Author: Jay Jina
Publication: Asian Voice
Date: February 28, 2003
It is quite normal for the tabloids
to call leaders of countries rude names, as the spat between France and
the UK over Iraq has shown lately. Arguments about right and wrong go out
of the window, as does the truth.
This makes Tony Blair's statements
on the BBC programme with Jeremy Paxman last week deeply disturbing. Leaving
aside the merits of going to war with Iraq, when challenged by a Mr Davis
regarding Pakistan being a potential next target in the war on terrorism,
the PM made the astonishing claim about Pakistan to the effect that it
has not launched aggressions against its neighbours.
For Mr Blair's benefit, let us remind
him: Pakistan attacked Indian Territory in 1947. To this day, a part of
the state of Jammu & Kashmir has been occupied by Pakistan, and what
is more, it has had the gall to call it "disputed territory" whilst gifting
a part of it to China.
Pakistan attacked India in 1965,
once again to claim J&K but these incursions were dispelled by India.
Then, again in 1971 India had to fight a war, both on its western and eastern
borders from Pakistani instigated aggression, which led to the genocide
of millions of Pakistani citizens by its own army.
Over the past 14 years, India has
had a never ending torrent of cross border terrorism and the 1999 invasion
by the Pakistani army on Kargil. It is a paradox of our times that state
sponsored cross-border terror continues to be exported to this day from
this "ally" against terror.
Mr Blair was not around in 1947
and he can be forgiven for having a hazy memory of 1965. Surely, as leader
of the government he ought to know the facts regarding 1971 and the everyday
acts of terror committed by Pakistan in Indian J&K since 1989. In case
he does not, he might be reminded of statements made by his good friend
George W Bush, his colleague and Foreign Secretary, Jack Straw, as well
as several of his own party MPs.
Many are against war and would not
wish attacks on Pakistan or anyone else. But even for those such as the
PM who are in favour of war, it is duplicitous to peddle a patently indefensible
line based upon false premises. Whilst not resorting to tabloid responses
to counter this, it is right to ask if Mr Blair is in a blur.
