How Pakistan Lost The Great South Asian War: A Comprehensive Analysis

Defeat is an Orphan: How Pakistan Lost the Great South Asian War

by V Andrew McMillan

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	911 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	304 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

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The Great South Asian War of 1971 was a watershed moment in the history of the Indian subcontinent. It resulted in the creation of Bangladesh and the dismemberment of Pakistan. This book provides a comprehensive analysis of the conflict, exploring the strategic mistakes, diplomatic failures, and internal divisions that led to Pakistan's defeat.

Strategic Mistakes

Pakistan's military strategy in the war was flawed from the outset. The Pakistani army was overstretched and ill-prepared for a two-front war against India and Bangladesh. The Pakistani air force was also outmatched by the Indian air force. As a result, Pakistan was unable to achieve its objectives on either front.

One of the most critical strategic mistakes made by Pakistan was the decision to launch a preemptive strike against India on December 3, 1971. This attack failed to achieve its objectives and only served to unify India against Pakistan. It also gave India the pretext to intervene in the Bangladesh Liberation War.

Diplomatic Failures

Pakistan's diplomatic efforts during the war were also unsuccessful. Pakistan was unable to secure any international support for its cause. The United States, which had been Pakistan's main ally, remained neutral in the conflict. China, another potential ally, also refused to provide any significant assistance to Pakistan.

Pakistan's isolation on the international stage made it difficult for the country to negotiate a favorable peace settlement. India was able to dictate the terms of the ceasefire, which resulted in the creation of Bangladesh and the dismemberment of Pakistan.

Internal Divisions

Pakistan was also plagued by internal divisions during the war. The country was divided between East Pakistan (now Bangladesh) and West Pakistan. The two wings of the country had different languages, cultures, and economic interests. This made it difficult for Pakistan to present a united front against India.

The Bengali population of East Pakistan felt that they were being discriminated against by the Punjabi-dominated government in West Pakistan. This led to growing demands for autonomy and, eventually, independence. The Pakistani government's crackdown on Bengali nationalists only served to further alienate the Bengali population and make it more likely that East Pakistan would secede from the union.

The Great South Asian War was a major turning point in the history of the Indian subcontinent. The war resulted in the creation of Bangladesh and the dismemberment of Pakistan. This book provides a comprehensive analysis of the conflict, exploring the strategic mistakes, diplomatic failures, and internal divisions that led to Pakistan's defeat.

Defeat is an Orphan: How Pakistan Lost the Great South Asian War

by V Andrew McMillan

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	911 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	304 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE