Pakistan

Afghan war winnable without Pakistan help on border: US

Top US general says war effort to not be derailed even if Pakistan never takes action in North Waziristan.

Afp February 01, 2011

WASHINGTON: Nato-led forces can still win the war in Afghanistan even if Pakistan fails to move against militant havens on the border, a top US general said on Tuesday.

"That's not a mission stopper in my mind," General David Rodriguez, deputy US commander in Afghanistan, told a Pentagon news conference.

US officials have long pressed Islamabad to crack down on the Haqqani network and other militants based in North Waziristan, saying the insurgents exploit the area as a sanctuary to stage attacks on coalition forces in neighboring Afghanistan.

But Rodriguez said the war effort would not be derailed even if Pakistan never fulfils promises to take action in North Waziristan, saying Islamabad has launched effective operations elsewhere along the northwest border.

"We need them to do more. We're going to encourage them to do more because that makes it easier on what we're doing. But I think it's still doable, without them decreasing what they've been doing, which is significant," he said.

His comments contrasted with more pessimistic assessments from US intelligence agencies and some lawmakers, who have warned that Pakistan's reluctance to combat the Haqqani network in North Waziristan could undermine the war effort.

Pakistan has maintained ties to some militant groups as a hedge against historic rival India and to ensure Islamabad's influence in Afghanistan, diplomats say.

Rodriguez said he expected violence in Afghanistan to increase as usual in the spring as the insurgency launches its annual "seasonal" offensive.

But he predicted the Taliban would change its approach, targeting Afghan officials for assassination while moving away from confrontations with the heavily-armed coalition force.

With President Barack Obama planning to start a withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan in July, Rodriguez said it was too early to say how many forces might be pulled out.

Rodriguez leads the International Security Assistance Force Joint Command, serving under the overall commander in Afghanistan, US General David Petraeus.

COMMENTS (17)

trojan | 13 years ago | Reply @umer hishaam: this isnt a world wrestling match.

umer hishaam | 13 years ago | Reply May i remind you that it is people like you who fear the bombs; and not the Taliban. And YES one of your A/H bomb may wipe them out. but will you bomb the cities and US states too if the militants infiltrate the US ? know that they can and they will if the Afghanistan was made a waste land. In fact they could do it now too and you will have suicide attacks at every bus stop like in Pakistan but the Taliban too respect the lives of general public and took the war out there in the remote mountains. Otherwise it’s easier to blow civilians up in public places. The governments can try to crack them down but know the fact that killing one jihadi helps to create 10 more in his place, and though the governments can try and catch and execute one after the other but the question is for how long are you prepared to keep this up? Because the jihadis can keep it up for an eternity and then your lives would be hell, like those of Pakistanis. If you look it up you will know that a man on jihad is prepared to die for his cause before he sets on jihad. He fears not the pain of the bullets nor the fear of an A bomb or the H bomb. You can't scare a jihadi with death for he truly lives after his death.(you may not understand this being a denier of truth but i assure you that very soon it will come to you). Now you’re telling me to 'look up' as if you're holding a nuke in your right hand Antony. yes i do cherish the true Talibans who fight for Islam and who fight to protect their homes and i see no proof between the Taliban and 911, for all we know it could have been done by the US government to seize an opportunity to get more land and oil and other resources from weaker countries And in doing so, it helps to first label those countries as terrorist's regimes to seek support from the rest of the world. Also know that most international attacks/ blasts and other incidents are arranged with the help of secret organizations within USA government to hush the public who oppose to the war considering it as costly and unnecessary war on terror. Usually one sub group in an organization goes under disguise of jihadis to recruit a group of revenge thirsty men from war inflicted waziristan or Palestine, fund them and give them an opportunity to attack a market or a bus or an airport in a foreign country and the other group of the same organization cracks them down just moments before the terrorists 'strike'. Then they blame it on AL Qaeda and the Taliban and then fools like you sitting in homes watching six o clock news start cursing the Talibans and the Muslims without thinking. Time will unfold the future events but Islam will rule the entire world and as for you, your effort will come to nothing and you will be among the loosers if you die without acknowledging the truth. i have no quarrel with you except that its about the principles and not about one man's desires or about any particular nation's desires but about something much much bigger and important. I don’t say killing of innocent people is right nor does the Islam. But if countries like Israel decide to sweep out millions of Muslims from their homeland and America supports such nation then it makes America a target for jihadis. Although America boasts of its foundation laying on the principles of freedom and justice and what not, nevertheless it has failed to even criticize the state of Israel in its unjust and unlawful expansion. May be if your government decides to pay just attention in middle east and stop unfair expansion of Israel this war on terror might come to a stand still and everything will be alright for everyone in the world.

VIEW MORE COMMENTS

umer hishaam | 13 years ago | Reply May i remind you that it is people like you who fear the bombs; and not the Taliban. And YES one of your A/H bomb may wipe them out. but will you bomb the cities and US states too if the militants infiltrate the US ? know that they can and they will if the Afghanistan was made a waste land. In fact they could do it now too and you will have suicide attacks at every bus stop like in Pakistan but the Taliban too respect the lives of general public and took the war out there in the remote mountains. Otherwise it’s easier to blow civilians up in public places. The governments can try to crack them down but know the fact that killing one jihadi helps to create 10 more in his place, and though the governments can try and catch and execute one after the other but the question is for how long are you prepared to keep this up? Because the jihadis can keep it up for an eternity and then your lives would be hell, like those of Pakistanis. If you look it up you will know that a man on jihad is prepared to die for his cause before he sets on jihad. He fears not the pain of the bullets nor the fear of an A bomb or the H bomb. You can't scare a jihadi with death for he truly lives after his death.(you may not understand this being a denier of truth but i assure you that very soon it will come to you). Now you’re telling me to 'look up' as if you're holding a nuke in your right hand Antony. yes i do cherish the true Talibans who fight for Islam and who fight to protect their homes and i see no proof between the Taliban and 911, for all we know it could have been done by the US government to seize an opportunity to get more land and oil and other resources from weaker countries And in doing so, it helps to first label those countries as terrorist's regimes to seek support from the rest of the world. Also know that most international attacks/ blasts and other incidents are arranged with the help of secret organizations within USA government to hush the public who oppose to the war considering it as costly and unnecessary war on terror. Usually one sub group in an organization goes under disguise of jihadis to recruit a group of revenge thirsty men from war inflicted waziristan or Palestine, fund them and give them an opportunity to attack a market or a bus or an airport in a foreign country and the other group of the same organization cracks them down just moments before the terrorists 'strike'. Then they blame it on AL Qaeda and the Taliban and then fools like you sitting in homes watching six o clock news start cursing the Talibans and the Muslims without thinking. Time will unfold the future events but Islam will rule the entire world and as for you, your effort will come to nothing and you will be among the loosers if you die without acknowledging the truth. i have no quarrel with you except that its about the principles and not about one man's desires or about any particular nation's desires but about something much much bigger and important. I don’t say killing of innocent people is right nor does the Islam. But if countries like Israel decide to sweep out millions of Muslims from their homeland and America supports such a nation then it makes America a target for jihadis. Although America boasts of its foundation laying on the principles of freedom and justice and what not, nevertheless it has failed to even criticize the state of Israel in its unjust and unlawful expansion. May be if your government decides to pay just attention in middle east and stop unfair expansion of Israel this war on terror might come to a stand still and everything will be alright for everyone in the world.

antony | 13 years ago | Reply A simple bomb by America or russia on Pak Afghan border will wipe out all Taliban and for next 100 years even rats will not be seen in that area.... America and Russia care for Pakistan and dont do it ... If you treasure these Talibans like the greatest warriors on the planet soon Nuclear bomb is on its way ..Look up!!!

maitre | 13 years ago | Reply The war is WINNABLE with or without Pakistan. Mr. Rodriguez, go ahead with you plans and stick to your words. But mind you: do not ever cross border with your heavily armed men into Pakistan's territory. Thank God you have realised after decade's experiences. It's Musharraf Pervaiz who bowed down to the Americans' pressure, otherwise you and your generals wouldn't be around. Atleast the pakistanis are blameless now. Its amazing how you forgot Pakistan's army's services in 'War against the Soviet Union's invasion in Afghanistan when Osama bin laden was your chief heros and now he is your arch rival. Do whatever you can, Pakistan will never surrender indeed contribute to balkanisation of its territory further, that's the American's plan to chase Al-Qaeda on this pretext:DO MORE. Your scapegoat pollicies sound wishful but fail to pressurize Pakistan government that knows its repercussions. Last but not least, they say in French 'celui qui veut tuer son chien l'accuse de la rage' (translation: one who wants to kill his dog labels it for rabbies). We are spared from any further damage in our heartland and we know how hypocrats are the western who do not even share metereological information with their front line ally on the war on Terror?

umer hishaam | 13 years ago | Reply the USA could not fight with the help of dozens of western countries that come under NATO. it cannot win with Pakistan's help either simply because they fail to acknowledge that they are trying to crush the 'uncrushable'. Its amazing how an army of foot soldiers and farmers fought and resisted the 2 major superpowers one after the other. without doubt the TALIBAN are the greatest warriors to ever walk this earth. 'the one and only unbeatable force'

SK | 13 years ago | Reply One crook so called Raymond David is arrested and US starts ramping up pressure and increases arms twisting techniques to get him free. I hope for once Pakistani govt listens to its masses and does justice with Raymoond. Secondly, if US truly thinks it can win without Pakistan, please go ahead by all means, we will like to see how afghan warlords enjoy you for lunches and dinners.

Usman Altaf | 13 years ago | Reply Simply a JOKE !

Fayyaz Mahmood | 13 years ago | Reply After 10 years of war ... if this is the outcome, then why not before than this. Officials of US Army and NATO, only develop stories to this issue, fake stories. why not they prove it with results ... (these are the carbon copy of Adolph Hitler, might be more than that). 10 years!!! 10 years of bloody war. killing ordinary innocent people. will they count how many terrorists they have killed, till now, out of the TOTAL death toll.

R S | 13 years ago | Reply US might not win the war, but you think that will be a victory for Pakistan!!?? Good Luck..!

Umair Ahmad | 13 years ago | Reply Yeah that's why Gen David Petreaus was in GHQ talking to Gen Kayani!!! I will tell you guys one thing every Army/Country needs to understand, you can fight armies and governments but you can not fight people. You can pick up any history book empires have fallen to people. I am a liberal myself but remember harder you try to push people against their will, further they will get away.

Ali | 13 years ago | Reply They cannot win this war... peace will only come once they leave... our army is overstretched they cannot do more as the americans want... whatever happens we have to deal with the fallout of it... we need to make peace with India and work together to make Afghanistan a better country once the americans leave as all three countries India, Pakistan and Afghanistan are linked, and the only way things will get better is we start trading with each other.. once there is no foreign troops present in Afghanistan the Taliban loose their reason to be and must then think of governance and providing the peopl essential services and for this all three counties must work together... if we make peace with India we dont have to fear a pro India govt in Afghanistan and can actually work together to rebuild lives and the country!

Sajjad Khan | 13 years ago | Reply Pakistan has maintained ties to some militant groups as a hedge against historic rival India this exactly the reason using this tiue analogy that Pakistan is hesitiating its advancement to getting rid of terrorist elements from its soil. The reason that the peaceful demonstarions in Egypt & Tunisa are slowly and peacfully bringing change is because of the lack of courage in our Pakistani society. We have let the living conditions get so bad that it had become a way of life. We rather spend our time spewing how bad the conditions in Pakistan and yet we spend endless time blaming the rest of the world. Pakistani people do not have the moral courage to demand change and a better way of life, the young men and women do not get involved in the political process as they think it is corrupt. Change comes from within not the constant crying and playing the conspiracy game. We lack personal pride. Just look at our streets and and neighbourhoods. Look at the corruption at all levels where is the outrage? Look at the violence we have allowed to permeate our streets putting our familes in constant fear, Look at the crime rate spiral up is this the fault of America or India ? We need to do some serious soul searching then write one liners and comments maybe it make us feel great for now but we are leaving a very sad legacy for our children.

Mir Agha | 13 years ago | Reply Essentially the 'coalition of the willing' should not blame others for their utter failures in Afghanistan.

Clean Pakistan | 13 years ago | Reply The war is already lost.. they are just kidding themselves!

Faris | 13 years ago | Reply Why Rodriguez did not win this war in the last 10 years then if he could win the Afghan war with or without Pakistan? The Number "10" Years long war speaks out itself. If the war would have been winnable, he would have won 10 years ago. Bottomline: This war is NOT WINNABLE with or without Pakistan no matter what he says . History proves that too. This Policy was wrong from the day one. US people and Civilian leadeship must not listen to Generals and take some hard decisions themselves to improve economy by saving on this useless war in Afghanistan.

Concerned, Omega | 13 years ago | Reply Yeah now thats the spirit! Play the old I don't need you game, while secretly wanting you badly. America totally nailed this, bet Pakistan would fall for this gesture right now. North Waziristan wars on your way.

Replying to X