Abstract
End of the Cold War proved all the assumptions about the nature of the
emerging international system proved wrong. Neither there was a “Clash
of Civilization” nor an “End of History”. Sketch drawn by the political
analysts about the future of international political system was based on
their individual views. A key factor was ignored that henceforth
international political system would be shaped by the world’s sole
superpower. Thucydides said that power expands in the absence of a
countervailing power. As it is the behaviour of every superpower that it
wants to perpetuate its grip over the globe and take measures to contain the
emergence of any other power.
The 9/11 event was not an ordinary one. It inflicted severe damage to the
centres of US economic, political and military power. Long and
clandestine planning of the attacks forced many to wonder, whether it was
an opportunity given by the terrorists or created by US itself to pursue its
hegemonic ambitions. The US legitimized its expedition for power under
the veil of Global War on Terror (GWOT).
Al-Qaeda was formed during Afghan war in 1980s. With the passage of
time it expanded its operational capabilities and network throughout the
world. The 9/11 attack was not the first attempt by the Al-Qaeda to inflict
damage on American interests but indeed it was a successful and vital
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Hasan Akbar, MSC, Department of International Relations, National University of
Modern Languages, Islamabad. E-mail: hazanakbar@gmail.com
Politics of Talibanization in Pakistan Abasyn Journal of Social Sciences. Vol.3 No.2
244
blow. It is unimaginable that such an act of terrorism plotted by Al-Qaeda
did not come in the knowledge of CIA. The US with a mammoth military
budget which accounts 80% of the world’s total military budget, was
unable to dig out the conspiracy.
After the declaration of GWOT, US ambitions were miscalculated and
misinterpreted by Pakistanis. Afghanistan was not the only abode of
Taliban and Al-Qaeda. During the Afghan jihad Pakistan fully supported
the Mujahideen. Even after the Afghan jihad these Mujahideen were used
by Pakistan as a tool to further its interest in the region. Reportedly
Pakistan’s military intelligence had relations with the high profile
leadership of Taliban. All these facts were open secret. The only thing
which saved Pakistan from the initial anger of US was its nuclear
capability and geographical importance. After nine years of war Pakistan’s
status is transforming from an ally to a target. Approximately 40 percent of
supplies come from Pakistan for coalition forces operating in Afghanistan
(“Pakistan reopen supply route for NATO forces,” 2010). It was clear that
US cannot overtly extend the GWOT to Pakistan’s borders.
Hasan Akbar. (2010) Politics of Talibanization in Pakistan, Abasyn Journal of Social Sciences, Volume-03, Issue-2.
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