Michel Chossudovsky: The Destabilization of Pakistan!

This article first published five years ago in December 2007, focuses on the historical process of collapse of Pakistan as a nation state, following the assassination of Benazir Bhutto. Washington's intent goes beyond the narrow objective of "regime change". The thrust of US foreign policy consists of weakening the central government and fracturing the country. The ongoing US drone attacks under the banner of the "Global War on Terrorism" are part of that process. Washington's intent goes beyond the narrow objective of "regime change". The thrust of US foreign policy consists of weakening the central government and fracturing the country. The ongoing US drone attacks under the banner of the "Global War on Terrorism" are part of that process. Washington had already envisaged a scenario of disintegration and civil war. According to a 2005 report by the US Intelligence Council and the CIA, Pakistan is slated to become a "failed state" by 2015, "as it would be affected by civil war, complete Talibanisation and struggle for control of its nuclear weapons". What is not mentioned in this report, is that the destabilization process, including the drone attacks, is part of a longstanding US led intelligence operation. The assassination of Benazir Bhutto has created conditions which contribute to the ongoing destabilization and fragmentation of Pakistan as a Nation. The process of US sponsored "regime change", which normally consists in the re formation of a fresh proxy government under new leaders has been broken. Discredited in the eyes of Pakistani public opinion, General Pervez Musharaf cannot remain in the seat of political power, but at the same time, the fake elections supported by the "international community" scheduled for January 2008, even if they were carried out, would not be accepted as legitimate, thereby creating a political impasse. There are indications that the assassination of Benazir Bhutto was anticipated by US officials:"It has been known for months, that the Bush Cheney administration and its allies have been maneuvering to strengthen their political control of Pakistan, paving the way for the expansion and deepening of the war on terrorism across the region. Various American destabilization plans, known for months by officials and analysts proposed the toppling of Pakistan's military. The assassination of Bhutto appears to have been anticipated. There were even reports of chatter among US officials about the possible assassinations of either Pervez Musharraf or Benazir Bhutto, well before the actual attempts took place!