THOUGH some analysts rule out the possibility of an allout war but escalation has assumed dangerous propor tions between the United States and Iran after the former killed Iran’s top general and the architect of Tehran’s proxy wars in the Middle-East in an airstrike at Baghdad’s international airport early on Friday. Iran has reacted sharply to the killing of General Qasem Suleimani vowing ‘harsh revenge’ and obviously it would be difficult for Tehran to ignore sentiments of its people as represented by mass demonstrations after Friday prayers where protestors chanted slogans ‘Death to America’ describing the target killing as a ‘terrorist’ act. Iran has been on the US radar for many years but previously tension was kept within manageable limits. However, President Trump has taken a grave risk by eliminating a man who has aptly been described by an analyst as an ‘amalgam of chief of staff, an unofficial foreign secretary and head spy’and therefore very popular as a purely national figure. There is also a view point that Trump has taken the berserk decision to take attention away from parliamentary proceedings of impeachment against him. His decision has once again sent a rude and shocking message to the world that the United States has least regard for legality and legitimacy of its actions. It was a grave violation of Iraq’s national sovereignty and it is likely to result in further instability in the country and beyond. It is also said that Trump’s decision to assassinate Soleimani and Iraqi-Irani politician and military commander al-Muhandis offered a lifeline to the Iranian-affiliated militias, as well as the Islamic Republic, shifting the Iraqi demonstrators’ anger from corruption to the brazen violation of national sovereignty. But the most immediate concern is what would be the Iranian response and further reaction by the United States that has already ordered deployment of additional three thousand troops to the region. This is in addition to 14,000 US personnel who have been deployed in the region since May as a result of an escalation of tension with Iran, including 3,000 who were dispatched in October after the drone attack on Aramco’s oil facilities in Saudi Arabia. UN Secretary-General and other world leaders are urging for maximum restraint and de-escalation of the tension but dangers of war would continue to loom large until some concrete initiatives are taken by the world body and other influential members of the international community. Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff General (COAS) Qamar Javed Bajwa in a call with US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Friday emphasised “need for maximum restraint and constructive engagement” following the killing of top Iranian commander and his concern was understandable as another conflict in our neighbourhood would have serious consequences and implications for our economy and security. Pakistan’s position was also highlighted by the statement issued by the Foreign Office that said respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity are the fundamental principles of the UN Charter, which should be adhered to adding that it is “important to avoid unilateral actions and use of force. Similar concerns were also echoed by Senators who said the step taken by the US has created a new wave of tension in the Middle East and in our region and has also massively intensified the tug-of-war going on between the US and Iran. They apprehended that there would be an issue of national security, transportation of oil and the national economy would also be impacted. It would, indeed, be a tricky situation for Pakistan as the country might find itself in a difficult position when the parties to the conflict include a brotherly and neighbouring country on one hand and a super power on the other hand. It would be a Herculean task to maintain neutrality in view of the ground realities and the vulnerable position of the country because of its precarious economic and financial health. As two Houses of Parliament are already in session, it is hoped that a thorough debate would be held to crystallize all pros and cons of the posture to be adopted by Pakistan to tackle this foreign policy challenge. That escalation of the conflict will have serious repercussions for global economy was also underlined by four per cent jump in oil prices following the US airstrike against Iranian General. The US aggression and its possible implications for the region and beyond also serve as a reminder that all foreign forces should immediately withdraw and interference in Iraq must come to an end.
