Balochistan and US elections
Paramilitary soldiers stand next to a burning motorbike torched by an angry mob in Quetta on March 29, 2012, following the killing of four people in a targeted attack. — Photo by AFP/File
There seems consensus among Pakistani and American experts that the outcome of Tuesday’s presidential elections in the United States would barely lead to any policy change in Washington towards Pakistan. The Baloch diaspora in the United States, nonetheless, views the US polls with a different set of expectations. They have their reasons to support both the candidates because none of them has indicated to be soft on Pakistan.
The Baloch say that whether it is a Democrat or a Republican who wins the battle for the White House, what serves their interests is the notion that Pakistan be destined to face a demanding American president. An administration in Washington that rebukes Pakistan for its human rights record provides the Baloch some hope of relief from Islamabad’s current harsh policies.
In 2012, Balochistan attracted significant attention in Washington. Expressions of concern by the US Congress and the State Department over the situation in Balochistan has worried Islamabad.
On their part, the Pakistani government and media have repeatedly objected to discussions in the US that addressed Balochistan, arguing that issues pertaining to the region were Pakistan’s “internal matter”.
Members of the Baloch diaspora have been actively interacting with US policymakers, human rights groups and the media to create awareness with respect to the situation in Balochistan.
Also, sections of the Pakistani military and right-wing politicians believe the United States supports the Baloch nationalist movement.
There is no official confirmation of such a policy from the US government. However, authorities at the Pakistani embassy in Washington have been endeavouring to cancel and disrupt events that discuss Balochistan in the US capital. The region, on the other hand, is getting more attention than ever before at American think-tanks and universities.
Islamabad was outraged in Feb 2012 when Republican Congressman Dana Rohrabacher, a member of the US House of Representatives’ Committee on Foreign Affairs, chaired an exclusive session on Balochistan.
Joined by three Republicans and one Democratic member of the US Congress, the hearing supported the Baloch demand for an independent state.
Pakistan’s ambassador to Washington, Sherry Rehman, termed the hearing an “ill-advised move” which could be “detrimental” to building trust between Pakistan and the United States.
The ambassador’s protest did not deter Rohrabacher. On Feb 18, only 10 days after the controversial hearing, he, along with two other members of the US Congress, moved a resolution in the House of Representatives demanding independence for the Baloch people.
Moreover, on March 27, Rohrabacher addressed a press conference at Washington’s National Press Club to reaffirm his support for a free Balochistan.
“Mr Rohrabacher is a hero for the Baloch nation,” says Akram Baloch, a leader of the Baloch diaspora and a US national who lives in Philadelphia.
Baloch, who personally attended the hearing and the press conference, says the developments in the United States have proved that Balochistan is an “international dispute” and Pakistan should be held accountable for its actions against the Baloch.
“We appreciate the American legislators who stood for the rights of the Baloch people and we request them to play their role in ending the gross human rights violations in Balochistan and in granting us the right to self-determination,” says Baloch who had formerly contested elections in his native Kharan district in Balochistan.
The impression that the Balochistan issue is only raised by some anti-Pakistan members of the US Congress is not correct. The US government has also frequently voiced concerns on the state of affairs in Balochistan.
For instance, on Oct 30, 2012, the United States expressed “deep concern” over the violence in the region in Geneva at the United Nations’ Human Rights Council. Washington blamed Pakistani security forces for carrying out ““kill-and-dump” operations [in Balochistan] that target numerous civil society actors, including Baloch activists and their family members, as well as journalists, activists and student leaders.”
On Jan 13, 2012, Victoria Nuland, the spokeswoman for the State Department, said the United States was “deeply concerned about the ongoing violence in Balochistan”. She stated that the US took the allegations of human rights violations very seriously and said America had “discussed these issues with the Pakistani officials”, urging them to “really lead and conduct a dialogue that takes this issue forward”.
Moreover, on Nov 15, 2011, Mark C. Toner, deputy spokesman at the State Department, had also stated that the US government had “broader concerns about the situation there [in Balochistan] and the freedom of the press…and when we do have those concerns, we raise them with the Government of Pakistan.”
Furthemore, the State Department had in its 2011 Human Rights Report referred to targeted killings and enforced disappearances in Balochistan where “ nationalist, political and intellectual leaders remained targets of attacks.”
All of the above statements reflect that the Obama administration is displeased with Islamabad’s policy in Balochistan.
“We have great respect for both political parties in the US,” says former Senator Sanaullah Baloch of the Balochistan National Party.
“Whichever candidate wins the elections, the impact will be profound for the region,” he says.
“We do hope that the new US administration will rethink its closed-door policy towards the marginalised Baloch people – and embrace democracy-defenders, political activists, journalists and students who are being ruthlessly eliminated over their political opinions,” says the former senator.
He says Balochistan has a conducive environment for the development of democracy due to what he calls a centuries-old progressive political process.
“Due to a collision of policies and interests with Islamabad, moderate Baloch political forces and society have been systemically persecuted and discriminated against. Despite high poverty, low literacy and appalling socio-economic conditions, religious fundamentalism has failed to take roots in Baloch society,” says the former legislator.
Some members of the Baloch diaspora believe that the United States should do more to address the Balochistan conflict. They also fear that more cooperation between Pakistan and the United States would undermine Baloch interests.
Miran Gichki, a young Baloch scholar who graduated from the University of Arkansas and now lives in California, says a Republican president is more likely to work closely with Pakistan.
“My concern is about Pakistan getting more military assistance from the United States which will be used against Baloch dissidents,” he says.
“I am also worried that more Baloch would be targeted if United States transfers drone technology to Pakistan.”
Regardless of who comes to power in Washington, it would not be easy for the next US president to ignore Balochistan while dealing with Pakistan. Balochistan remains critical in the debate pertaining to Taliban sanctuaries, growing religious radicalisation and issues of democracy and human rights. However, the challenge here is that one American approach to address the unrest in Balochistan is not going to be simultaneously acceptable to both Islamabad and Baloch nationalists. Nonetheless, the Baloch see brighter prospects for them from the United States irrespective of the outcome of the presidential elections.
Malik Siraj Akbar, based in Washington DC, is the editor-in-chief of the Baloch Hal, the first online English language newspaper of Balochistan. Twitter: MalikSirajAkbar
For more special coverage on the US Elections including exclusive blogs, features, comments, analysis and multimedia from correspondents around the world, go to: US Elections 2012 In-depth
No solution to Balochistan problem can be found as long as it is treated as a Baloch issue only. It must be treated as a Balochistani issue. It is a multi-ethnic province and any solution must be acceptable to the three major ethnic groups, namely, Baloch, Pashtun and Brahvis. The Baloch nationalists include many Brahvis but the fact remains that Brahvis are distinct ethnic group with their own Brahvi language. Baloch are settlers from Iran while Brahvis are the original inhabitants of prehistoric India. There is already a demand for a separate Brahvi province in Balochistan. Pashtuns also claim to be the largest ethnic group in the province. The intensity of the Balochistan problem can be realized from the fact that the current census is held up due to the pressures from different ethnic groups to inflate their population. A very large area with small population further complicates the issue. Balochistan must remain a united province and any effort to divide it will open a pandora’s box and turn it into an inferno of ethnic violence.
Balochistan will be used as a base against Iran, other then this they have no intrest with Baloch people and later Balochistan will be a second war zone area like Afghanistan then they will take all the Baloch’s to USA, CANADA, AUSTRALIA and give them Assylum like they did for Afghan people. And we will be happy with this compansation.
So be careful with this evil mind.
Pakistan has two things in Balochistan. No. 1 The common Balochi peoples & No 2 The Nawabs & influential. As far as the common Balochis are concerned, their problems are similar to that of the rest of the Pakistanis. The real disagreement comes from the Nawabs & influential, They want the power & resources in their hand. In other provinces of Pakistan the chaudris, vaderas, maliks are enjoying such powers & perk while in Balochistan the government wants to keep all in their hand, How can this be acceptable to the elites of Balochistan. Its a power & perk tug of war taking a nasty shape. The govt should realize the gravity of the situation and share the power & royalties with the elites of Balochistan
these nationalist try to divide the muslims. i hope they never succeed inshallah
Ameen
The Baluch leader in the USA is fooling the Americans. there can be no democracy in the province of Baluchistan as long as the Sardari sytem remains. All Saradrs must be shipped to the USA so that they can learn about democracy. The epople of Baluchistan do not require corrupt Sardars who are only filling their coffers and keeping education away from the masses!
the critical issue of Baluchistan should be highlighted in foreign countries, especially in United States. The commendable efforts of Malik Siraj Akbar are appreciable.
Divide and conquer my friend.
Self interest of the Balouch leaders, more than their sincerity towards their people has been their signature all along. None of these balouch so called leadrs have ever done any good to their people. they are barbaric towards their own. Now, under a US umbrella they want independant state to continue the loot process and provide a safe heaven for USA to nab Iran. This will result in further disintegration of Pakistan and must not be allowed at any cost. Self interest of a few cannot set a path towards the destruction of our beloved Pakistan.
Totally with you on this.
Muslims have reached teh bottom of the pile today because of traitors and it seems the phenomenon has grown from a few powerful people to even common man. The west is laughing at how easy it si to divide and rule us.
Why would they want to rule a basket case.
Some people just don’t understand the meaning of ‘divide and conquer’. Its a pity.
America cares for Balouch if you believe this than you will believe anything. Only minority Balouch living in the west and some elite Balouch living in Pakistan have this attitude. It is a number game and the bottom line is that Balouch are minority in Baluchistan and it a fact. Some of these USA congressman and senator that the author mentioned will do any thing for fame. They pick very controversial issue so that they can gain some political cash but in the end they only care for themselves and they will dump the so call Balouch cause as soon as their political objectives are achieved.
The other issue import issue Mr. Malik forgot to add is that what will happen to the Pathan Majority of Baluchistan. Do the Balouch really believe that the Pahtan will join them and say yes to a Baluchistan and live under minority Balouch. It really amazes me that Balouch leaders always looks for love in the wrong place first it was Russia (Red Revolutions). I remember BSO use to harass the non locals of Baluchistan that when Russia invades Pakistan they will take their houses and businesses. Now the same group is found new love in the West and they are repeating the history all over again.
The bottom line is Balouch is Balouch worst enemies while the Pathans of Baluchistan many got educated and own most of the prime properties and Businesses in Baluchistan.The Balouch leader kept their masses illiterate and poor, while Balouch Sardars are living life of luxury and enjoying life within Pakistan and overseas.
Time has come to face the reality USA will be leaving Afghanistan soon, Iran, Russia and China will never allow and USA friendly Baluchistan in their backyard. The best thing to do is participate in the coming elections get an many seats as possible and work hard to elevate the living standard of common Balouch and to be selfish. No civilized world will tolerate Sardari, Chudari, Wadara system any more. 90% of the world has done land reform and abandoned feudal system. Time has come for Pakistan and Balouch to do the same. Pakistan must bring the Balouch’s to the table and be fair to common Balouch and provide them all the necessary tools the get educated so that the life standard could be uplifted and they become the pride of Pakistan .
The Boloch people want protection. Can we blame them for that?
Do you really think the self-claimed leaders of the great Balouch nation actually represent the people and care for any more than their personal interest of power and greed? Wake up, if you really want to sincere to the Balouchi people.
That is the story with all Muslim Nations.
Cyrus, how about the plight of Kashmiris??? doesn’t bother west, does it?? They need protection from Indians. You care to write a few lines in their favor too, Sir?
BAlouch do need protection, but from their hungry greedy so called leaders who do not want to be known any less than a NAWAB. cast system I see. untouchables and Nawabs.
Have you ever lived in any part of Balochistan? If you did, you would know the real sardar system and feudalism that works there. I’m not surprised by your name and can link the old saying of ‘divide and conquer’.
Akram Baloch is stating Mr Rohrabacher as a hero???. Mr Rohrabacher is a Republican candidate and he lives in dreams of Racist and Ethnic Superiority he is the same person who called Iraqis as fraudsters after invasion of America and even said that Iraq should pay the money to America as America invaded their country and he never found remorse for actions of America on the case of WMDs..
Then in March 2010 Mr Rohr stated that he is Committed to unbreakable U.S.-Israel bond . In the early Nineties Mr Rohrabacher supported Taliban and he frequently visited Afghanistan to strengthen Taliban.
In June 2009 he Voted no on supporting democratic institutions in Pakistan and stated that America should try to evade democracy in Islamic countries as Dictatorship is better for Muslim countries to be controlled.
So if somebody is stating such person as a sincere to anyone in this region then he can only be blind and nothing else.
Bangladesh gained independence………!!!.
Balochistan wants independence……..!!!
The divide within us is growing so rapidly…..:(
Why no one wants to stay with U ??
Balochistan is independent with Pakistan. Balouchistan is Pakistan. Without Pakistan Balouchistan would be a slave tribal people at the behest of its slave masters..the British installed Sardars.
The establishment would do well to listen to Romney (who seemed to agree with Obama on almost everything in the Foreign Policy debate): “We cannot kill our way out of this mess.”
But given that’s been the policy for so long, it may be too late.
Well done, for bringing Baloch perspective in the US election debate.
Do you discuss matters of your household and personal disputes with your neighbours?
yes, if the house is ruled by zombies that do not care
Wow…wonderful Jamshed. Then you should keep quiet about Kashmir, its India’s personal dispute.
Ghulam? no need to say anything else. back to basics for you.
LOL…well said Jamshed.
Balochistan is indeed a critical issue in todays world order & the baloch have to accomadate in it peacefully.
balochistan is part of pakistan and it will remain inshallah.
It has been made into one by people who do not have Balochi best wishes and interests at heart.