“Crossed Swords: Pakistan, its Army, and the Wars Within”
Event Featuring:
Overview
The Pakistani Army has ruled the country, either directly or indirectly, for the past three decades, and yet politicians still do not understand its inner workings according to Shuja Nawaz in his new book, “Crossed Swords: Pakistan, its Army, and the Wars Within.” In “Crossed Swords,” Shuja Nawaz examines who serves in the army, their view of its purpose, and how the general populace perceives its function. The author discussed these issues and his new book at a book launch event with the Middle East Institute.
Event Summary
Shuja Nawaz presented a detailed, insider’s view of the intersection between the army and the political landscape of Pakistan. Intensive research on the subject allowed him access to Pakistan’s military archives, usually unavailable to journalists and researchers. Nawaz was not only interested in the dynamics of the army and its changing nature, but also in the public that he characterized as “politically ignorant about the army.” His book is an attempt to explain the history of the army and what the future holds for it. Nawaz highlighted the changes that occurred under Musharraf and their effects on who can serve in the army, as well as the public’s perception of the army. To fully comprehend modern Pakistan, it is crucial to examine the relationship between the army and the civil society as a whole.
In shedding light on the changing dynamics within the structure of the army, Nawaz noted that the army under Musharraf’s rule took over educational institutions, training establishments, and the civil service. Civil offices and ministries expanded their political and economic footprint and enhanced their existing clout in banking. This expansion of authority was made in the name of providing services and employment. However, this intervention produced long-term implications for the Pakistani economy, as the army’s amassing of property pushed out private sector actors.
In his consideration of the army and its current trends and impact on society, Nawaz reflected on the financial situation in Pakistan. He pointed out the free-fall of the economy suffering under falling exchange reserves, inflation of food prices, as well as power shortages. Nawaz commented that no attempt is being made to assume responsibility for the conditions that severely affect civil society. Nevertheless, he expressed his optimism that a major change in governing strategy could improve this situation.
Another existential threat that Pakistan faces is through militant groups, such as the Afghan and Pakistani Taliban. As rival groups vie for ideological dominance, the fighting that takes place between them has an enormous impact on Pakistan’s civil society. In contrast to the United States, Pakistan must undertake “counterinsurgency against its own people,” putting the army at odds with the civilians it is there to protect. Further complicating the matter is the army’s lack of training in counterinsurgency. With the rise in militant violence, the conventional army is burdened with the task of counterinsurgency operations, and, according to Nawaz, it is the worst officers who make up the Frontier Corps of Pakistan’s army. The United States is slated to fund training for the Frontier Corps, but this will only come to pass if relations between the two countries are good.
Pakistan’s leaders walk a fine line in allying themselves with the United States. Nawaz added that while the Americans have provided crucial aid packages in the past, the military leadership in Pakistan has a strong distaste for this reliance. They fear a situation in which the country is cut off from US support and is suddenly left paralyzed. The alliance between the two nations is tenuous, and President Zardari must determine whether to accept US military aid and training in light of the domestic opposition to this partnership.
Nawaz suggested that projects to enhance security, basic services, and medical camps can have an immediate impact on the population. He pointed out that “hope is not policy,” and that tangible results are the crucial factors. Elected officials must take the initiative in determining national and foreign policy whereas the army should be limited to the implementation of policy. Pakistan should seek the road to democracy and civilians should educate themselves about the military and its scope of power. The civilians must make their voices heard in order for the political process to succeed. Nawaz projected a scenario whereby Pakistan would liberate itself from the political dominance of the army. Nevertheless, he asserted that the strict organization of the army could be used to implement the country’s policies and structure its government.
About this Event
Remarks were given in the Middle East Institute's Boardman Room on September 19, 2008
Speaker Details
Shuja Nawaz is a political and strategic analyst and author of the book, Crossed Swords: Pakistan, Its Army, and the Wars Within. He writes for leading newspapers and The Huffington Post, and speaks on current topics before civic groups, at think tanks, and on radio and television. He has also advised governments in Asia and Africa. He is currently working with RAND, the United States Institute of Peace, The Center for Strategic and International Studies of Georgetown University, the Atlantic Council, and other leading think tanks on projects dealing with Pakistan and the Middle East.
Attributions
This Event Summary was written by Ayse Sengueler, a Programs Intern at the Middle East Institute and a rising Junior at American University. It was peer-edited by Alison Meuse, a Communications Intern at the Middle East Institute and a rising Senior at George Washington University.
