledges the links between ISI Chief Mahmoud Ahmad and Osama bin Laden, it fails to dwell on the more important question:

What was Mahmoud doing on Capitol Hill on the morning of September 11, together with Rep. Porter Goss and Senator Bob Graham and other members of the Senate and House intelligence committees?

Neither does it acknowledge the fact, amply documented by media reports that "the money-man" behind the hijackers had been entrusted by the Pakistani government to discuss the precise terms of Pakistan’s "collaboration" in the "war on terrorism" in meetings held at the State department on the 12th and 13th of September.

When the "Foreknowledge" issue hit the street on May 16th, "Chairman Porter Goss said an existing congressional inquiry has so far found ‘no smoking gun’ that would warrant another inquiry."

This statement points to an obvious "cover-up".

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The Investigation and Public Hearings on "Intelligence Failures"

In a bitter irony, Rep. Porter Goss and Senator Bob Graham, –the men who hosted the mysterious September 11 breakfast meeting with the alleged "hijacker’s high commander" (to use the FBI’s expression), had been put in charge of the investigation and public hearings on so-called "intelligence failures".

Meanwhile, Vice President Dick Cheney had expressed anger on a so-called "leak" emanating from the intelligence committees regarding

"the disclosure of National Security Agency intercepts of messages in Arabic on the eve of the attacks.

The messages (…) were in two separate conversations on Sept. 10 and contained the phrases

‘Tomorrow is zero hour’ and ‘The match is about to begin.’ The messages were not translated until Sept. 12"

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Red Carpet Treatment to the Alleged "Money Man" behind 9-11.

The Bush Administration had not only provided red carpet treatment to the alleged "money man" behind the 9-11 attacks, it also had sought his ‘cooperation’ in the "war on terrorism".

The precise terms of this ‘cooperation’ were agreed upon between General Mahmoud Ahmad, representing the Pakistani government and Deputy Secretary of State Richard Armitage, in meetings at the State Department on September 12 and 13.

In other words, the Administration decided in the immediate wake of 9-11, to seek the ‘cooperation’ of Pakistan’s ISI in "going after Osama", despite the fact (documented by the FBI) that the ISI was financing and abetting the 9-11 terrorists.

Contradictory? One might say that it’s like "asking the Devil to go after Dracula."

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An article in the French daily Le Figaro confirms that Osama bin Laden underwent surgery in an American Hospital in Dubai in July.

During his stay in the hospital, he met with a CIA official.

While on the World’s "most wanted list", no attempt was made to arrest him during his two week stay in the hospital, shedding doubt on the Administration’s resolve to track down Osama bin Laden.

Barely a few days ago Defense Secretary Rumsfeld stated that it would be difficult to find him and extradite him.

Its like "searching for a needle in a stack of hay".

But the US could have ordered his arrest and extradition in Dubai last July.

But then they would not have had a pretext of waging a war.

Meanwhile, innocent civilians are being killed by B-52 Bombers as means "to go after" Osama bin Laden.

According to UN sources, the so-called "campaign against international terrorism" could lead to the death of several million people from an impending famine.

The original article in French is also posted on the CRG webpage.

Michel Chossudovsky, CRG. 2 November 2001

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THE CIA MET BIN LADEN WHILE UNDERGOING TREATMENT AT AN AMERICAN HOSPITAL LAST JULY IN DUBAI

by Alexandra Richard

Translated courtesy of Tiphaine Dickson

Le Figaro, 11 October 2001
Posted at globalresearch.ca 2 November 2001

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Dubai, one of the seven emirates of the Federation of the United Arab Emirates, North-East of Abi-Dhabi.

This city, population 350,000, was the backdrop of a secret meeting between Osama bin Laden and the local CIA agent in July.

A partner of the administration of the American Hospital in Dubai claims that public enemy number one stayed at this hospital between the 4th and 14th of July.

Having taken off from the Quetta airport in Pakistan, bin Laden was transferred to the hospital upon his arrival at Dubai airport.

He was accompanied by his personal physician and faithful lieutenant, who could be Ayma-al-Zawahari–but on this sources are not entirely certain–, four bodyguards, as well as a male Algerian nurse, and admitted to the American Hospital, a glass and marble building situated between the Al-Garhoud and Al-Maktoum bridges.

Each floor of the hospital has two "VIP" suites and fifteen rooms.

The Saudi billionnaire was admitted to the well-respected urology department run by Teerry Callaway, gallstone and infertility specialist.

Dr Callaway declined to respond to our questions despite several phone calls.

As early as March, 2000, ‘Asia Week,’ published in Hong Kong, expressed concern for bin Laden’s health, describing a serious medical problem that could put his life in danger because of "a kidney infection that is propagating itself to the liver and requires specialized treatment".

According to authorized sources, bin Laden had mobile dialysis equipment shipped to his hideout in Kandahar in the first part of 2000.

According to our sources, bin Laden’s "travels for health reasons" have taken place before.

Between 1996 and 1998, bin Laden made several trips to Dubai on business.

On September 27th, 15 days after the World Trade Center attacks, at the request of the United States,

The Central Bank of the Arab Emirates announced an order to freeze assts and investments of 26 people or organisations suspected of mainting contact with bin Laden’s organization, and in particular at the Dubai Islamic Bank.

"Relations between the Emirate and Saudi Arabia have always been very close," according to sources, "princes of reigning families, having recognized the Taliban regime, often travelled to Afghanistan.

One of the princes of a ruling family regularily went hunting on the land of bin Laden, whom he had known and visited for many years."

There are daily flights between Dubai and Quetta by both Pakistan and Emirates Airlines.

As to private planes from Saudi Arabia or from the Emirates, they regulariy fly to Quetta, where their arrival is rarely registered in airport logs.

While he was hospitalised, bin Laden received visits from many members of his family as well as prominent Saudis and Emiratis.

During the hospital stay, the local CIA agent, known to many in Dubai, was seen taking the main elevator of the hospital to go to bin Laden’s hospital room.

A few days later, the CIA man bragged to a few friends about having visited bin Laden.

Authorised sources say that on July 15th, the day after bin Laden returned to Quetta, the CIA agent was called back to headquarters.

In late July, Emirates customs agents arrested Franco-Algerian activist Djamel Beghal at the Dubai airport.

In early August, French and American authorities were advised of the arrest.

Interrogated by local authorities in Abu Dhabi, Beghal stated that he was called to Afghanistan in late 2000 by Abou Zoubeida, a military leader of bin Laden’s organization, Al Qaeda.

Beghal’s mission: bomb the US embassy on Gabriel avenue, near the Place de la Concorde, upon his return to France.

According to Arab diplomatic sources as well as French intelligence, very specific information was transmitted to the CIA with respect to terrorist attacks against American interests around the world, including on US soil.

A DST report dated 7 September enumerates all the intelligence, and specifies that the order to attack was to come from Afghanistan.

In August, at the US Embassy in Paris, an emergency meeting was called between the DGSE (French foreign intelligence service) and senior US intelligence officials.

The Americans were extremely worried, and requested very specific information from the French about Algerian activists, without advising their counterparts about the reasons for their requests.

To the question "what do you fear in the coming days?", the Americans kept a difficult-to-fathom silence.

Contacts between the CIA and bin Laden began in 1979 when, as a representative of his family’s business, bin Laden began recruiting volunteers for the Afghan resistance against the Red Army.

FBI investigators examining the embassy bombing sites in Nairobi and Dar es Salaam discovered that evidence led to military explosives from the US Army, and that these explosives had been delivered three years earlier to Afghan Arabs, the infamous international volunteer brigades involved side by side with bin Laden during the Afghan war against the Red Army.

In the pursuit of its investigations, the FBI discovered "financing agreements" that the CIA had been developing with its "arab friends" for years. The Dubai meeting is then within the logic of "a certain American policy".
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