The speech of Noble Peace laurarett, announcing the Afpac policy “A way forward” has many fold agenda: staring from informing and convincing its people at home, spelling out the reasons why America in the first place entered into war with Afghanistan and   justifying why they are deploying another 30, 000 troops. Reassuring the American public with a fixed time frame on its exit strategy, showing deeper concern for its citizens, praising the soldiers who have laid their lives for a cause, talking about rebuilding their own nation.

He addressed his fellow citizens by further saying that he understands the consequences of the war in Afghanistan and Iraq has caused serious economic problems domestically and says it is time to face these challenges.

Setting a target for the exit strategy is also to push the Afghan government to take up their responsibility sooner than later. To give them a time frame to strategize themselves, militarily, economically and democratically. Announcing both, the civilian help and the military training, and assistance to the Afghan people and Afghan army. Also referring to no blank cheques to be offered, but a greater accountability to be exercised in order to avoid corruption and encourage good governance. He said that the war has to end somewhere and therefore saying ultimately it is the responsibility of the Afghan government and its people to deal with the issue on a longer run.

One of the consequences of announcing the time frame for the exit strategy could also help the Taliban and Al Quaida to regroup and reorganize themselves. They might not be able to topple the Karzai government, but can certainly weaken it to a greater extent.

What the exit strategy means for Pakistan? Many parts of the Mr. Obama’s speech shows American solidarity for Pakistani people. In his address he praised the Pakistani public who have given their consent to root out militancy, praised the army for its operation at SWAT and South Waziristan. He acknowledged the civilian causality from Karachi to Islamabad and also reassured that they will not abandon the country once the "guns have fallen silent", but will remain long term partners in building the nation. But the trust deficit remains very high.

The first implication of the exit strategy and deploying more troops for a shorter time with aggressive operation could lead towards infiltration of the militants from Afghanistan in the Tribal Areas of Pakistan.

Calling the Tribal Areas of Pakistan as “Safe Heaven” for the leadership of Al Quaida and Taliban and calling the militants as the enemy for both, Americans and Pakistani, means more serious implications on ground for Pakistan. The war will escalate on the Pakistani soil at a much larger scale. The American policy and mantra asking the Pakistani army, government and people “to do more” seems to increase and will also heighten the drone attacks which have been highly critized by the Pakistani government, army and public. 

As a result more instability is envisioned and millions of people who have been displaced will remain homeless for a much longer period than anticipated. This also means more public outrage and long term engagement of army in the Tribal Areas will hurt the already drowning Pakistan to its Pitts.

I believe, when the war is on and the stomach’s are empty, it is hard to build the nation. So, the wish of America and Pakistan, by looking into present situation, to bring more stability and economic activity in Pakistan seems like a dream.

I wish it becomes a reality.

Obama's speech on "way forward in Afghanistan and Pakistan" (English)

Obama's speech on "way forward in Afghanistan and Pakistan" (Urdu)

Daily Times (Pakistan Leading Newspaper) Editorial: Obama and Pakistan

Daily Times (Pakistan Leading Newspaper) Editorial: Cut and Run