GOVERNMENT COLLEGE UNIVERSITY LAHORE

DEPARTMENT OF POLITICAL SCIENCE

Submitted by: Mushtaq Ahmad (4332)

Submitted to: Sir Saqib Khan
Semester: 5th
Course Title: Democracy and Governance
Course Code: PS-3104
Submission Date: 30-11-2024

Book Review
Book: No Exit from Pakistan
Introduction: Henry Kissinger, the former Secretary of State explains the volatility and complex
dynamics of International relations as, “there are no permanent friends, or permanent
enemies, but only permanent interests, which depicts the delicate nature of relations between
states or nations. The book, ' No exist from Pakistan ' is one of the groundbreaking/ influential
attempts to unveil the true dynamics of US- Pakistan relations, exposing their mutual
vulnerabilities, hopes, and distrusts that have existed since the beginning of the relationship.
The book delves into an interesting and complex dynamics of US- Pakistan relations, with
various themes regarding specific historical developments and context.
The major concern/ theme of the book is; why US can't quit Pakistan, although geographically,
Pakistan is located at the other corner of the globe; too far from America, but America is not
necessarily protected from what happens here. All the themes revolve around answering this
question, which is explained later. The major themes which the book explores include: mutual
vulnerability, mutual misunderstandings, mutual distrust, four faces of Pakistan, Anti
Americanism in Pakistan and the way forward.
1) Mutual vulnerabilities:
Both Pakistan and the USA are locked in a relationship where they can't escape each other,
because of the harsh realities and complex dynamics of international politics. Both are mutually
vulnerable; can't exist without each other.
A) American vulnerability:
Although, Pakistan is located at the other corner of the globe, but America is not necessarily
protected from happens there, because of the globalized world. The US has serious concerns
over many matters and issues in Pakistan, for example, the protection and aim of Pakistan's
nuclear weapons; US is a keen observer of what is happening in Pakistan and securing its
nuclear weapon from going in the hands of extremists is of great concerns for the US, as it
could cause destruction beyond the borders. The US is so sensitive regarding the nuclear
arsenal of Pakistan that it even send special teams for investigating the security of Pakistan's
nuclear weapons. The US has not only kept its vigilance on the nuclear weapons of Pakistan,
but its strategic location is also important for US, as it always served the American intersts;
whether in the Cold War, or in the War on Terror. The Americans know the importance and
utility of Pakistan's geographical location, and can't quite so easily, as it could work again for
the US in the future in international conflicts. The US historical unfaithfulness with Pakistan,
caused anti Americanism in Pakistan, in factions varying from extremes; from liberals to
nationalists, and from nationalists to religious extremists. The presence of anti-American
sentiments in the Pakistani society isn't something to be ignored, as it could trigger anytime a
major upheaval in the establishment of Pakistan against America which could be devastating for
the US interests in the region. Similarly, the terrorist groups, operating inside Pakistan are also
under the continued scrutiny/ vigilance of US, as it could disturb the peace and harmony of the
region, and harm US interests in the region and beyond. The above mentioned reasons prevent
US to exit from Pakistan, and that's why America has always managed to keep its relations with
Pakistan through carrot and stick policy.

B) Pakistan's vulnerability:
Pakistan, being an unstable and struggling democracy has always needed the support of a
global giant to maintain and consolidate its basic structure. The geography and hostile
neighboring states of Pakistan, especially India and Afghanistan has also compelled Pakistan to
seek support from America. Economically, Pakistan is addicted to US assistance dollars, and
military weapons to counter balance its arch rival/ traditional enemy; India. For much of its
history, the economy of Pakistan was dependent on American assistance, and when the
relations deteriorated, as in the 1990s, then consequently, Pakistan had to face a decade of
terrible economic turbulence, and even Saudi Arabia and China couldn't save it from the
suffering/ backlash. That's why, Pakistan is stuck between Scylla and Charybdis, where every
option; either of leaving or remaining in the relations, is costly.

2) Mutual misunderstandings:
It's an undeniable fact that both the countries have tormented each other for decades in
different ways and both parties believe that they have been deceived by the other side. As both
states are located at the opposite corners of the globe, so the absence of repeated social,
cultural and economic interactions cause misconceptions and misunderstandings. For example,
a Pakistani who haven't even met an American may not have sound views about the Americans
and vice versa. So, it creates vacuum for misunderstanding which prevents the establishment of
long term and balanced relations.

Four Faces of Pakistan:

Pakistan is characterized as an unpredictable state; too difficult to understand how it works.
What appears to the outside world is not actually inside the country, and that's why America
has made certain mistakes in dealing with Pakistan. For an instance, after Musharraf’s
withdrawal and the establishment of civilian government in 2008, the US tried to implement a
liberal agenda, without the consent of Army, but failed, because it didn't know the entrenched
power of Army.
Pakistan is an unpredictable state; as it shows different faces to different audiences, depending
upon the circumstances.

1) Basket Case:
The Pakistani society is traditional; no one can escape the consequences of one's family name,
and the socio economic hierarchical position of an individual determines and defines his/her
position in the society. The landlords and feudal hold millions of peasants in their grip,
controlling their lives. The Feudal has kept the peasants as slaves in their control, and not given
even their basic rights of education. The feudal class has share in the political and economic
power of Pakistan, and the people don't resist it because of the Conservative nature of the
society. Pakistan dramatically expanded its network of roads, factories, power plants, dams and
canals. But, underperformance in most of the social and political indicators is alarming, such as,
education, health, sanitation, fertility, gender equality, corruption, political instability, violence
and democracy. The entrenched elite, comprising of capitalists, the army, politicians, and
bureaucrates exempt themselves from tax obligations.

2) Garrison State:
Shireen Mazari, one of the prominent politicians of Pakistan, describes Pakistan as a state which
prioritizes military strength and security over democratic values, individual freedoms and
economic development. India is always perceived as an enemy, and Afghanistan is also not out
of calculation in this regard, which exaggerates the notion of Pakistan as a security state.
The military dominance in the politics of Pakistan continued even when the civilians were in
charge, and it continues. When the military is uncomfortable with the civilian politicians, then it
remove them by countermeasures, such as by supporting its favorable political candidates in
the elections. For an instance, Lieutenant general Asad Durrani (ISI) was given the task to
distribute 1.6 million dollars to the right wing candidates in the 1990 elections. Similarly, the
2002 general elections were thoroughly rigged by the Musharraf regime.

3) Mutual distrust:
The mutual misunderstanding and lack of organized and repeated interactions lead to mutual
distrust; with each side blaming the other for not cooperating and for committing betrayal.
During the cold War, the relations was comparatively stable, but after the Soviet withdrawal,
the US sanctions on the nuclear program of Pakistan developed huge agony and distrust in
Pakistan.
Similarly, the secret support of Pakistan to the Afghan Taliban magnified the already existing
mistrust and frustrations of the US which hampered the possibility of a long term relations.

4) Terrorist Incubator:
The author describes Pakistan as an incubator, as a supporting base of some terrorist
organizations, and claims that the noble motto of Jinnah; Unity, Faith, and Discipline, has been
replaced by the Arabic banner; “Iman, Taqwa, and Jihad fi Sabilillah, by the Pakistani Army. The
presence of some of the notorious terrorist organizations, such as Lashkar e Taiba, Hizb ut
Tahrir, and Tehreek e Taliban Pakistan, is alarming for the regional and global peace. The
controversial blasphemy laws in the constitution of Pakistan, in one way or the other support
these terrorist organizations and other extremist factions in the society. The society is so
sensitive that even discussing the blasphemy laws, and certain taboos could trigger crisis at any
time and leads to violence. For example, Salman Taseer, the outspoken liberal governor of
Punjab, had been killed ironically by one of his own bodyguards. The former and in-service
army and ISI offices has relations with the Taliban and other extremist and terrorist factions, for
example, Hamid gull defended and supported the Taliban in Afghanistan, recognizing their
government as truly Islamic and just. Similarly, some of the educational institutions serve as
incubators for extremist and terrorist factions, such as Dar ul Uloom Haqania, which is
characterized as the University of Jihad.

5) Youthful Idealist:
The rise of Imran khan as a populist leader and the sentiments of youth to change and uproot
the havoc, created by the traditional politicians is also noteworthy. The Pakistan Tehreek e
Insaf, led by Imran khan promised of radical changes such as; cutting corruption by half and
terrorism in its first ninety days, the leaders would pay taxes and establishing balanced and
reciprocal relationship with the United States. The party's populist claims and notions divided
society severely into factions; with Khan's supporters demanding substantial change in the
system and the antagonists supporting for gradual reforms. The PTI'S many critics argue that
there is a big difference between igniting a popular movement and governing a nation, as so
many revolutionaries have learned throughout history.

6) Anti Americanism in Pakistan:

Since the beginning, the relations between Islamabad and Washington have gone through
extreme highs and lows. The Pakistani public doubts the benefits of cooperation with the
United States, and over 75 percent of Pakistanis have unfavorable views of America. The people
and intellectuals of the country claim that the American leaders have used Pakistan as a pawn
in the geopolitical game. Three factions of Pakistanis having anti American concerns include:
The Liberal Anti Americans, The Nationalist Anti Americans, and The Violent or Jihadist Anti
Americans.
The Liberal Anti Americans are frustrated with the cozy relations and too close ties with the
Pakistani Military. The Liberals blame America that it always supports the dictators and thus
destroyed and weakened democracy in Pakistan.
Similarly, the Nationalist Anti Americans are also critical of Islamabad's cooperation with
Washington and argue that the relations have not been fruitful for Pakistan. They claim that
whenever we needed America at a critical situation, like in the wars with India and the Kashmir
issue, then it never came to help us. The sanctions imposed by America on Pakistan's nuclear
program also adds to the frustration of Pakistani Nationalists.
Additionally, the most violent and extremist faction of Pakistanis who hate America
predominantly consists of religious sections. They hate America as they consider it as a threat
to Islam and Muslims. They are too critical of the close ties between Islamabad and
Washington, and consider US not less than an enemy.

Conclusion:
The book can be considered as one of extensive and inclusive books regarding US-PAKISTAN
bilateral relation; covering each and every aspect of the relations. Although, it has been
recognized and appreciated by the experts of foreign relation experts, but is not exempted
from criticism. The critics critique that it has been overly biased; with pro American narrative
with the oversimplification and over exaggeration of some issues. For an instance, the matter of
the security of Pakistan’s nuclear arsenal is highly exaggerated, by claiming that it could go in
the hands of extremists. Similarly, the huge social, economic, and political problems which
Pakistan inherited as a consequence of joining US to combat USSR and its war on terror, has not
been explained and emphasized. Overall, the book gives insights to the historical ups and
downs in the US-PAKISTAN relations, characterizing the volatile and unpredictable nature of the
relations.