18.12.2008 - Neither the Americans nor the Israelis want to see Pakistan in possession of a nuclear bomb. Unexpectedly, they were taken by surprise when Pakistan emerged as a nuclear power, suddenly acquiring nuclear capabilities—something they had hoped to prevent.
As this reality unfolded, they found themselves blaming their own intelligence agencies. They labeled Pakistan’s nuclear bomb an "Islamic" bomb, viewing it as a direct threat. Despite their extensive efforts to stop Pakistan from developing nuclear weapons,
Henry Kissinger, the former US Secretary of State, issued a stark warning to then-Premier Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto: “If you manufacture an atomic bomb, I will make an example out of you.”
Bhutto was subsequently executed as a deterrent to others considering nuclear armament. The assassinations of Zia-ul-Haq and Benazir Bhutto, Bhutto’s daughter, reinforced this brutal narrative. The saga continues…
This raises the question: why do the Americans and Israelis oppose Pakistan possessing nuclear weapons?
Pakistan is an Islamic state where faith is the core of its identity. There are few factors that can unify the nation aside from Islam, which explains the fierce dedication of Pakistanis to their faith; it forms the essence of their national existence. For them, Islam is a raison d'être, akin to Judaism for Israelis.
Unlike countries like China, Iran, and Turkey, which could survive without their religions, Pakistan’s identity is intricately tied to Islam. Its very independence from India was rooted in faith, making Islam the foundation of its nationhood.
In Pakistan, Islam transcends mere belief; it is integral to national identity. Thus, the Pakistani nuclear bomb is viewed as an Islamic bomb.
The country teems with unsettling and dangerous dynamics stemming from its complex demographic makeup, characterized by a diverse mix of ethnic groups including Sindhis, Punjabis, Baloch, Hazaras, Kashmiris, Pashtuns, and various fierce tribal factions. These groups often owe allegiance neither to Pakistan nor Afghanistan, contributing to a linguistically and ethnically heterogeneous society with more divisions than unity.
Regionally, Pakistan faces tensions from Shiite Iran and Hindu-dominated India. Islam, rather than providing security, is under constant threat from provocations and sectarian challenges posed by Buddhism and Hinduism.
This volatile environment has given rise to numerous radical Islamic groups in Pakistan, many of which have formed connections with militant Afghani tribes and Al-Qaeda, offering refuge to figures like Osama bin Laden. These groups openly promote their Islamic extremism, including Al Jamaa Al Islamiya, Jamiat Ulama Al Islam (and its two factions), Jamiat Ulema Pakistan, Jamiat Ahl Al-Hadith, and the Islamic Movement.
The real danger for Americans and Israelis lies in these groups potentially seizing power. Their relentless pursuit of influence poses a significant threat compared to more stable political entities like the PPP or military rule, which they consider relatively responsible. However, there are no guarantees that these political parties will continue to govern indefinitely. If extremist groups gain power, the nuclear codes could fall into their hands, giving rise to the Pakistani conundrum.
Thus, the Americans and Israelis must confront this situation and the associated risks. To navigate this, they have exacerbated tensions between Pakistan and India, consistently framing Hindus—not Jews—as Pakistan's principal adversary. Consequently, the narrative suggests that the Pakistani bomb should be aimed at India and Hindus rather than the Americans or Israelis.
Simultaneously, they inform India that its true enemy lies in Pakistan, portraying the nuclear threat as directed towards it. Israeli policy focuses obsessively on keeping India and Pakistan at odds, fostering animosity while supporting Pakistan against India, thereby inciting mutual distrust and hostility between the two nations. The goal is to maintain continual conflict between them.
If possible, they encourage both countries to resort to war, potentially utilizing their nuclear arsenals against one another.
I believe that the U.S. will neither seek nor contribute to a resolution for the Kashmir issue, while Israel will relentlessly stoke the flames of that conflict. As a result, concerns about the Pakistani nuclear threat persist. Efforts by Americans and Israelis to address this complex dilemma will likely continue indefinitely.
