Speaking to a hall full of cadets at the US Military Academy of West Point, President Barack Obama almost seemed like he might be declaring war on Pakistan. Every time he mentioned Afghanistan, Pakistan preceded mention.
Sitting at the back benches of the hall at one point I almost jumped out of my chair when he said: “the stakes are even higher within a nuclear-armed Pakistan, because we know that al Qaeda and other extremists seek nuclear weapons, and we have every reason to believe that they would use them.” I was shocked because a succession of American officials recently confirmed that the Pakistani arsenal is secure. Through leaks that are whispered in our ears, however, we were told that Americans commissioned studies on how vulnerable Pakistani warheads and laboratories would be if insurgents made greater inroads. Talk like this only serves to embolden those terrorist elements that seek to destabilize the entire region.
I didn’t get a clear sense as to what President Obama might do in Pakistan – and that makes me more nervous. What we hear is that the US will not do anything overt in Pakistan to deflect criticism and mitigate risk. A report in New York Times suggest (again based on leaks) that there will be a two pronged approach- CIA led covert operations and, to mitigate risks ,the US will sub-contract the overt war within Pakistani borders to the nation’s army.
So basically President Obama confirmed the narrative that was being constructed through leaks to the media for the past 8 years.
Report also claim that President Obama has authorized an expansion of the war in Pakistan and the Pakistan army is onboard. Many Pakistanis fear that more U.S. troops mean more of the nightmare that we have been living with for the past several years including more drones, additional CIA and private boots on the ground operating co-overtly, more money for the ISI, and moral support for the army. Don’t be surprised by drone attacks in Baluchistan as well.
President Obama defined his strategy with three core elements: a military effort to create the conditions for a transition; a civilian surge that reinforces positive action; and an effective partnership with Pakistan.
In the corridors of West Point we met Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and I asked her what will happen if Pakistan’s democratic government was destabilized. She said “we hope it won’t come to that”. We know people of Pakistan want democracy. We hope whatever the political problems are internally they will be worked out in a lawful and constitutional manner.” When asked if her government will engage with a dictator should martial law be implemented in Pakistan, she responded, “ in my dealings with the military leadership I have no indication that they are looking to do anything except supporting the democratically elected government.”
Here is the transcript because YouTube audio is not that good:
{Obama administration has been very supportive of democratic process in Pakistan but the democratic government seems instable. What will be the impact if current government is destabilized?
Well we hope it doesn’t come to that because the people of Pakistan want democracy and we hope whatever internal political problems there might be can be worked out in lawful and constitutional manner. What’s important is for us to partner with Pakistani people. So of course when I came to visit I met with democratically elected government officials – president and prime minister and foreign minister and other ministers as well as members of parliament. We also met with the military, head of ISI. We believe the future for Pakistan is so positive but of course there has to be stability. There has to be kind of security that military is fighting for in South Waziristan. And, there has to be kind of political stability that comes with a solid democracy. We hope that can be worked out.
Will you engage with Pakistani military if there was a martial law?
Well we hope it doesn’t come to that. I don’t want to speculate. I think that — in my talking to the military I didn’t get any indication that they have any intention of doing anything except supporting democratically elected government. Now, I know there are all kinds of challenges to the current government that is for the people of Pakistan- your political process to work out. But of course we want to see a strong, vibrant democracy. And, that is what we are going to continue to support.}
Off the record conversations with US officials indicated that they have diversified contacts in Pakistan: Mr. Hollbrooke called Mr. Nawaz Sharif prior to Obama’s Afghanistan strategy speech. Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani is talked about with more respect than ever before.
It is pretty evident from Ms. Clinton’s response above as well that democratic process should not be confused with President Zardari’s rule. I believe Americans realize that President Zardari may have only symbolic position going forward and they are prepared to deal with anyone and everyone who represents Pakistan.
I really hope New York Times report is incorrect that there is no expansion of the war. I, absolutely support eradicating terrorists where ever they maybe: but in the process let’s not create more terrorists.
December 2nd, 2009 at 7:01 am
This is exactly how I felt watching live broadcast on CNN this morning. It felt like he was saying that we are going after afghanistan and pakistan. i am very concerned about our safety. not only because of terrorists but also because of what US maybe doing here.
December 2nd, 2009 at 7:20 am
A wonderful coverage and commentary of events at West-Point yesterday. The brief interview with Hillary Clinton is great. US-Pak army go hand in hand as always and Pakistanis have to work their democracy under the sovereign ISI/army. There goes the promise of the sovereignty of civilian rule in Pakistan. US policy change since Obama administration took over, is a turnaround from Bush’s. Bush’s policy was aimed to civilize the savage muslims and Obama’s policy depicts that US cannot change them in becoming democratic therefore it should secure its interests and leave. The British/White stereo-type that projects these lesser beings of the under-developed world as an unruly, irrational crowd wins the argument again in Obama’s white house. Respect. Peace.
December 2nd, 2009 at 2:23 pm
And Pakistani Stupid Foreign Minister is telling them to stay 5 more years.
Without any doubt – Pakistanis are going to see more troubles like they were seeing in the last 2 years – 3000 civilians killed in no less than 2 and half years.
and what is Obama planning?? what if Taliban get on board after 3 years – as they won’t be accepting any ILLEGITIMATE Karzai? what would US do then?
the system won’t change. (if after all their so called strategy works out)
Talibans want change now-a-days some luxuries too – and they are joining Afghan Security Forces – VOLUNTARILY – and they will announce Jihad as soon as US gets out. with American Ammunition – and will not let IMPERIALISTIC DEMOCRACY to their country at all.
DO you think IRAN (with Tajikistan), Russians (through Kazakhs) and other Central Asians will be accepting any Karzai Style of Illegitimate Governance in their neighborhood – when they clearly and easily can exploit Talibs for their reasons.
and by the way – for the time right now – and for future – All Central Asian, Iranians, and Pakistanis wants their countries to be more secure – and for that – they take advantage of stupid Afghanis and Religious Sensitive Emotional Talibans. Specially IRAN – which see US presence a Clear-CUT threat.
Americans are wasting their money and shedding more blood.
If they want themselves to be secured – why don’t they spend the same money on their Intelligence to defend themselves??.
30000 troops won’t do anything than killing more people, raping the women, and do more torture on innocent. who are then joining the CAUSE in Talibanic Terrorizing War.
Soon the refugees of Waziristan Operations will go back and would join the cause too.
Iran and Central Asians are providing them with safe heavens, arms, ammunition, cash and other things with a support from Indians and Arabs.
Can’t just they see.
WHO THE HELL GIVE ANY DAMN ABOUT PAKISTAN??
and forsure – contrary to US might think – Nobody is going to use our Nukes – come on – I bet they haven’t met with any single of our around 3000+ SSGs (SPECIAL SERVICES GROUP) – who are spending days and nights to protect our Nuclear Assets – because they are built for India – WHO PAKI ARMY IS MADE FOR – IF someone would have Military Training in Pakistan Army – he would be saying only one thing – and that is that – WE ARE TRAINED WELL FOR TACKLING OUR “DUSMAN” (ENEMY) and they clearly points out towards INDIA. – so inshort – WE CAN BE SOLD TO ANYONE – BUT WHEN IT COMES TO INDIA – THERE COMES THE HONOUR. and since Nukes are only for India, nobody has to be worried about them!!! every single kid on a paki street – would like his d**k to become 10 inch to f*** indians to death (thats natural and can’t be changed)
its just to make – people around the world – who just bark – like they did in Iranian Elections – to get of their emotional capability – and speak widely – rubbish – about our Prophet and our Religion – and legitimizing decisions like Swiss Minarat Ban. (which vatican didn’t see as something)
that is the US which didn’t say anything when Bosinans gave lives – and their So called UN got off – when Serbians attack muslims – genociding 8000 muslims in one night.
Isn’t that extremism, terrorism – against Muslims.
SO WHERE IS BBC, NYT, ABC and others – where is Youtube’s Speical portion (which we saw in Iranian Elections) – about “today” was the day when Serbians killed 8000 muslims for ETHENIC CLEANSING.
Where are them? when OBAMA is not releasing more than 4000 photos and videos of torture, rape and murders in US Administered CORRECTIONAL AND INTELLIGENCE FACILITIES???
why are not they discussing THE REASON for GOING IN IRAQ??? AND why can’t they just leave them and go back home – RIGHT NOW??? why not another True SHIA President in IRAQ?? because Iran may hijack??
Interesting – FACT:
Normally I am off those topics – but it makes me real angry – when some innocent civilians – get their families killed – in EXECUTIONS WITHOUT TRAIL. and then they are labeled that Talibans were hiding outthere.
so;
they send us Photos of Baituallah (with makeup) – FOR GODS SAKE – its just like Indians prayed Jannazah in Kargil War by doing SAJDA. because its a strict custom not to take photograph of a dead body in Muslim Culture – and Talibs – who represents (ok their Islam – interpretations of which I am sick of) – how can they take picture of some dead body.
LAST SENTENCE.: How come – Hillary told us that Alqaeda was in Pakistan and is in Pakistan – and Government is un-aware of that – or afraid of capturing them – then the very next day – paki army – showed passports of plotters of 9/11 – how come somebody leave some evidence in a cave – after plotting such an act.
I must go now.
December 2nd, 2009 at 2:45 pm
one thing that never ceases to amaze me about us pakistanis is our display of indignation at the perceived slights, sense of betrayal and unfair treatment by other nations; the West and the USA in particular.
maybe one should be grateful that there is, at least, this much sense of national dignity still left in us.
to come back to the point, however, what do we expect when we are ourselves so subservient and unwilling to rise up and demand our legitimate rights from those whom even those, who ought to know better, refer to as our rulers. can u imagine an american, or any other person of a self-respecting nationality, refer to the head of their state -or the govt and/or its military – to be their ruler?
the truth is that servitude and whining is in fully ingrained in our psyche; witness even iqbal’s complaint in his famous shikva:
hae baja, shayva-e tasleem mein mashoor haen hum
qissa-e dard sunaate haen ke majboor haen hum
we are, in reality, defeated, masochistic, slaves wannabe be free citizens, whining to be treated with respect. well … the bad news is that no one is going to accord us that; not until we stand up and make it clear that we shall settle for nothing less.
when you let others kick you, then kicks are all that you are going to get:
taqdeer ke qaazi ka ye fatwa hae azal se
hae jurm-e za’eefi ki saza marg-e mafajaat
December 2nd, 2009 at 2:45 pm
i knew since obama was campaigning that he was coming to impliment israel’s agenda of bringing the war to pakistan afterall during his campaign the biggest donations came from people belonging to israeli lobby n the states…… we as a nation must stay united and keep supporing our armed forces…
December 2nd, 2009 at 8:59 pm
“Pakistan’s message to the world”
Toofan kar raha hai meray azm ka tawaf
duniya samajh rahi hai key kishti bhanwar mein hai
December 2nd, 2009 at 9:34 pm
Obama is also working like Bush… He never change the policies of Bush.. !!!!!No Change!!!!!
December 2nd, 2009 at 10:56 pm
Tiger Woods· Jaimee Grubbs· Elin Nordegren· Kalika Moquin· Rachel Uchitel· Meredith Baxter· Steven Seagal· Kings of Leon· Keira Knightley· BAC
December 3rd, 2009 at 7:13 am
I believe that Bush expanded the war and Musharaf sold out our country.
December 3rd, 2009 at 8:17 am
@Malik Rashid: It is evident from Clinton’s response that America still supports democracy in Pakistan. She says: ” I know there are all kinds of challenges to the current government that is for the people of Pakistan- your political process to work out. But of course we want to see a strong, vibrant democracy. And, that is what we are going to continue to support.”
This is very clear.. no?
December 3rd, 2009 at 9:02 am
I am writing this for my brother who lives in Karachi. He was trying to go to this sight cause he did not see you on samaa. he cannot get through to your articles at all so he asked me to see if I can get through. I had no problem. Is your name or sight being blocked in pakistan.
December 3rd, 2009 at 9:34 am
Murad, The power of ISI/army over Pakistan could be gauged by the fact that Zardari, the elected, corrupt president is facing sanction on his travel without orders from a court of law. Americans have used democracy as a card to push Pakistan army and now the army is ready for all US demands. With this surge in US troops and the declaration of a fresh onslaught on al-Qaeda, Pakistan army comes out strong and ready to suppress the people of Pakistan and curb democracy. The army appears as saying they are the sovereign and civilian rule is subordinate to them. Peace.
December 3rd, 2009 at 10:36 am
@Malik Rashid: How does army comes out strong? They are maliging themselevs by killing other Pakistanis in NWFP. They have been killing Baluchs already. It is very much like East pakistan situation. Very soon people of Pakistan will stand united against army, Insha Allah.
December 3rd, 2009 at 10:39 am
@Bila: Billa Sahab you are more like kuta barking at the civilized world. you are like a street dog that barks at the shiny car. we should accept the fact that Islami fundamentalist are pakistan’s enemy and America and the west are our friends.
December 3rd, 2009 at 11:22 am
@Qadeer: i share your concern. I feel so bad about you guys having terrorist attacks everyday. if US plays their card right they can control situation but I am not sure if America actually want peace.
December 3rd, 2009 at 1:07 pm
@checker47: Beautiful…..I love that ….we must maintain our passionate love for Pakistan, just like that…..by the way I was just checking the replies & ur Shair forced me to reply……..well when I read the description of its advertisement on FaceBook which is “More attacks, more drones, more boots, & more MONEY for ISI & Pak Army” it just burnt my blood & I was abusing this man IBRAHIM SAJID MALICK.
He is spreading hatred in the nation against ISI & Pak-Army, exactly same aim like India, Israel & USA.
come on man I couldn’t see only ONE PERSON favoring ISI/Pak-Army, do we all believe they’re hungry for U.S. Dollars ???
I believe only the Pak-Army is left to be trusted, we can’t trust these politicians, who spend their days & nights in hotels/clubs with prostitutes & drink alcohol like water !!!
If we AWAAM, oppose our Army……we’ll have no one to protect us, no one to come to help us (but Allah), however….even Allah will not help us if we act like this, if we ourselves make arrangements for our destruction.
Allah never help those who don’t want to help themselves.
Please my beloved brothers…….recognize the enemies of Pakistan, & Pakistanis.
May Allah Bless & Help us All.
December 3rd, 2009 at 1:12 pm
I believe Pakistan should do following things to avoid wrath of US:
1. Maintain internal security which seems to be very loose and indiscplined. Almost every week there is some bomb blast takes place even in cantonment area, forget about security of its common people.
2. Stop harbouring Taliban terrorist, start more offensive attacks. Its better Pakiston carrying our drone attacks from its own soil rather than US doing the same without the knowledge of Pak Army. This will prevent a lot civilian casualties and will build confidence among its own people.
3. Be clear about who is running the country, is it President Zaridari or PM Gilani or Pak Army or ISI. I’m sorry to say I do not see any co-ordination among them. Each one of them are always tries to oversmart other.
4. Strict background checking and keeping track of movements of Pak Nuclear Scientist. After disclose of nuclear secrets that were sold to Iran, South Korea by AQ Khan its Nuclear assets are vulnerable to go into wrong hands. No matter how much security you put to protect your assets, nuclear pilferage has definitely put a dent which is beyond repairable and will always keep US under tizzy.
5. Stop infliteration of terrorist to India and stop running terrorist camps. Running of terrorist camps from its own soil has already brought bad name among all nations. This would be the main reason of US declaring war on Pakistan if it doesnt help itself.
Remember..
Who are the suicide bombers –> Pakistiani Jobless Youths.
Who trained them –> Terrorist groups run by ISI, Let, Jaish.
Who was bombed –> Pakistan.
Who is bleeding –> Pakistan..
Think over it..
December 3rd, 2009 at 1:28 pm
@ Mairaj
So what was the reason to go to Iraq then??
why supporting Iraq for years of war in Iran-Iraq Crisis and then doing Iran Contra
why not executing Saddam in Kuwait war??
why selling him Mustard gases and chemical weapons?
what is going on in Abu-Ghuraib, Bagram and Gitmo or several other secret prisons?
why the hell they went to Vietnam? National Security??
where were they when Bosnians were genocided.
where were they standing last year when Israel was Roasting Muslims in Gaza.
are they friends of muslims.
I neither support islamic fundamentalism – I think that this term does not exist.
Its just an interpretation of islam – whether you get it from a Shia Molvi or Sunni Molvi and then any from their hirarchical tall structured sects.
and these evil Molvis who then exploit other’s emotions – go to a typical paki – villiage and ask the people some fundamental questions – you’ll get shocked. and btw Ajmal Kasab, 22, was also from a villiage who is (An parh)
Its not their conviction or guilt that they were born muslims. but rather they couldn’t get proper education.
and they are still living in the same 100 years old fuedal and tribal system WHICH YOUR FRIENDS SUPPORT.
It was the leaders which we had to choose (again not those marshall law and chief executives of pakistan – elected by huge support of YOUR FRIENDS – who now supports another rubber-stamp democracy with huge role of friendly opposition (paid) to get their mouths shut) to spread education – and give them mental sense over the preciousness of human lives – it was responsibility of our leaders to give them with pens and computers rather than giving them full freedom to have Kalshinkovs (for 62 years FATA is just like another state of Pakistan with its own F******* Tribal Setups) why>>>???
BUT ALAS – who are our leaders picked up by:
THAT F*****G FRIEND OF YOURS NAMED AS UNITED STATES and The United Kingdom.
so instead of giving insulting dumb comments on your nation (which I doubt you are from here) you should analyze yourself – Are you the one who lives in Atlanta and have a habit to sleepwalk (sometimes people like you might also sleepwalk consciously) in the streets midnight – because I think those African American Friends of yours takes or gives your pleasures of traveling on those streets at nights.
December 3rd, 2009 at 1:40 pm
Some one would like to see sincerity of Pakistani Army should go and watch today’s news in which MILITARY PERSONELLS – Those Retired Generals have written of 98 Arab Ruppee loan another again in Crores and Arabs.
@Jimmy
somebody who is speaking on the behalf of United States should first take care of losing job because of this financial crisis – which comes from your wars on WMDs and Terror.
if Pakistan have to stop taliban – india has to stop A** Fingering from whom we have made our nukes for.
if the war is not about Al-Qaeda but Talibans – then forget about it – because every other Afghani cross the NWFP border is part of Talibanic Tribe whose aim is to get rid off FORIEGN FORCES.
and If US is so sincere after all – then they should wipe Karzai off – and make some Non-Curropt Person on the seat of presidency – even if he is from Self-Exploding Talibanic Tribe.
and something about Nuclear Proliferation – Pakistan have obtained Nukes because of Proliferation from China and India has got the nukes from Proliferation of Russia, Israel has been Proliferated by UK and South Africa.
So if Iran gets the Nukes proliferated from Pakistan – in order to protect its citizens from getting in Gitmo or Abu-Ghuriab – then Everyother Muslim is in favor of that.
so my brother – see the things from our eyes and then try to make a difference between your ONE WAY ROAD and our FORCING YOU BACK.
and for godsakes – stop this non-sense about OUR NUKES ARE UN-SAFE
India is doing all the planning in Fata – United States must notice that too! their Russian Revange!???
December 3rd, 2009 at 1:56 pm
@Salman: Army does not protect us- army has enslaved us. We are prisoners in our own country. These ISI and Army folks have done nothing for this nation. They kidnapped Afia Siddiqi and her three little kids and sold them to CIA. How much worst can they get?
May I remind u off 1965, 1971…. these protectors have no teeth.. They just bark.
Pakistani awam wants freedom from the rule of Army.
Army men are more corrupt than civilian politicians.
Zaradi and Nawaz Sharif are 100 times better than any army general…
December 3rd, 2009 at 2:02 pm
@Bila: You are not billa i am sure you are a kuttaa
BTW- I live at B-395/4, Near Abbasi General Store, Metrovil Site Area Karachi. So feel free to come over and I will keep a piece of bone for you.
you son of gun remember that army people hate us. sindhis, baluchs and now even pathans are the victim. This not Pakistan Army- this Punjab Army. Keep your chowkidars for yourself.
PUNJAB ARMY IS CORRUPT…
December 3rd, 2009 at 2:32 pm
from you get money from mr. sajjad? isnt it expensive to run advertisement on facebook ?
December 3rd, 2009 at 2:57 pm
@ Mairaj
Why would I come and talk to a Hindustani Mohajir whose leader is FAMOUS Altaf Hussain who is sitting in London and fools you people on the telephone and you people listen to his foolish like he is your Prophet?? knowing even what has he done in 80’s and 90’s and what has he done on 12th May and who says that the greatest blunder in history was the partition.
and why are you calling something to Punjabis??? isn’t this hate – I am not even any one you mentioned.
send your sister and loved one female to london on your quaid’s birthday!~!
December 3rd, 2009 at 6:09 pm
@Qadeer:
well you say you are fearing terrorists and then you are fearing the words of obama what the hell is this why you people say terrorists to mujahideen and the series of bmb blasts is not conducted by taliban its conducted by ISI pakistan agency and the private CIA agents we can never win this war now we are saying them terrorists and i know when they will be winning then we will call with some very good words the mujahideen and defenders of islam and much more but for i can only pray for the people who are not learning Quran and have no idea what to say
December 4th, 2009 at 3:55 am
As Obama spoke, demonstrators from many anti-war groups picketed at Highland Falls, N.Y., near West Point. Another protest took place in Los Angeles called by the International Action Center. By the next day people were out in the streets to confront the drive to a bigger war. Emergency response actions were reported in more than 100 cities. Some hundreds gathered by New York’s Times Square and heard one speaker call Dec. 2 “the first day of mobilization of resistance to the imperialist war against Afghanistan.”
The Times Square action, called by the International Action Center and the Troops Out Now Coalition, had gotten the endorsement of two dozen local and national anti-war, military veteran and community groups and organizations representing different parts of New York’s varied immigrant population. Groups representing Pakistani, Iranian, Philippine, Korean, Honduran, Haitian, Palestinian, organizations spoke. Along with expressing their sharp opposition to the U.S.-NATO occupation of Afghanistan—not to mention the new escalation—speakers raised opposition to U.S. military expansion in Latin America, to U.S. support for the coup regime in Honduras, its support for Israel against the Palestinians and to the U.S. hostility to Cuba, Iran and the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea.
Speakers also drew attention to the economic crisis and the need to take the funds destined for the Pentagon’s war machine and use them for a real jobs program. That issue will be central to a protest called by the Bail Out the People Movement Dec. 3 outside the White House while a “Jobs Summit” is going on inside.
The administration is expediting the deployment of U.S. forces, tripling the U.S. troop strength to nearly 100,000 since it took office in January 2009. It is also asking its NATO allies to send an additional 10,000 troops. Whether the NATO alliance would come through with the additional troops is itself questionable, as the populations of most of the NATO countries oppose the war on Afghanistan. On Nov. 28, demonstrations were held in Madrid and other cities in Spain protesting the war.
Most speakers at the Times Square protest also expressed disbelief of the president’s comment that U.S. troops would begin leaving Afghanistan by 2011.
The president’s task is to sell a big lie: that the U.S.-NATO occupation of Afghanistan is for the good of the Afghan and for the protection of the U.S. population from terrorism. Yet the occupation has brought death and destruction to Afghans and forced U.S. youths to sacrifice their lives as they kill both resistance fighters and civilians. As many speakers pointed out, the Pentagon is the main perpetrator of terror in the world today.
The war aims to expand U.S. imperialist influence and power in Central Asia. U.S. victory n Afghanistan means increasing the power of U.S. and West-Europe-based big banks and corporations, the same ones that have been laying off workers and cutting wages at home.
December 4th, 2009 at 7:37 am
@khan: I have no idea what you are saying… i am not very good with english.
December 4th, 2009 at 9:07 pm
Mr. Malick see this story in Wall Street today. You beat them by three days:-)
DECEMBER 5, 2009
U.S. Sees Weakening for Zardari
By JAY SOLOMON
WASHINGTON — The Obama administration is preparing for a significant weakening of Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari’s political position in the coming months, as pressure intensifies for him to shift executive powers to his country’s prime minister and military.
Pakistan’s power struggle comes as the Obama administration is seeking to significantly remake its relationship with Islamabad, tied to the U.S. decision to send 30,000 additional troops to help rout insurgents in neighboring Afghanistan.
Mr. Zardari announced last week that he was transferring formal control over Pakistan’s nuclear arsenal to Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani, and Pakistan’s president is being pressured to shed additional powers — such as the right to dismiss the parliament and make key military appointments.
U.S. officials acknowledge that significant opposition to his rule has limited Mr. Zardari’s effectiveness. He also been dogged by decades-old corruption charges. A 2007 amnesty agreement on those recently expired, potentially exposing him to a challenge to his rule by Pakistan’s Supreme Court.
The Obama administration, said senior U.S. and European officials, has worked to develop ties to other leaders including Mr. Gilani, the likely beneficiary of any changes. The Obama administration’s point man on Pakistan and Afghanistan, Ambassador Richard Holbrooke, has also been conducting regular discussions with opposition leader Nawaz Sharif and with Islamabad’s generals, to ensure constitutional process is observed as powers are shifted away from Mr. Zardari, said U.S. officials.
The State Department worried in March that Islamabad could be gripped by political paralysis when Mr. Sharif indicated he would challenge Mr. Zardari’s rule. But senior U.S. and European officials said there now is little alarm in Washington that a diminished role for Mr. Zardari — who generally supports U.S. policy — could substantially undercut efforts to stabilize the region.
American diplomats note that Mr. Zardari campaigned on amending Pakistan’s constitution to limit the powers of the president to rectify moves made by Pakistan’s former military strongman, Pervez Musharraf, who stepped down in 2007.
“We don’t depend on Zardari as the government, a la Musharraf,” said a senior U.S. official working on Pakistan. “One of the achievements we’ve made over the past year is that our relationship is broader, and government-to-government.”
Mr. Holbrooke has sought to improve relations with Mr. Sharif, a former prime minister largely shunned by the Bush administration due to his ties to Islamist political parties. Mr. Holbrooke has also kept open discussions with Mr. Gilani.
Many Pakistan analysts credit the engagement with helping build consensus in Pakistan for pursuing military operations against the Taliban. After years of largely refraining from fighting, Pakistan’s army has launched offensives in the Swat Valley and the South Waziristan region in recent months.
“The Obama administration played the political card about as well as they could,” said Christine Fair, a Pakistan expert at Georgetown University.
The White House approved in October a five-year, $7.5 billion aid package that aims to significantly increase U.S. support for economic development and civil society. Congress, however, has tied the assistance to certification that Pakistan has ceased support for militant Islamist groups and isn’t involved in nuclear proliferation.
U.S. National Security Adviser James Jones delivered to Mr. Zardari last month a letter from President Barack Obama calling for more effort by Pakistan to combat five militant groups, including the Taliban, al Qaeda, the Haqqani Network, and Lashkar-e-Taiba, according to officials. In exchange, Mr. Jones pledged greater U.S. intelligence-sharing, weapons sales, and efforts to enhance economic development and trade. The existence of the letter was earlier reported by the Washington Post.
December 4th, 2009 at 11:07 pm
Man are you psychic….how did you know this 3 days ago. you were right about all three things Drones in baluchistan, U.S. moving away from Zardari closer to military, and more influence given to Nawaz Sharif and Gilani. How did you know this. All the mainstream press is just starting to report this……amazing man….
December 5th, 2009 at 2:35 am
It is disgusting to read some of the comments posted here. Certainly the same message could have been conveyed in a little more civilised tone without the ethnic overtones.
December 5th, 2009 at 10:40 am
yes. we are not a dumb nation, we understand who are friends are and who are our enemies. But at the moment it is in our interest to clear our the terrorists from our country.
December 8th, 2009 at 4:02 am
Blacwater is already operating in Pakistan. Blackwater is also involved in drone attacks that have killed 100s of people inside Pakistan. Blackwater operatives have been working under a covert program run by the Joint Special Operations Command, the military’s top covert operations force. The previously undisclosed JSOC operations would mark the first known confirmation of U.S. military activity inside Pakistan.
A military intelligence source said Blackwater operatives are effectively running the drone bombings for both JSOC and the CIA. The CIA drone program is already public knowledge. But the military source says some of the deadliest drone attacks in attributed to the CIA were actually carried out by JSOC. The article also reveals Blackwater operatives have taken part in ground operations with Pakistani forces under a subcontract with a local security firm. The operations have included house raids and border interdictions in northwest Pakistan and other areas.
AND GUESS WHO ALLOWED IT? Pakistan Army – Pervez Musharaff signed this agreement. SHAME ON PAK ARMY!
December 9th, 2009 at 9:58 am
Well Obama today warned Pakistan that if they don’t go after terrorists than America will chase them down. He is planning to enter NWFP, Baluchistan and also South Punjab. This more than war….
December 17th, 2009 at 9:18 am
Yes, this is crap. The west is bulldozing the near east into a heap of ruins.
I am a US citizen. This makes me vomit.
Peace to all.
December 17th, 2009 at 9:19 am
10xcsn will get us all by 2014@Ranch Mustur:
December 23rd, 2009 at 6:55 am
Rightists have retreated strategically in the US an Pakistan.
Democracy was pared down in Pakistan already. Now ISI/CIA/MIb operate from safe haven, off-the-map zone of NWF Baluch Wazir (& Uzbekistan Tajikistan) corresponding to Air America in Laos during the Vietnam war, and pared down Pak “democracy” as the injected Ngo Dinh Diem(and perhaps Obama as a Diem and Paz Echeverra, see Naomi Klein Shock Doctrine).
Blackwater fever afflicted Vietnam veterans after the war. Blackwater thus means defeat that goes home with crusaders. Blackwater already went home to New Orleans post-hurricane, instead of Louisiana nat guard which was in Iraq.
“Blackwater” aka CIA is running the US war in Pakistan from KARACHI!!! For those of you who are not familiar with maps and such, Karachi is in a country called Pakistan. ISI and Pak army (don’t worry about the nukes!) are hiding behind the al-CIA-duh specter in Pak border provinces, supposedly, like Laos, off the map, uncontrollable, and adding to that, alienating Pashtuns in Afg-Pak to create a new Taliban and recruit and al-CIA-duh to hate American bullies. Then like SAS was caught with bombs outside a Shiite mosque in Iraq, out of uniform, impersonating Sunni bombers, then suspect any such terrorist bombings that set up Pashtun versus Afg central govt and versus Punjab-Sindi in Pak. Saudi influence in Pashtun areas is worth mentioning.
The hope of the rightists would be to return Republicans to power in US and military dictatorship in Pakistan. Radical neocon hope would be beyond that, to balkanization of Pakistan and Afghanistan and blocking of the Pak to China oil(refined gasoline too) and gas pipeline. That is likely to fail like privatization of Iraqi oil failed, but it’s in the game.
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