Former Pentagon official Michael Rubin has sharply criticised Pakistan’s Army Chief, General Asim Munir, likening him to Al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden by calling him “Osama bin Laden in a suit.” The remarks were made in response to Munir’s recent nuclear rhetoric during a U.S. visit. Rubin described Pakistan’s behaviour as that of a “chaotic nation,” accusing it of adopting war-mongering language. He further compared Munir’s statements to the extremist ideology of the Islamic State, drawing a direct parallel to bin Laden, the mastermind of the 9/11 attacks.
The controversy erupted when Munir allegedly said that if Pakistan sinks, it will sink half the world with it. This statement is said to have been made during a meeting in Tampa city of Florida in the presence of US military officials.
India has strongly criticized this nuclear attack threat. The Foreign Ministry said in a statement that Pakistan’s nuclear threats are nothing new and it is unfortunate that such language is coming from friendly land.
Michael Rubin’s Reaction
Rubin, while talking to news agency ANI, said that such threats from Pakistan on American soil are completely unacceptable. He warned that such statements can lead to extremist elements misusing nuclear weapons.
He said that Pakistan’s challenge is much more complex and dangerous than traditional diplomatic fights. He said, “Americans usually look at terrorism with a view of complaint or pain, but they do not understand the ideology of terrorists. Asim Munir is Osama bin Laden wearing a suit.”
Rubin further said that Asim Munir’s statements raise questions on Pakistan’s state-institutional responsibilities. He said that Munir’s language is exactly the same as has been heard from the leaders of the Islamic State.
He suggested that the global community should consider the “controlled disintegration” of Pakistan, which may include supporting regions like Balochistan towards independence. He also expressed the need for possible military intervention in the future to secure Pakistan’s nuclear weapons.
Rubin said, “The fact that Pakistan is threatening half of the world with nuclear weapons is a clear indication that it has lost its right to be a legitimate state. It is time for the US.”
He also mentioned, “It is near times when the future administrations should enter Pakistan to secure its nuclear weapons because the alternative is simply too great to bear.”
He also said that Pakistan should no longer be given the status of “Major Non-NATO Ally”. According to him, Pakistan should be included in the list of countries supporting terrorism and should also be excluded from the US Central Command.
Finally, he demanded that Asim Munir be declared persona non grata in the US and he should never be given a US visa. He also added that until Pakistan clarifies its position and apologizes, no Pakistani official should be allowed to enter the US.
