Osama’s death controversy – contradictions between ISI and CIA

Osama is dead or alive; this sentence has now no news value for common people. But the news about his life and death still has a moral fiber in international politics besides the fact that all know the truth about Osama. The purpose of this piece of writing is not to find out facts about Osama’s death but to hammer out the implications of Osama existence or nonexistence in this part of the world. A couple of weeks ago it was affirmed by the western media and intelligentsia that high-ranking leaders of Al-Qaida are running away form Afghanistan towards Yemen and Somalia. The aim of this statement may be to collect many happy returns from world community for the achievements of Western forces in Afghanistan or to draw attention to new bases of Al-Qaida in Yemen and Somalia. But any gesture about Osama and Mulla Umer whereabouts was not made in this announcement.

Presence of Al-Qaida and its safe heavens in Pakistan and Afghanistan is one of the pretence of America to reside in this strategic part of the world. Pakistan also sometimes issues statements about the presence of Al-Qaida and Osama Bin Laden in its geographical premises. The purpose of all these news stories propagated by ISI or CIA is to convey the message to the world about the justification or excuse for their policies. On 9th of September- Anniversary of 9/11- in an interview with the BBC, Zardari said: “It seems as if Al Qaeda chief Osama Bin Ladin is no longer alive.” The same day Musharaf also said “The army, the civilian government and democracy could yield better results in the war on terror,”. Musharaf had also expressed last year that Osama is dead. By saying this at the day when America would announces its commitment to the war on terror; basically Zardari negates the American point of view about Osama. The global community knows it very well that Osama is just pretence to prolong the American adventure in this region.  Now it was expected that soon any reaction will come about the riddle of Osama’s life. And we see that on 15th September an audio tape of Osama is released. This audio tape contradicts the words of Zardari or simply ISI. A message is given that still Osama is alive and mission is incomplete. In this message Osama says “The reason for our dispute with you is your support for your ally Israel, occupying our land in Palestine”. In this tape Osama also vows to continue the war against America.

Now question arises that Al-Qaida contribution in the war against Israel is negligible as compared to it presences and contribution in Afghanistan. So sitting in Afghanistan how it can liberate Palestine? Muslim community needs clarification about it. But whatever the reason of this audio tape is, ISI proclamation was made unacceptable. And just two days after the release of this audio tape on 17th of September Mr. Holbrook stated that Al Qaeda is trying to get its hands on Pakistan’s nuclear secrets and remains dangerous as ever.

The ISI or Zardari claim is negated by these two events. First Osama again publicized its existence in the region and second America re-energized its aims and reminded the Pakistani intelligentsia its promises with American Forces. Consequently when America makes any statement about Pakistan nuclear assets, our leaders and Agencies are under pressure.

But interestingly again after two days on 19th of September Mulla Umer made its appearance. He said “the U.S. and NATO should study Afghanistan’s long history of war, in a pointed reminder that foreign forces have had limited military success in the country. The U.S. and NATO should study the history of Alexander the Great, whose forces were defeated by Pashtun tribesmen in the 4th century. We would like to point out that we fought against the British invaders for 80 years from 1839 to 1919 and ultimately got independence by defeating” Britain. Today we have strong determination, military training and effective weapons. Still more, we have preparedness for a long war and the regional situation is in our favor. Therefore, we will continue to wage jihad until we gain independence and force the invaders to pull out”.

In contrast to Osama statement, Mullah Omer concentration was on Afghanistan and Pakhtuns. But it must be kept in mind that Ex-ISI employees also expressed the same few months back. They also claim that American forces are not successful in Afghanistan and failure is the destiny of these forces.  Now it seems that these statements are preplanned and both agencies conveyed their concerns, fears and future planning to each other. If one side America wants to have a control on this area for long time on the other side local Agencies of neighboring countries including Pakistan have serious concerns about American presence. American ambassador to Pakistan – in an interview with a local TV channel – has also disclosed some controversies between Pakistani and American agencies on the issue of operation against certain Jihadi groups. It shows that still there are serious contradictions between Pakistani and American agencies about the war on terror. Pakistan needs American help in improving its economy but regarding war on terror it does not want to spoil its relation with the regional powers.

Pakistani agencies must keep it in mind that warfare is the much loved playing field of America. And they have expertise in this too. Even China and Russia avoids direct confrontation with American forces. We must not live in the fantasy that American economy is at the verge of collapse and soon they will retreat. Communism collapsed without firing a single bullet. But when this capitalist giant will collapse, it will start holocaust in the world. The only way to get rid of this menace is negotiations and pure politics. Pakistan is the axis against the war on terror and it’s our duty to end this war in accordance with geopolitical realities of this region.