Reflection of Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto's foreign policy

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Revival of Pakistan’s foreign policy after debacle of East-Pakistan

This paper aims to reflect upon the Mr. Zulfikar Ali Bhutto’s foreign policy. To gauge the foreign policy analysis, after the Debacle of East-Pakistan, the rational model and leadership and Personality model is applied. The application of the former model is on the some major events like; revival of diplomatic relations with USSR, China and Muslim countries, rebuilding of infrastructure and industrial sectors. Moreover, at the latter stage, the model observes psychoanalytical characteristics, aggressive and gregarious personality, majorly neutral and aggressive foreign policy approach and at times even the exploitation of some parts of conciliatory approach for the national interests. To observe his psychoanalytical traits and neutral aggressive foreign policy under the Leadership and Personality model the case of returning of Prisoners of War (Simla agreement) and working on nuclear program for scientific purposes to rebuild the devastated economy after the debacle.

Zulfikar Ali Bhutto became the torch barrier of Pakistan’s Foreign policy when the country was in its weakest situation .The debacle of East Pakistan, with some other major ongoing conflicts and the mistrusts building from American double standards on one side and the horrific waves chanting from the Indian neighborhood, backed by the gregarious Soviet Union. All were becoming a great challenge for the sovereignty and integrity of the country. Mr. Z.A. Bhutto at that time turned the faith of the country with his astute leadership and pragmatic rational approach. His Foreign policy analysis has given the successive outcomes on the basis of two theories; a. rationality theory and b. leadership and personality theory.

Case Study

When Pakistan lost its East wing in 1971 the country was demoralized and was highly instable on socio-economic fronts. With the civil war in East Pakistan and the most exceedingly bad administration of that separation issue, most of our counterparts started to show lack of interest in their attitudes (La Porte, 1973, p. 45). At that time when Mr. Bhutto joined his office as an elected President has to encounter numerous tedious ongoing challenges. The pragmatic, intellectual and gregarious leader gradually paved the way for the country’s prosperity. His calculated and some outstanding steps which were not witnessed in the past political history of the country, since the country’s inception, brought socio-economic development and security. Moreover, Pakistan was facing numerous challenges by West but it didn’t lose the sight of its state building. However, Mr. Zulfikar Ali Bhutto knew that for prosperity of his country he has to take the Pakistan’s Foreign policy with iron hand. Or else the fate of the country is to be doomed. The derailing economy, which has lost a war, with weak security measures, building social conflicts, dictatorial foreign policy and demoralized public it was daunting task to uplift the country. Further, the hue and cry for prisoners of wars, the lacking foreign relations with USSR, China  and Muslim countries, the barriers for nuclear enrichment , the historical vulnerable relations with India and the mistrust, anti-American sentiments  all of these issues were standing tall, in front of the country. However, Mr. Bhutto with his charismatic leadership brought a paradigm shift in Pakistan’s foreign policy and with his unique capabilities brought the country to be a sovereign and an independent player on global chess board.

Rationality Model

According to rational model, states act rationally they look out and opt for a strategy in the world for their own security and survival. The states work in prospect to gain maximum benefits for their own national interests that would be helpful in current as well as in the long run.  (Toft, 2003)

In the vulnerable situation, where from domestic to international structure was not in the favor of the Pakistan. Mr. Z.A. Bhutto used rational approach in formulating the self-reliant foreign policy: that was aloofness from the defense alliance to a certain extent. To overcome the dictatorial mindset and to remove the idea that progression of the country’s national interests lies with collaboration of United States dependency. However, to formulate the self-reliant and autonomous, national socio-economic and sovereign society, the country needs to adopt a strong self-interest neutral position. Thus, keeping this progressive approach in mind Mr. Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto turned the tables and shifted the Pakistani Foreign Policy into complete new directions. Where, the prudent man improved the country’s strategic lines with the communist bloc and effectively built foreign relations with Soviet Union and China. This move changed the future of the country. The cost of building these ties was very low with the comparative high benefits that country from that time is still reaping today. From Pakistan Steel Mill in Karachi to Heavy Mechanical Complex and Pakistan Aeronautical Complex at Kamra are some of the few major examples that the country has attained from the cohesive bilateral ties with former Soviet Union. Moreover not on this, the USSR on the other hand helped in expansion and rebuilding the defense industry of Pakistan. However, the improving foreign relation of country under Zulfikar Ali Bhutto was another wise calculated move. The Chinese waved off around hundred and ten million dollars loan in Mr. Z.A.Bhutto’s 1972 visit. Further due to his extraordinary negotiation skills and progressive approach Mr. Zulfikar Ali Bhutto managed to gain a package of around three hundred million dollar economic and military recovery. In which Pakistan got T-54, T-59 hundred tanks plus MIG-19 sixty fighter Jets. Further china supplied around twenty-five percent of tanks, thirty three percent of planes and ninety percent of bombers planes and sixty five percent of interceptor bombers (Pande, 2011, p. 124).

Another, pivotal direction with other significant changes which  Z.A.Bhutto’s foreign policy initiated after the lost of East Pakistan was  to balance its status quo in the international politics, to play a neutral role and  to work with unity with Muslim countries and gain their trust. This was the rational choice which he made by simply visiting countries like; Iran, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Egypt, Libya, Morocco, Algeria, Malaysia, Jordan and U.A.E in search for socio-political and economic support. The alliances which he was building were a mutual security framework which could become not only the country’s backbone against the western supremacy but, even breaks the western dependency, which was bullying the integrity and sovereignty of the Pakistan every now and then.

Leadership and Personality

Psychoanalytic studies that suggested deviation among people, nonetheless, proceeded to have some impact. This at times took the type of psychobiography or psychohistory, which endeavored to clarify political conduct as far as early youth encounters or the effect of difficult times in the adult hood.  Mr. Z.A.Bhutto was born in a political and a well reputed family. From the time of his birth, he had an innate political instinct. He was well educated and was well versed regarding Islam and Muslim history. He was found of revolutionaries like Mao Tse- Tung and Chaou-En-Lai  (Bhurgi, 2002, p. 153). The unique trait of Mr. Z.A.Bhutto’s political career was that he had crossed adequately all the decision making levels. He worked diligently as Foreign Minister under a dictator, then later in his political career acquired the position as a President and finally served as the Prime –Minister of the country.

However when elected after the debacle of East Pakistan, Mr. Z.A Bhutto was looking forward to build weak economy. His immediate focus was on scientific developments and modern approach. Moreover, his domestic approach was focused for economic developments and to fulfill the needs of the poor masses. However, in regards to his foreign policy, he had opted for a neutral aggressive approach majorly. Moreover, an aggressive leadership can be reflected by specific characteristics, including a Machiavellian inclination to control others, combined with a high requirement for force, a propensity towards suspicion, large amounts of patriotism, and a remarkable ability to start an action solely for the benefit of their state (Hermann, 1980). His pragmatic and courageous approach was majorly seen while working on the nuclear program. The initial aim of the nuclear program was for scientific purposes especially for fields of health, energy and to promote the country’s backbone -agro-based economy. But, the fate of the country changed due to security dilemma and U.S.A hegemonic interference to stop Pakistan from achieving nuclear technology. The biased attitude of U.S for Pakistan in regards to India. Whereas, the country was blamed for causing contamination cum proliferation and on the other hand accepting India’s test explosion and supporting its claim for peaceful purpose was sheer double standards of USA. Mr. Bhutto stated on that circumstance by saying that "It is essential for Pakistan to give the best conceivable consideration to atomic innovation, as opposed to permit itself to be bamboozled and mislead, by an international agreement which limits the deterrence power to the present atomic powers" (Oriana, 1976). However, Mr. Bhutto had sensed the threat of India’s initiative in regards to nuclear technology, way back and it was his foresighted view that he rightly implemented when he rose to power.   But United States, at every point tried to hold back the country’s initiatives practicing every possible mean from bribing by selling around 120 aircrafts to Pakistan or even by pressurizing France and others to contain the country from nuclear enrichment for peaceful purposes. Further, ongoing successes which Pakistan was achieving after all the restrictions and containment techniques became a point of concern for the American policymakers. Mr. Z. A. Bhutto’s neutral but aggressive foreign policy  was becoming unbeatable, the country was managing to gain further enrichment .Moreover,  the situation got so much worse that U.S.A and its allies didn’t even gave Pakistan non-nuclear components.  At such point the U.S. approach for Pakistan was unveiling. The vibe of anti-American rose within the country. Mr. Z .A. Bhutto had strategically calculated and formulated his aggressive foreign policy where he didn’t subject Pakistan’s integrity and sovereignty to anyone. Even though, Pakistan was going through its recovery process. The gregarious man turned the Foreign policy to a total new paradigm. However, the policy was not working on the past principles on any mutual defense pacts or mutually dependent economic agreements which had been usually seen under the previous regimes. It was mainly focusing on independence and self-reliance systematic approach. Furthermore, Mr. Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto in his era at that time had understood the strategic importance of the country and he knew how to exploit U.S administration and unleash the country from the dependency position. Thus, Mr. Z.A. Bhutto directed and formulated an aggressive foreign policy in a manner which was not subjective to the greater powers. 

Moreover, when Mr. Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto came to power he faced tedious task from national socio-economic to international arena issues. His priority was his people. Hence, for his countrymen he took a gregarious step   through Simla Agreement with India after the debacle of East Pakistan to save the prisoners of wars without any horrific trial and to get back the country’s occupied territories of Sindh and the Punjab he opted for a mixture of aggressive and conciliatory foreign policy on the face at that moment and recognized the former East -Pakistan as Bangladesh and handled the vulnerable situation  (Bhutto, 1994, p. 41). Though opting for certain traits conciliatory foreign policy was not surrender. It was Z.A Bhutto’s vigilant sight to turn the table and play his cards; the way he wanted to play. The language which was used in the agreement was quite neutral with the consent of both the leaders and tactfully framed, which on face showed the commitment of normalization of the country’s relation with its neighbor, on the other his approach was brilliant towards the agreement without any other compromise. In such devastating socio-economic conditions of the country he got India on to the peaceful page to resolve all the conflicts through bilateral negotiations. But after returning back home his foreign policy changed to 360 degrees towards aggressive foreign policy and he started to rigorously work for  economic recovery which further paved way for scientific advancement and nuclear enrichment.

Conclusion

Mr. Zulfikar Ali Bhutto’s unique approach and ideology brought the country’s sovereignty and dignity back. Due to his policies the country witnessed the speedily economic recovery. His foreign policy analysis reflects his personal gregarious attitude, rational approach and foresightedness. He was a man of substance who used his well versed legal and political knowledge and brought reforms which gave Pakistan an identity, respect and pivotal position in the international political arena.

Bibliography

Bhurgi, A. G. (2002). Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, the Falcon of Pakistan. Szabist.

Bhutto, Z. A. (1994). My Dearest Daughter: A Letter from the Death Cell.

Hermann, M. G. (1980). Explaining foreign policy behavior using the personal characteristics of political leaders. International Studies Quarterly.

La Porte, R. (1973). Pakistan in 1972: Picking up the Pieces. . Asian Survey.

Oriana, S. B. (1976). Primary retroperitoneal tumors. . Tumori.

Pande, A. (2011). Explaining Pakistan’s foreign policy: escaping India. Taylor & Francis.

Toft, P. (2003). John J. Mearsheimer: An Offensive Realist Between Geopolitics & Power. Institut for Statskundskab, Københavns Universitet.

THE RISE OF ISIS

From the Persian Gulf to Mediterranean Sea the rise of ISIS has been very interesting. The ISIS or at times referred by journalists and Obama administration as ISIL where IL stands for Islamic State of Levant has very speedily overshadowed the other extremist groups and showed its strong significance in the middle eastern region.

The invasion of Iraq in 2003, Lead by US forces acted as an impetus force and building block for the establishment of this organisation. However, when US withdrew it forces from Iraq their influence and interest even flew away. Leaving Iraq into a vulnerable situation they further, paved the way for the ultimate rise and hegemony for ISIS. Once, who were sympathisers, paid no heed to the hue and cry of the Iraqi civilians who were left at the mercy of the extremists groups and an incompetent failed government.

Furthermore, the neighbouring countries like Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Kuwait became the private donors of ISIS and backed them with all the assistance to promote wahabisim and extremism against shiaites. There were some other aligned donors as well (Syria and Turkey) who funded this extremist group for their personal interests. It is rightly said to every action there’s an equal and opposite reaction. But, the interesting thing here was that all these above mentioned countries used ISIS as their mercenary army for their personal evil interests. However by doing this they have now unleashed the monster which is now unfortunately difficult to control.

Moreover this destructive organisation would have never come into the power if Nuri ul Maliki would have not shown his dictatorial and sectarian tendencies towards Sunnis. Further his insecurity to maintain his position and the distrusts he showed towards Iraqi Sunnis and the support he took from Iran brought fear to the Sunnis and were factors to push Sunnis in the arms of ISIS.

Camp Bucca US run detention centre in Iraq was one of the main areas which became recruitment and training centre for the terrorists. The centre was not properly managed and the innocent detainees were use to be tortured. This provided the space for the extremists to take advantage and to brain wash them and further to provoke them to take their vengeance.

Another central support was given by Ba `athist to ISIS. The unemployed Ba` athists turned up to ISIS for shelter. Several Ba`athists joined ISIS and became the part of senior leader ship. They brought military, managerial and bureaucratic expertise which were lacking.

Countries for their own vested interests with open arms have nurtured this monster themselves. The allies of war on terror are the biggest beneficiaries. However, ISIS doesn’t stop here this menace is moving forward towards the black sea which is an energy corridor. This Islamic radicalization is only for the vested interests and is pseudo Jihad.

Mind The Gaps

Pakistan is going through a rough phase of instability since the time of its inception. The country is one of the most vulnerable states on the Global Peace Index, Global Gender Gap Index, Global Terrorism Index and Human Development Index. There are only two reasons which integrate all these horrible problems and they are security gap and political instability.

The lack of security gap which includes economic security and personal security is something which all the governments have horribly failed to provide their citizens. There are no strong and viable on ground policies which provide economic boost to socio economic strata. If policy makers start making effective and viable cost effective policies according to the country needs which then be debated and healthily criticized by the intellectuals. After that these policies get implemented by the concern authorities. In this manner the system can be built properly and channelized from the grass root level to the upper hierarchy. After this comes the personal security gap, which from couple of years has flared up and destroyed our country from economic to psychological dimensions. The violent terrorist attack has ruined the country internally and externally. To some extent which has been created by our leaders themselves for their own calculated greedy incentives. The external intervention do exists and adding fuel to the fire but the gateway was totally provided by us. As Pakistan is no more, left as a nation-state. Now what needs to be done is to deal all of the irritating rats with iron hand no matter what caste, color and creed do they belong to. No intervention of any international humanitarian organization or country should be bare anymore. The speedy trials are the need of an hour. It’s the right time to use help of military courts effectively and justice should not be delayed. The clean sweep operation is the only valid solution.

Further all the existing difficulties combined with sectarianism have fragmented the country badly. Being logically optimistic all of these various challenges can be resolved effectively as they are man-made. But the bad news is that this solution cannot be implemented due to the same reason that they exist and will make it really hard to fix all the above mentioned challenges. Now this is the fruit which we are bearing of our politics. Pakistani politics is a hell dirty game. The greed of personal incentives has eaten up the whole concept of nationalism. The war is of personal egos and power. There are very few politicians who are working for the betterment of this country and are acting as a ray of hope. But the majority is fairly corrupt. The political instability has brought lot of challenges for the country and its economy. What needs to be done is to come up with real solutions. The government needs to build national consensus while making policies, bring political reforms with revival of compromise culture and maintain the good governance measures. 

 

The existing crises have torn our reputation in the world. The government needs to address all these above mentioned gaps which are widening very speedily. All the four pillars of the state have to work collectively to combat the deteriorating situation. These gaps are ultimate results of wrong policies which are being practiced in our country. Thus the ultimate consequences which are emerging are far more painful and costly.

Pakistan dying as a Nation-State

Today’s Shikarpur’s incident again brings another mourning day for Pakistan. Large number of people have lost their lives and are injured. Another committee will be formed again and the chapter this will be closed. The Great National Action Plan has shown to be another complete failure.  However, compensations would be made or healthcare might be provided to the victims. But the point is that why our government is so helpless to combat these heinous acts of terrorism. The lacking governance has become a stigma for the whole top to down structure. Pakistan is standing at the point where the hope is dying. The government is of the elites, by the elites and for the elites. The concept of Pakistan being a nation-state is dying. As state is unable to safeguard its citizens. The state seems to vulnerable and losing its power. In the name of globalization the international forces and international organizations are imposing their influence in decision-making. This has highly damaged our national interest, sovereignty and autonomy. However, the country has all the tangible elements of power to work best for the state and national interest but what it lacks is the area of intangible elements of power which include: Leadership, administrative competence, national morale and reputation. None of the parties have all these above competencies in Pakistan. Some need to have political maturity and some even after being political mature couldn’t give the country this substance by and large. Furthermore, the political issues do effect economic relations. The current political instability is ruining the country’s status quo. The government needs to re-address the great national action plan which has been highly rightly criticized by all due to its ineffective productivity and after today’s incident it has collapsed. The APC is no more the solution for the current government. They need to address the governance issue by any mean. They need to decide whether politics or country. Consensus is surely the key ingredient but let’s not forget national interest and people of Pakistan should always be first.

Obama’s Trip and changing dynamics of the Neighbors

The recent visit of President Barack Obama to India has changed the geo-political dynamics from South-Asia to Southeast Asia. The tilting Foreign Policy of United States has created threat to the whole region by and large. The dominance which was held by China majorly in the region now has a threat. As India and United States now will work together and make their strategic moves. President Obama has made a very calculated and prudent move by shaking hands with India to build pressure on China who is working on revival of Maritime Silk route and is one of the fastest growing economy. However this recent visit has given a blow to Pakistan. Who has always been with United States through thick and thin.  Though, the visit has enforced Pakistan to put their house into right order. Which is surely the need of an hour for the country. Pakistan will always remain a blue eyed boy as United States and other countries cannot ignore its geo-strategic importance in the region. But surely Pakistan needs to effectively address and revamp its foreign policy to combat the unprecedented pressures of future and to save its national interest and sovereignty. Afghanistan on the other hand saw this trip as very alarming sign as the pullout of United States military assistance from Afghanistan has left Afghans in despair due to vulnerable socio-economic status. However this trip has now acted as stimulus to bring Afghanistan more closer to India as they need their and United States assistance to restructure themselves. This ally can be a real threat to Pakistan surely. The other active ally would be Iran to gain a win -win approach and to improve its status quo and get more ease on sanctions in the region. As India has raised its crude shipment from Iran. Now after this visit Iran would have more tilt towards India in the region. Well, Pakistan now needs to see its national interests. No country can live in diplomatic isolation. There is a whole shift in the geo-politics of the region which Pakistan needs to observe and make a strong relation with their neighbors. The current scenario clearly leaves Pakistan with no option apart having cordial relations with India. Thus, sticking to past problems will not bear any fruits. Pakistan is in a vulnerable situation which is already facing immense crises. Pakistan alone cannot combat its internal and external crises. They have to work diplomatically to overcome the various challenges.

Religion being exploited by ignorants

CHARLIE HEBDO

The barbaric killing in Paris has added fuel to the fire for Islam and Muslims, throughout the world. Muslim countries are fighting against terrorism with iron hands. Moreover the West is helping them to eradicate these extremists. Different communities have come together to eradicate the misconception about the Islam. This is highly commendable. Political, geographical and economical interests do divides territories but it doesn’t affect common man’s life. Nobody has an issue from a peaceful neighbor. So to create disparity and agony throughout the world these evil sources come up front. They exploit the names of religions and kill the innocent people. Charlie hebdo was  satirical magazine. The Prophet (P.B.U.H) is dear to every Muslim and let me mention here there are lot of non-Muslims who adore and love Prophet (P.B.U.H) equally. The extremists who have killed those 12 people have given nothing good to God, Islam or their Muslim brothers and sisters’ apart embarrassment and disgrace.

Prophet Mohammad (P.B.U.H) use to forgive people when they use to give him pain. In Islam the one who forgives is near and dear to God.

“Whoever indeed perseveres and forgives most surely that is an affair of great determination.” (Ash-Shura: 43)

“And let them forgive and forget. Do you not love that God should forgive you” (An-Nur: 22)

These are few versus from Quran for my non-Muslims brothers and sisters who perceive Islam as an extremist religion.  The concept of Jihad is way different which these barbaric groups practice. The misinterpretation of Islam is creating hardships for Muslims all over the world who are peaceful and condemn this attack. Discussion, debating and asking question is right given in every religion. Thus every non Muslim has a right to express their views and ask questions about Islam and clear their ambiguities. On the other hand due to these culprits all the Muslims should have patience to bear the upcoming hardships which will come in their way from the other side. The reaction is natural. Muslims brother and sisters should stand shoulder to shoulder with the non-Muslims and show solidarity towards intolerance. The only way to put things in order is that Muslims have to follow the moral steps projected by religion.  No religion promotes bloodshed and tyranny be that Judaism, Christianity, Confucianism, Buddhism, Hinduism and Islam.  However, on the other side non Muslims should even understand that these culprits are not even good to Muslims. They are only exploiting in the name of religion. They are backed financially and politically with various super powers and agencies. The need of an hour is tolerance, support and pro activeness. Criticizing religion without knowing, hindering religious places and practices will give nothing fruitful but further retaliation.

Governance a big Question

After the Peshawar incident the moratorium on death penalty was lifted. The decision was made to hang the culprits. But liberal have somehow taken this whole decision into another realm of criticism. By arguing that the restructuring of governance, judicial enhancement, revamp laws, regulations and criminal justice system is need to be done. Conviction of few is not the solution. However the stay order for convicts has triggered army to take the trials in their hands---- into military courts. This is a real threat to the whole judicial system. As they are weakening, the judicial system, by a new intervention into the so called, sustaining democracy.

However the other side is in total favor of the army to take this stern action. By this they have shown their faith and belief into the hands of army. This side is of the point of view that national security is not only in hands of army. The democratic government which includes officials like respected PM, chief justice, chief ministers and all other policy makers are responsible to take measures against all the terrorist activities which has occurred in past. Everything from settlements to the administration work cannot be looked after army. It’s not their duty or else than don’t take democracy as a median to govern this country. The thought of liberals stands absolutely right but the other side puts a great argument that why they are bringing this opinion now. Indeed it’s not the first militant attack. The external pressure and the peace organizations should help the victims to rehabilitate let the strong action be pursued.

However if judiciary did not give justice at the right hour and ignored the mass emotions and opinion they are totally giving a gateway to army to make a wise move. However, blaming for the future consequences would not give them any edge. Right now they should work for National security, putting the house in the right order by restructuring administrative policies and administrative units’. The take on national sovereignty should be an utmost priority. Then refocusing on geo-strategic alignments and foreign policy is the need of an hour.