"No Exit from Pakistan"
(Summary of noted intellectual Orya Maqbool Jan's talk on Daniel Markey's book "No Exit from Pakistan")
Daniel Markey's book "No Exit from Pakistan" was released in Pakistan in 2022, six or seven years after its initial release in America. It is one of the most important books written about Pakistan after 9/11. The author, Daniel Markey, is a prominent American think-tank expert who closely follows affairs related to Pakistan, India, Afghanistan, and China.
As the book's title suggests, America can never leave Pakistan; Pakistan is a necessity for it. America set two basic principles 72 years ago during the tenure of Pakistan's first Prime Minister, Liaquat Ali Khan. These two principles later became the foundation for all subsequent American policy decisions:
- Do not let Pakistan become a developed and leading country in the region under any circumstances.
- Do not let Pakistan ever assume leadership of the Muslim world.
The book lists three major reasons why America 'cannot leave' Pakistan:
- America considers Pakistan's nuclear program to be very extensive and difficult to control. America believes it essential to maintain its oversight over it.
- The deep security and diplomatic relations between Pakistan and China are a cause of concern for America. America fears Pakistan could at any time fully enter China's sphere of influence, which would upset the regional balance for America.
- Pakistan has a strong, trained, and modern army of 700,000 troops. If Pakistan becomes unstable, this army could spread destruction not only in the region but across the entire Middle East. Therefore, America wants to maintain control over the leadership of this army.
The book claims that America has given Pakistan $73 billion in aid, but the hatred of America among the Pakistani public has not decreased. The reason for this is the historically anti-imperialist and anti-American movements in Pakistan, in which famous poets of their time also played a very important role, such as Sahir Ludhianvi and Faiz Ahmed Faiz, along with many young poets who have written such poetry. Additionally, Zulfikar Ali Bhutto's early anti-American and anti-India image was also part of this.
Regarding the accusation of betrayal by Pakistan at important times concerning America, America's position is that, for example, the 1965 war was started by Pakistan without consulting us. Similarly, the 1971 war was the result of Pakistan's own actions. However, after the creation of Bangladesh in the 1971 war, when India advanced towards West Pakistan, America, realizing that Pakistan's collapse would mean the end of its own influence in the region, successfully forced India to a ceasefire, saving Pakistan.
According to the book, America follows a policy of "buying" political leaders, military generals, civil bureaucrats, journalists, and intellectuals in Pakistan for its purposes. The author claims that many Pakistanis offer themselves at a low price, such as for a five-year American visa or scholarships for their children's education, etc.
America's objection to Pakistan is that it uses American aid against India, does not accept any obstacle in relations with China, and remains continuously involved in military activities in Afghanistan.
The biggest danger for America is Pakistan's new generation. On one hand, it is influenced by the American standard of living and education system, while on the other hand, it has come to know America very well regarding its imperialist policies. It is also aware of America's history of wars, such as its activities in Vietnam and Latin America, etc. America believes that Pakistan's new generation could follow an emotional leader and stand up against America. Referring to the 1979 attack on the American embassy in Islamabad, the book says America fears that a public movement could arise in Pakistan that would stop any government from taking actions in favor of America.
When this book was released in Pakistan in 2022, America had already changed over 70 governments worldwide. In April of the same year, Imran Khan's government was toppled within Pakistan, which is a continuation of this same American attitude.
At the end of the book, the author has presented the following solution for American policymakers regarding Pakistan:
- Keep relations with Pakistan limited only to the context of terrorism. Meaning, if you fight for us, we will support you; otherwise, not.
- Maintain relations only with the military, and that too on a limited scale regarding terrorism, not for the military's development and growth.
- America never wants to see Pakistan as a prosperous and strong country, even if a prosperous Pakistan is in its own interest.
According to Orya Maqbool Jan, this is an important book, and perhaps its Urdu translation has also been released. He advises that the Pakistani nation must study this book to understand America's basic concepts and ambitions regarding Pakistan.