INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
TEHRAN - Western policies, especially those of the United States, have played a complex and prominent role over current decades in the
spread of terrorism and the escalation of regional stress, particularly between India and Pakistan.These policies, seemingly focused on
combating terrorism and ensuring local security, have in practice sustained insecurity and intensified conflicts
The current Pehlgam event is a stark example of the effects of these policies and the intricate security obstacles in the region.The roots
of this crisis trace back to the Cold War era when the United States, through Operation Cyclone, funneled billions of dollars in weapons
and financial assistance to Afghan mujahideen through Pakistan.This shortsighted policy, heedless of long-lasting consequences, strengthened
extremist networks in Pakistan, paving the way for the emergence of terrorist groups like al-Qaeda in Afghanistan.Following the September 11
policies in the area failed to suppress terrorism
Instead, they exacerbated anti-American and anti-Western sentiments amongst residents, particularly through drone strikes in Pakistans
tribal locations that killed civilians.These actions offered extremist groups with a fertile ground to exploit public resentment, expand
their ranks, and even more threaten regional security.Meanwhile, Pakistan, represented as a tactical U.S
ally, ended up being a victim of great-power rivalries
The inconsistency and duplicity of Washingtons policiessupporting Pakistans federal government on one hand while disregarding to extremist
activities within its bordersundermined governance and sustained chaos.Recent India-Pakistan clashes, especially in Kashmir, can not be
evaluated without this historical context.In an interview with RT on Saturday, Pakistans Defense Minister, Khawaja Asif, specified that
terrorism in the region is a result of Western policies, especially those of the United States, and that Pakistan has been a victim of these
Asif stressed that jihad was produced by the West and has deeply impacted Pakistans culture and society.He added that after the September 11
attacks, Pakistan joined the anti-terrorism union again, however these wars were not Pakistans own, and the nation has actually paid a heavy
price.The defense minister also highlighted the worsening security scenario after the U.S
withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021 and revealed issue over millions of undocumented Afghans in Pakistan, stating that Pakistan itself is
the greatest victim of terrorism in the region.The United States, through its economic and military assistance for choose allies, has
typically sustained tensions and proxy wars rather than cultivating peace and stability
This assistance, particularly in nations embroiled in sectarian or ethnic conflicts like Pakistan and Afghanistan, has contributed to the
increase of terrorist groups.Moreover, U.S
policies on the global stage, especially regarding terrorism, expose stark contradictions
While placing itself as a leader in the fight against terrorism, the U.S
has actually supported specific groups that sponsor terrorism in the region for tactical interests.This double standard has consistently
strengthened extremist groups, perpetuated armed disputes, and broadened terrorist risks worldwide
This short article very first appeared/also appeared in Tehran Times
