Let us assume that the USA eliminated Bin Laden deep inside Pakistan in operation ‘Geronimo’ on May Day this year. In its wake, the incident leaves more questions than answers. It was more of an intelligence operation than a military operation. At the individual level Bin Laden is not known to be a fighter like say Carlos the ‘Fox’. He was at best an ideologue and cash base, who spawned a network of terrorists across the world - Al Queda group and affiliates. The prolonged surveillance of the mansion he was ‘hiding’ in (intriguingly known as the 'Waziristan Mansion') would have revealed he could not have housed a strong security force to defend him against an assault in there. Thus a CQB to overpower Osama was never ever on the cards.
All the talks about what happened on that night and all what didn’t happen prior or later and being discussed ever since are missing one point. The whole drama of op ‘Geronimo’ staged or real or a mix of both is just symbolic. This symbolism is a win-win situation for all except the Pakistan military – yes internally the civil regime in Pakistan would also be happy to see their disobedient Army cringing and privately the PM Yousaf Raza Gilani would be daring Gen Khayani to clarify the Osama issue to the world!
Let us not get distracted by the drama of the events. The spent of billions of dollars and close to ten years to get this unmistakably tall Arab ( a rarity ) who was reportedly under periodic dialysis treatment for dysfunctional kidneys should reflect the inadequacies of the CIA and diplomatic poverty of the US. And finally the act has more relevance than the action. Years ago Osama himself had said his death will generate a thousand Osamas. Terror by vested interest will flourish. Pakistan with its widespread poverty, misrepresented Islam, lack of proper education among its people and a pliable state is an ideal breeding ground for terror. So it suits the elite military and the filthy rich aristocracy (Bhuttos, Shariefs et al) to roll in luxury and wealth at the cost of the proletariat.
The Islamic world is changing with a realization that fighting an incumbent, inefficient and authoritarian regime will bring prosperity rather than shadow boxing with the neighbours. It will take some more time for this to translate into action in Pakistan.
For the moment, nothing changes in the real world…and definitely not for India. We should continue to ignore Pakistan, engage Pakistanis and step up our vigil. In Pakistan there (were) are no individuals or organisations that can help in Nation building. The Salman Bashirs and the Khayanis are passé. The ‘Aman ki Aasha’ type of direct interaction with the people of Pakistan holds out better hope for peace in the region. India should support a Pakistan peoples’ non-violent revolution against oppression which could be outsourced to India for guidance. No weapons…just Satyagraha et al like what the Quaide Azam did decades ago. I can see the sneers...OK..but see the brighter side of it all too.....How do we know it won't work unless we try.
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