that out of the group of terrorists that attacked different places in Paris, three attackers have been conclusively identified as French citizens while the still-on-the-loose Belgian born Salah Abdeslam is either the mastermind or will be able to provide critical information about these attacks.
The carnage committed in Paris was sure to have a backlash on other innocent people, including Pakistanis who are present in Paris in a sizeable number. In a previous incident too the actions of a few insane men created an atmosphere of insecurity for Muslims living in France ; right-wing thugs attacked mosques and at times it became difficult for veiled women to travel on the streets of Paris. This happened with the knowledge of the French government, which knew that these workers and immigrants were in no way connected with any act of terrorism but were still being victimised.
While it is understandable for France to locate and bring to justice the perpetrators of this horrendous attack, yet it should also be the responsibility of the French government and its people to see that no innocent Muslim is unnecessarily dragged into this sordid affair.
Another issue that needs careful consideration is the question of the invasion of Syria, where the French believe the plot was conceived. With Russia already involved in Syria, any invasion could have far-reaching and dangerous consequences.
The statement issued by Pakistan’s Foreign Office is disturbing. According to the Foreign Office, there were no footprints of IS jihadists in any part of Pakistan. This is despite several reports having suggested that there are agreements between various banned groups and the IS. It is therefore time for this country to also put in place a mechanism where if there are indeed IS elements present they are eliminated before they pose any serious threat to our security.
However, a detailed study of this issue must be conducted and workable options created that will help slowly but surely eliminate all such elements from different parts of the world. Governments that were involved in any commercial activity with the IS should be held responsible, and efforts must be undertaken not only to choke the IS’ finances but to snatch back the areas that are providing revenue to them.
This is not a difficult proposition; the Americans alone or with the help of a few countries can easily do these two things that will break the back of the IS and bring relief to entire nations. Iraq has been left in the lurch by the American administration after the latter’s failure to discover weapons of mass destruction from that country. The dismemberment of Libya and the strife in Yemen have all helped the IS to emerge.
The Americans need to ensure that no such group can exist or flourish in these countries. The strife in Yemen also needs to be speedily resolved. Finally, it would be in the fitness of things if the Americans abandoned the strategy of Sunni states trying to contain Iran because this has resulted in the destabilisation of the Middle East.
There are some who firmly believe that all the policies put in place by the Americans and their allies in the Middle East and Arab countries were so devised as to benefit the state of Israel but it must be remembered that continued strife and war in these strategically important areas will benefit no one.
Email:zarnattahotmail.com