The Swat Appeasement

 

That is what the history books will call it.

When Pakistan gave the Swat Valley to the Taliban in 2009.

History is not kind to appeasers.  The most recent and obvious example of WWII is oft stated and it is only the most recent.  In fact, in most cases where naked use of aggression is the option of the other side, than appeasement equals surrender.  The Romans and the Mongols both demonstrate this.  So shall Pakistan rue the day that it told the Taliban it would no longer fight them for Swat.

 

The Northwest frontier of Pakistan has long been an area disputed by the local tribes and the great powers.  There are many reasons, opium among them, also the violent politics of the region for the last two hundred years, which it may be safe to say is vividly recalled by the local inhabitants albeit somewhat forgotten by the rest of the world.  Why worry about world history when you can Twitter?

 

In 1898 a young Winston Churchill saw the publication of his first book,

The Story of the Malakand Field Force, An Episode of Frontier War,  which concerned none other than the activities of the British Army as they messed about in Northwest Pakistan. 

 

The Swat Valley.

 

  Of all places.

 

Look at Churchill’s description of the transfer of power in a principality in this region, “In 1892 [the ruler of Chitral] died, leaving many sons, all equally ferocious, ambitious, and unscrupulous. One of these, Afzal by name, though not the eldest or acknowledged heir, had the good fortune to be on the spot. He seized the reins of power, and having murdered as many of his brothers as he could catch, proclaimed himself Mehtar and invited the recognition of the Indian Government. He was acknowledged chief, as he seemed to be "a man of courage and determination, and his rule afforded a prospect of settled government. “  Apparently, not very much has changed.  Since the Taliban are the men “on the spot” and have the guns to back it up, Pakistan has decided that they can keep what they have.  Or keep what they can kill.   Maybe Riddick is an unusual moral comparison but MacBeth is not, and the Taliban are at best the moral equivalent  of the Necromongers or the Scot.  More than a few similarities I might add.

 

And now the Taliban have struck out from Swat.  Why not?  The Northwest frontier is and has always been a Pashtun nation.  Despite the trial and error methods of the British and the artificial Duran line, the people of this area clearly view themselves in a highly independent manner.  So much so that they are willing to cede personal liberty to religious fanatics who promise them glory.  Either in this world or the next.  The small cities of this area are arms factories with staggering capacities for the production of the AK-47.  Sure, Pakistan wants to use its Army fighting a civil war with these guys.   They are not worried anymore about the Indians in the Kashmir.   Right.  But it looks like they might not have a choice.  The most recent Taliban incursions are merely 60 miles from Pakistan’s capital.  Granted they have withdrawn.  To gather strength.  In, as the AP reports it, the “Swat stronghold.”

 

So here’s the reality Pakistan.  Renege on your deal with the Taliban and attack them with all your might right now.  They have no honor anyway and they consistently prove this.   Or they will fester and grow and then they will come for you. 

 

 

F. Lynn

Boston Correspondent