Crossed Swords: Pakistan, Its Army, and the Wars Within

by Shuja Nawaz

Based on 30 years of research and analysis, this definitive book is a profound, multi-layered, and historical analysis of the nature and role of the Pakistan army in the country's polity as well as its turbulent relationship with the United States. Shuja Nawaz examines the army and Pakistan in
both peace and war. Using many hitherto unpublished materials from the archives of the United States, the United Kingdom, and the General Headquarters of the Pakistan Army, as well as interviews with key military and political figures in Pakistan and the United States, he sheds light not only on the
Pakistan Army and its US connections but also on Pakistan as a key Muslim country in one of the world's toughest neighborhoods. In doing so, he lays bare key facts about Pakistan's numerous wars with India and its many rounds of political musical chairs, as well as the Kargil conflict of 1999. He
then draws lessons from this history that may help Pakistan end its wars within and create a stabler political entity.

Genres: Pakistan, History, Politics, Nonfiction, Military History, Military Fiction, War

600 pages, Hardcover

First published July 15, 2008

About the author

Shuja Nawaz is a political and strategic analyst. He is a Distinguished Fellow, South Asia Center at the Atlantic Council In Washington DC.

He writes for leading newspapers and The Huffington Post, and speaks on current topics before civic groups, at think tanks, and on radio and television. He has worked on projects with RAND, the United States Institute of Peace, The Center for Strategic and International Studies, the Atlantic Council, and other leading think tanks on projects dealing with Pakistan and the Middle East. In January 2009 he was made the first Director of the South Asia Center at The Atlantic Council of the United States.

Mr. Nawaz was educated at Gordon College, Rawalpindi, where he obtained a BA in Economics and English literature, and the Graduate School of Journalism of Columbia University in New York, where he was a Cabot Fellow and won the Henry Taylor International Correspondent Award. He was a newscaster and news and current affairs producer for Pakistan Television from 1967 to 1972 and covered the western front of the 1971 war between Pakistan and India as well as President Zulfikar Ali Bhutto’s visit to China January-February 1972.

He has worked for the New York Times, the World Health Organization, and has headed three separate divisions at the International Monetary Fund (IMF). He was also a director at the International Atomic Energy Agency in Vienna from 1999 to 2001, while on leave from the IMF. Mr. Nawaz was the managing editor and then Editor of Finance & Development, the multilingual quarterly of the IMF and the World Bank. He served on the editorial advisory board of the World Bank Research Observer.

He is the author of Crossed Swords: Pakistan, its Army, and the Wars Within (Oxford University Press 2nd edition 2017). He is also the principal author of FATA: A Most Dangerous Place (CSIS, Washington DC January 2009), Pakistan in the Danger Zone: A Tenuous US-Pakistan Relationship (Atlantic Council 2010), Learning by Doing: The Pakistan Army’s Experience with Counterinsurgency (Atlantic Council 2011), and with Mohan Guruswamy, with a Foreword by former Secretary of State George Shultz India-Pakistan: The Opportunity Cost of Conflict (Atlantic Council 2014).

His book of verse in English Journeys was published originally by Oxford University Press and re-issued by Fort Hill in 2017. His second book of verse The Inner World (Archway 2017) is also available on the web.





Experience

Headed three separate divisions of the International Monetary Fund; was the first Director of a large division of the International Atomic Energy Agency in Vienna, Austria; and a journalist with The New York Times and Pakistan Television news and current affairs division. Also helped launch a monthly newspaper for the World Health Organization in Geneva, Switzerland.

He is also an expert in publishing and communications strategies, training, and an experienced editor, who has helped international organizations and firms improve their operations and better disseminate their messages. He has also advised governments in Asia and Africa.

International Monetary Fund & the World Bank, Washington DC

Editor and Division Chief Finance & Development, the joint quarterly of the IMF and the World Bank, published in seven languages from seven sites around the world. Designed readership surveys and computerized subscription system.
Division Chief, IMF Institute, responsible for managing the administration of training programs in Washington DC and overseas. Set up overseas training centers and helped introduce distance learning.
Division Chief, Multimedia Services, responsible for information and knowledge management of the IMF through publishing services, content management, portal, internet, intranet, and extranets.
Helped manage first IMF-wide Information Management program.
Participated in World Bank and IMF missions to Indonesia, The Gambia and many other countries in Europe, Africa, the M

Reviews

[MadZiddi · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is a fallacy in assuming that foreigners know more about us than we do. A natural corollary, is that English reading intelligentsia prefer books by foreigners, however harsh and unsympathetic their assessment (consider Christina Lamb). Of course, they do lend objectivity to an analysis of many polarising personalities, e.g.Jinnah and Bhutto. But since they have a fleeting interest in this country and nation, it may be rationally argued that the analysis lacks a certain depth which may be there in the mind of an average local thinker. Of course, the latter might not have access to leading personalities and certain documents, but provided an account of the Pakistan Army, the overarching institution is written by someone like writer, who happens to be the brother of a former Army Chief, the promise of an insightful study is very much there.
One of the quotes that stayed with me that was analogous of the country's poltician's dealings of the army, " Once you are get om the back of the tiger, dont forget that the tiger eats last". One is particularly reminded of how Bhutto had a wonderful opportunity to cut down the Pakistan Army to size after 1971, but only used it to against the Baloch and others to maximise his own power.
Alternately people criticising the Army's constant interference in politics, need to be reminded that this was continuation of a colonial institution that had a history of civilian superemacy. However, it was the civilians (especially the bureacracy) who.showed the way to political power by appointing the C-in-C (Ayub Khan) as the War Minister and eventually the CMLA. It has been since the tiger, having tasted human blood, refuses to be tamed, especially by a long series of selfseeking political "masters".

[Khalid · Rating 4 out of 5]

One thing I can say about Shuja Nawaz is that he doesn't pull any punches in his analysis of the relationships between the Pakistan Army, bureaucracy and politicians. His book was part of my research when I was sketching out ideas and thoughts for my debut novel, and I can honestly say that many of the things he wrote were echoed in interviews with Army personnel.

A must read for those who want to understand the "democratic" system and the relationships of politicians with the powerful Pakistan Army.

[Pradeep Kanthan · Rating 4 out of 5]

There is an advantage that Pakistani writers have over most others on the subcontinent. They have a story complete with intrigue, protagonists and antagonists, (tin pot) dictators and interesting characters. There is a common villain. It all adds up to a great read. It is important to read books such as this to understand not how the army retains power, but to piece together a national psyche that guides Pakistan's nation building.

The book is very well researched and written, however it needs to be read in conjunction with some others to reveal similarities and inconsistencies in military and political thought in Pakistan political landscape. There is a difference of perception on historical events (or facts). A read of Fatima Bhutto's 'Songs of Blood and Sword' and Tariq Ali's 'Can Pakistan Survive?' will highlight such perceptions to any one researching Pakistan.

Recommended reading.

[Mehtab Mumtaz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Why the war failed ! formidable and epitomized conclusion by shuja nawaz

[yoursbibliophilic · Rating 3 out of 5]

Then out spoke brave Horatius, the Captain of the Gate:
“To every man upon this earth Death cometh soon or late.
And how can man die better than facing fearful odds,
For the ashes of his fathers, and the temples of his Gods”

poem by Macaulay’s ‘Horatius at the Bridge’ which is memorized by every person in British Indian Army, but after partitions, Pakistan army never followed, instead became infamous as "the only army in the world that has never won a war, but never lost an election" is elucidated very well by Shuja Nawaz’s book "Crossed Swords: Pakistan, Its Army, and the Wars Within". The book is a thorough chronicle that attempts to explain the evolution and its subsequent rise to power as a dominant force in the country’s politics.

Nawaz in this book, carefully analyzes key events such as the 1947 Partition, the wars with India in 1947, 1965, 1971 & Kargil, and the military coups that have repeatedly interrupted Pakistan’s democratic evolution. He also addresses the military's involvement in Pakistan’s internal affairs viz., its controversial role in politics, influence on foreign policy, and handling of internal security challenges, such as the rise of militancy and the conflict in the tribal areas.

Nawaz concludes in this book, "if Pakistan is to mature, thrive, and survive as a successful state and a nation, the army needs to take a back seat and allow the politicians and civil society to make their mistakes and allow the other critically important elements of society: mass media, educational institutions, businesses, professionals, lawyers, etc., to function unfettered”(Loc:14641) and should stop thinking that Pakistan can be kept together by the armed forces and not by politicians.

Overall, Crossed Swords offers a thorough and insightful exploration of the Pakistani Army’s central role in the country’s history, highlighting both its strengths and the problems arising from its significant influence over Pakistan's state affairs proving the point that "every country has an Army but in Pakistan, the Army has a country"

The book covers the Pakistani army history from 1947 to 2009 spread over 18 chapters in 700 pages. A brief chapter-wise summary of the book as follows:

1. In History Bound This chapter traces the roots of the Pakistani Army back to the British Indian Army. It discusses how colonial military structures, traditions, and leadership styles were inherited by Pakistan upon its creation in 1947. Nawaz explores how these legacies influenced the early formation and ethos of the Pakistani military.

2. A Difficult Birth Nawaz describes the chaotic events of the 1947 Partition, focusing on the challenges faced by the newly formed Pakistani Army. The chapter covers the immediate military engagements with India over Kashmir and the internal security issues that arose during the mass migration of populations.

3. The First Kashmir War Talks about the first war of Pakistan soon after independence to capture Kashmir.

4. The Legacy of Conflict: Chaos and Ambitions This chapter examines the formative years of the Pakistani Army, highlighting the army's early role in nation-building and politics. Nawaz discusses the challenges of military organization, leadership struggles, and the increasing influence of the army in Pakistani politics leading up to the first military coup in 1958.

5. Courting Uncle Sam Chapter highlights “the key role of Ayub Khan in the process of convincing the US to do so, elevating him within the Pakistan hierarchy and in effect allowing the Pakistan Army to begin making foreign policy decisions on behalf of the government of Pakistan” ( Loc:3245)

6. Things Fall Apart “chaotic situation emerging within Pakistan itself, as the political system imploded under the weight of provincial interests and the ambitions of politicians who could not see beyond their regions and bureaucrats who could not see beyond their personal interests” (Loc:3656) is detailed in this chapter

7. The First Coup General Ayub Khan’s rise to power and the imposition of martial law in 1958 are the focus of this chapter. Nawaz explains that this is not like traditional Coup d’etat, but it's more of a coup de main or a putsch, since the authority figures themselves were seizing total control over government by removing obstacles in their path.

8. Martial Law and the Search for Legitimacy Nawaz shows how the honeymoon period with US hit rough road by Ayub's attitude of constant pushing to get more military aid which was clearly India centric when he was suppose to work against Soviet.

9. Wars and Consequences This chapter provides a detailed account of built up for second kashmir war of 1965. Nawaz analyzes war of katch and feels Pakistan though it was a victorious war, out of which it learnt a wrong lesson that it could win a cake-walk victory in Kashmir that eventually resulted in 1965 war.

10. September 1965 and Ayub’s Fall This chapter provides a detailed account of the 1965 war. Nawaz analyzes the strategic decisions, military operations, and the outcomes of the conflict, as well as its impact on the Pakistani military and Ayub Khan’s regime.

11. Untied Pakistan: How to Break Up a Country Nawaz examines the political, economic differences that created rift between east and western wings of Pakistan. Nawaz explain how west started treating east as it's colony.

12. Wars and Consequences Redux Nawaz examines the political and military failures that led to the 1971 war with India, the role of the military in repressing the Bengali population, and the eventual surrender of Pakistani forces in Dhaka.

13. Bhutto Rules After the 1971 debacle, Zulfikar Ali Bhutto assumed power. This chapter discusses Bhutto's complex relationship with the military, his efforts to rebuild the army, and his eventual downfall, which led to General Zia-ul-Haq’s coup in 1977.

14. Guardians of the Faith General Zia-ul-Haq's era is explored in this chapter, focusing on his policies of Islamization, the Afghan jihad, and the military’s increasing involvement in religious and political affairs. Nawaz assesses Zia's impact on both the army and the wider Pakistani society, as well as the consequences of his long dictatorship. Chapter ends with possible cause of plain crash that killed zia.

15. The Troika’s Musical Chairs This chapter covers the period between Zia’s death in 1988 and the military coup in 1999. Nawaz details the unstable democratic governments of Benazir Bhutto and Nawaz Sharif, the army's continued influence behind the scenes, and the factors leading to General Pervez Musharraf’s takeover.

16. Systemic Failures: The Wars Within chapter “Systematic failures- Wars within” , does not bring out any new ideas or analysis. The culture of “Entitlements”, the financial advantages gained from the “Defense Housing Corporation”, entitlement of batmen, order of precedence and financial advantages of serving on UN Missions are mentioned, but how they have affected the service ethos of the Pak Army is not highlighted. Chapter covers post Zia period, while Gen Aslam Beg (a non-Punjabi or Pathan) has been projected as a good strategist, but he was also full of intrigues. Gen Jahangir Karamat comes out as one of the only Chief who did not attempt a coup though he had major differences with the PM Nawaz Sharif, which ultimately led to his going home prematurely. Gens Nawaz and Waheed come out as balanced Chiefs, who though had differences with the Presidents and the PMs but tried to resolve the issues without attempting coups.

17. The Liberal Autocrat General Pervez Musharraf’s era is the focus of this chapter. Nawaz explores Musharraf's attempts to modernize the military and Pakistan’s involvement in the U.S.-led War on Terror following the 9/11 attacks. The chapter also discusses the internal and external pressures faced by the military during Musharraf’s rule.

18. Today and Tomorrow The concluding chapter speculates on the future of the Pakistani Army and its role in the country’s politics and society. His advice is "if Pakistan is to mature, thrive, and survive as a successful state and a nation, the army needs to take a back seat and allow the politicians and civil society to make their mistakes and allow the other critically important elements of society: mass media, educational institutions, businesses, professionals, lawyers, etc., to function unfettered”(Loc:14641)

[Rabie · Rating 4 out of 5]

History of Pakistan Army before there was Pakistan and British India and continues till the 2010s.
It starts off by explaining the military tradition of the population in the Pothohar region and how they have always been the feeding ground of the militaries throughout history. This was one of the reasons that the Pakistan army initially had a larger presence of Punjabis in their ranks.

The book then goes on to explain the culture, history, and politics of the army during and after the partition of the sub-continent. It explains the challenges the Pakistan Army faced due to the vast distance between its capital and Army HQ which effected the war effort in the liberation of Kashmir in 1948. The book explains the politics of the Pakistani government which lead to the coups. The author talks in detail about the wars Pakistan army fought and the lessons learned.

Further topics that are mentioned in the book are 1965 war, Agartala conspiracy, 1971 war and the fall of Dhaka, Afghan Jihad and Pakistan's role, Kargil operation, and finally the War on Terror. Although the author has done extensive research and written in detail, most of the book is written with data taken from US archives. Therefore, much of the book talks about relations with the US and less with other countries.

[Muhammad Zeeshan awan]

پاکستان کی فوجی و سیاسی تاریخ پر انتہائی کم لکھا گیا ہے۔ فوجی کاروبار یا پالیسیوں سے اختلافات پر تو مبنی کتابیں تو مل جاتی ہیں لیکن ایسی کم ہیں جن میں فوج کا بھی وریژن شامل ہو، یہ ایسی ہی ایک کتاب ہے جس سے سول ملڑی تعلقات کو سمجھنے میں بہت مدد ملتی ہے۔ یہ اچھا آغاز ضرور ہو ہے اس کو موضوع پر اتھارٹی نہیں سمجھنا چاہیے بلکہ یہ اس طرح بھی سوچنے کے نئے راستے بھی کھولتی ہے۔

[Barry Sierer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is an excellent guide to the history and nuances of Pakistani Army, and through it, the history of the nation itself. It probably lends itself more towards those interested in southwest Asia in particular. It is not a fast read but is well worth it.

[Abdul]

This is an incredible book concerning the history of Pakistan's armed forces, shedding light on the evolution of our military and how it was run from the top. Shuja Nawaz has a wonderful view from his vantage point as an observer of this well-oiled machine, its deficiencies and its strengths.

[Amanullah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rich in sources; probably a good reference book; but only interesting where the author sheds his Military Establishment skin and expresses his own thoughts.

[Mansoor Azam · Rating 2 out of 5]

a man who had been close to a former chief does have insights and the book's here to prove it. all in all a good insight into the corridors of military and the politics that shades it

[W]

I skimmed through it,and didn't find anything particularly new or startling.

[Muhammad Usman Anwar · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent narration of turbulent history of Pakistan and role of Army in it.

[M. HASNAIN]

Book review
Book reviewer: MUHAMMAD HASNAIN.
Reg no: 21-CS-96.
Book name: Cross swords.
Author name: Shuja Nawaz.
INTRODUCTION:
Mr. Nawaz was educated at Gordon College, Rawalpindi, where he obtained a BA in
Economics and English literature, and the Graduate School of Journalism of Columbia
University in New York, where he was a Cabot Fellow and won the Henry Taylor
International Correspondent Award. This book focuses on the Pakistani army and its
development over the decades following the creation of Pakistan. It also highlights how
political circumstances caused military intervention in politics at different instances. The
author shares public opinion is that the role of USA is vital in the over development of
the military, and thus affects the development of the political system in Pakistan. This
constitutes a major theme in the book. Other related themes are the role of the
judiciary in supporting the military’s direct rule, the bureaucracy and its relationship
with military governments, the role of intelligence agencies, the war in Afghanistan, the
Taliban and Pakistan’s interests, the nuclearisation of South Asia, India-Pakistan
relations and the War on Terror.
ARGUMENTS:
• The book is informatic, but facts are ignored in given
synopsis that Pakistan foreign policy was under greatly
foreign influenced. However, things will change with the
span of time since power is shifting quiet slowly. However,
Shuja Nawaz is perhaps the best informed observer of the
history of the Pakistan Army and deeply aware of the
“battles within.” The first edition of this book wasoutstanding, and the revised version maintains its position
as a “must read” book on the subject.
• The book is based on archival data, informal conversations
with key individuals and Nawaz’s extensive personal
background knowledge. Crossed swords is a book for
people who are interested in the empirical details of
Pakistan’s military history.
BOOK SUMMARY:
The army, whilst trying the save the nation, has found itself
acting as power broker for a variety of competing political
groups and running a civilian administration for which it was
never trained. In 1965 and 1971 have shown. Nawaz dwells less
on the corruption of the army itself, and there is too little,
perhaps, on the excesses of the ISI, the military intelligence
branch, but there is a full acknowledgement that the army's
interference in politics has actually stunted the democratic
development of the country - a point often made by the late
Benazir Bhutto.

[Saad · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although i liked the book, but i really didn't enjoy the read. Because, language used is difficult, whenever i decide to read book from Pakistani author one thing strikes me after starting the book that why they are using difficult wording! Are they trying to show readers that they have vast verity of word and their English is better than Americans and British people? I would like aske them one thing that why English author books have simple words and language? And also they they have too much readers? The only answer come to mind is that their books story and plot is appealing but also their language and wording are simple. People write books for everyone, but Pakistani authors are trying to focus some specific class of reader which i am not obviously. I recommend Pakistani authors that they should learn from the books: Man's Search for meaning, The subtle art of not giving f, Alchemist, Sapiens, Ghost wars, Thinking fast and slow Etc,. These books are sold more than three million.

[Muhammad Arif · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a genuinely authoritative source of quality insight on the evolution of Pakistan army as a potent force of national unity and political instabilities. Thoroughly enjoyed every single chapter of the book, but the most intriguing story in the book is related to dirty deals of our celebrated and national hero, Dr. A. Q. Khan. The writer calls him self- seeking, publicity- seeking egomaniac. Was he really a Merchant of Menace, as one of the international papers put it?
The list of questions is an endless one. Read the book and you will be stunned by the many Merchants of Stability and instabilities. Highly recommended!!

[Al Li · Rating 5 out of 5]

crossed swords, a well researched and well accumulated book having requisite details regarding all major happenings from 1947 - 2008. book gives a detailed analysis of how Pak Army's became strong enough to deal with interior aswell as exterior threats. Also the mistakes and misadventures undertaken by Pakistan Army are also highlighted with the help of unpublished documents from US, UK and GHQ's archieves. a must read for all those who want to have a keen insight of pakistan army and its role in pakistan's politics.

[Waqar Ahmed · Rating 5 out of 5]

An impressive study of the Pakistan army and its history and all the ups and downs the country has seen so far. The book starts from 1947 and covers all the wars that the army has fought as well as the role it has played in shaping the destiny of the country. Personally, this book is the single best source to gain valuable insights about the army and Pakistan.

[Ehtesham Hassan · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's a good book for someone looking to understand Pakistan history from Amry's perspective. Writer is not from Army himself but his family is full of officers. Asif Nawaz, Pakistan's ex Army chief was brother of the author.Subject of army is controversial in Pakistan and so is literature on the subject. I would call this book a well balanced analysis.

[Salman Ahmad · Rating 3 out of 5]

The start is interesting and makes you go through the book but as soon as you reach the situation starting with 1965 war there are very little insight for Pakistani readers in this book. Most of the information about 1965 war and the later events would be found in other books too to an extent in more details than this book.

[Waqar Ahmed · Rating 5 out of 5]

A profound history of Pakistan and its military. It's unbiased and provides a detailed insight into the events that led up to various military coups and the reasons for military intervention in the political structure of Pakistan.

[Saad Din · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very well researched and thoroughly informative book ; the history,psychology and working of Pak Army all is there.The civil military relationship could not have been better described here .. a must read albeit a serious stuff bordering laboriousness.

[Tariq · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book very deliberately recounts the military events that defined the course on which the present day Pakistan is, with briefly touching upon other factors of change.

[Vineeth Nair · Rating 4 out of 5]

A superb research work. Covers origins of Pak Army, its evolution over the years, bonapartist tendencies of its officers etc very vividly. A good view of perspective from the other side.

[Zeeshan Butt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Must read to understand where it all begins.
The Pakistani Army Industrial establishment.

[Amjad Hussain]

Great Book with lot of references and Interviews conducted by the author.

[Tariq Aziz · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book very deliberately recounts the military events that defined the course on which the present day Pakistan is, with briefly touching upon other factors of change.

[Sarim Naqvi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good

[Christopher · Rating 3 out of 5]

Provided great insight into the pivotal role the Pak Army has on its national system of government. Although it is biased towards Pakistan, the author makes great effort to keep the narrative balanced and provides an honest self-assessment. This also clearly explains the fear of abandonment Pak feels about the U.S. It is no wonder that Pak is not trusting of U.S. intentions in the region and how that affects its concern over its larger neighbor, India. Overall, a detailed account and great overview of the subject albeit a tough read with all the detail.

[Faraz Azam · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent book. A must read for the youth, especially if they want to have a good grip on Pakistan's history up till Gen Musharraf's Era.
The only criticism I have is on the very last chapter of the book where the author criticized an institution with baseless arguments.
The Language in the book is not that easy to comprehend, even for the English speaking world.
Author's grip over the history and his comprehension is excellent and is conveyed to the reader in an explicit manner
I recommend this book to all the people who follow history of Pakistan and its Politics.