US senator says 'all options on table' on Pakistan
"We need to put Pakistan on notice," Senator Lindsey Graham, a Republican member of the Armed Services Committee said on "Fox News Sunday.”
US military leaders said last week the Pakistani army's powerful ISI spy agency supported the Haqqani militant group that Washington blames for an attack on its embassy and other targets in Kabul, Afghanistan. Pakistan denied the allegations.
Graham said Pakistan has to choose between helping the Haqqani network and helping the US fight al Qaeda in Afghanistan and border regions of Pakistan.
"The idea of Pakistan's intelligence agencies supporting terrorism as a national strategy needs to come to an end," Graham said
"It destabilizes Afghanistan. They're killing American soldiers. If they continue to embrace terrorism as part of their national strategy we're going to have to put all options on the table, including defending our troops."
Graham said Washington should reconsider assistance to Pakistan and noted last week's approval by a Senate committee of $1 billion to Pakistan for counterterrorism operations. The panel made that and any economic aid conditional on Islamabad cooperating with Washington against militant groups, including the Haqqanis.
The senator did not elaborate on what US military action he would advocate if the situation did not change.
"I am saying that the Pakistan is engaging in hostile acts against the US and our ally Afghanistan," he said.
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Karachi-Wala is right. The rest of you are in various stages of delusion having imbibed jihadist propaganda all your lives.
@Basharit Mullahs and terrorists are destroying Pakistan everyday, propped up by foolish Establishment policy of strategic depth. Pakistanis refusing to obey laws and evading taxes are other serious problems.
Most of the world has better things to do then get involved in a country with million problems like Pakistan.
@Aamir: Well we will have wait and see my dear brother. You have India Israel and most of the world hell bent on destroying my beloved country and they have survived so far so let's wait and see!
@Sonam Shyam: Sonam I beg to disagree that America attacked Vietnam on ideological basis only. It was all about control..it was all about making sure that Russia can not have any influence in that region. America had to create a monster to justify the war and that monster was named communism. I am not a big supporter of communism but it’s not as evil as it was portrayed in American media in 1970s. Read articles after the Vietnam War to understand how America or world perception was built/changed prior and during the war. Below is a line from an American ‘When I got to high school I started to notice articles in the local paper concerning the Vietnam War. The articles portrayed the U. S. (the good guys) fighting to stop communism (the bad guys) in Vietnam. I never once questioned the writer’s objectivity or whether or not the facts that were reported were accurate. My perception, values, and attitudes about the Vietnam War were being based on what I read in the local paper and saw on television.’ Haqqanis group is a monster but not as big as the American media is projecting them. Rather the American people should question their army for failing to deal with this group even after taking billions of dollars. American army is incompetent which has made Haqqanis seem brilliant. Also Taliban is a monster but it’s no less evil than the Americans who have killed millions in Iraq and Vietnam. If attacking Afghanistan can be justified using terrorism as the reason than I guess the whole world should attack America for creating and financing terrorism. From weapons used in Mexican drugs war to illegal weapon markets in Peshawar----all are filled with Made in America ammunition. Americans can never get the below line ‘You can bomb the world to pieces…but you can’t bomb it into peace’ unknown writer Regarding who helped who fail in Afghanistan, Pakistan was used by America to defeat USSR BUT Pakistan should not be blamed for America defeat in Afghanistan. First of all we were a reluctant ally..we wanted to stay neutral for our own good but were threatened. Second, America made a deal with a dictator and not a democratic president. America should not act naïve by expecting a dictator to be sincere to them when the dictator is not sincere to his homeland.
Yeah. Let's all close our eyes and hope angels come and help us out. Totally appropriate response.
All options are not yet open. This is just a scare tactic.
US cant take armed action now, but can do it after 2014. For now, Sanctions will do.
Assalam-o-Allaikum Warahmatullah.Now the time has come to defend Pakistan,its nation,its self-reliance and sovereignty at any cost.Trust Allah Almighty and never bow down your knees before USA because Allah Almighty has clearly defined in the doubtless Holy Quran that if Allah is with you mo one can harm you and if Allah left you alone no one can benefit you.And remember when Hadrat Muhammad (SAW) pray to Allah on the during the battle of Badr and Allah sent 70000 angels to to help the Sahaba-e-Karam (RA) whereas the muslims were 313 with less weapons and pagans were 1000 with lots of weapons but Allah helped the muslims and the pagans were defeated badly as has been happening with US' troops in Afghanistan and USA is trying to take its defeat's revenge in Afghanistan from Pakistan.May Allah Almighty be with Pakistan Armed Forces in this ordeal (Aameen).
I agree with Nadeem ahmed that our future is not with Taliban but our future is with islam
US can't handle the truth...
It's funny how the United States looks for each and every single way to make Pakistan look like a terrorist nation in front in the eyes of the entire world. And even more funny, is how they lie about so many things. First, they perform controlled demolitions and kill their own people and then claim 'Pakistan' was behind the attack. Then they say their ex-CIA agent and Saudi national is hiding in Pakistan and plant a fake operation where they 'raided his mansion' (lol) and threw his body to the hump back whales. Now they accuse Pakistan for situation in war-torn Afghanistan. Funny.. sad, but damn funny as well.
@MS - Mariya: I broadly agree with your assessment. But one thing needs to be understood is that American involvement in Vietnam was ideological in nature and they were supposedly fighting the Communists in which they lost more than 55,000 men. But the fight in Afghanistan is directly related to the terrorist threats to mainland America and therefore the Americans are terribly paranoid. The Americans were thrown out from Vietnam with the Soviet help; the Soviets were thrown out from Afghanistan with the American/Pakistani help and the Americans may be thrown out from Afghanistan with Pakistani help. Since Pakistan had promised to be an American ally and benifitted with billions of dollars of largesse, for it to support anti American forces is totally unjustified. American anger against Pakistan double game is absolutely right. I agree with you that the Pakistanis should themselves sever all ties with the Taliban.
@Dholan Waal: "Whether it is Libya, Syria, Iran. Somalia, Yemen, Eygypt, Palestine, Lebanon, Sudan or Iraq. All those together can not be wrong. "
China, Iran, Afghanistan, India and UK ar e not blaming all these countries of exporting terror. US was not involved in the Egypt revolution whatsoever within the countries you mentioned. Sudan had a civil war and US was helping to de-=-escalate tensions there@Subhash, India: Mate, at least get the quotation right. Hunt with the hounds, run with the hare.
US trying to cover up it's colossal failures. Don't expect Pakistan to create new enemies by fighting against groups that are not anti-Pakistan.
@Dholan Waal: Good reply to these slum dog indians.
American military establishment proved to be a failure abroad (not the first or last time), however American allegations are probably not completely baseless. In Pakistan's own interest, supporting Haqqanis or anyone else remotely a Taliban outfit is playing with fire. Media around the globe will propagate US view point, this should not be a surprise. Economic sanctions will hit Pakistan hard, though US economy's poor state will probably shut the military option.
@basharit Pakistan cannot handle its internal situation what makes you think Pakistan can fight USA ? Get real.
US and Pakistan pleeeeeease wait for two months at least. I'm planning to write some exam and trying to stay off internet. I'm afraid this drama will end with Pak army starting operation in waziristan and US continuing the aid, but in process you guys will spoil my time.
Pakistan's cane of worms is out in open
The world knows about American record..they are still the only country to have used the nuclear bomb, attacked Iraq, Vietnam, Korea, Afghanistan and now Pakistan.
The important thing is to be strong like Vetnamese and Cambodians. They didnt give up on their country and drove away Americans.
Pakistan is in the same situation as Cambodia was during Vietnam War. When the American mighty army realized that they have lost the war, they (bully) needed to blame someone and that was unfortunately Cambodia. America blamed Cambodia for supporting the rebels and sending in arms and ammunition just like its blaming Pakistan for all the failures in Afghanistan.
America later attacked Cambodia in 1970 which only lead to further escalation of Vietnam War and more humiliation for America. Below is Nixon speech "This is not an invasion of Cambodia,’ The areas in which these attacks will be launched are completely occupied and controlled by North Vietnamese forces. Our purpose is not to occupy the areas. Once enemy forces are driven out of these sanctuaries and their military supplies destroyed, we will withdraw."
I have no doubt that America will now attack Pakistan before it leaves Afghanistan. It will give similar speech saying that it’s not invading, just fighting enemy forces inside Pakistan border. Unfortunately the attack on Pakistan will strengthen Al-qaida and Taliban around the world. Sad the Americans don’t realize that attacking Pakistan will not change the fact that they have lost miserably in Afghanistan just like they lost in Vietnam and Iraq..
Having said above, Pakistanis need to stand up against the Taliban. Taliban have wreaked our economy by suicide bombing and kidnappings. Afghanistan is not our war but Talibans are our biggest enemy.
Just like Vietnam and Cambodia survived...so will we after America attack us. God bless Pakistan and all Pakistanis like Chaudry Aslam who are fighting for this country.
America has never learned any lesson
time for US to act rather than give empty threats.boots on the ground should be out of question,a few B-2's,F-22's and tomahawks should do the job.
even if the allegations are true so what every country does what is in there intrest. The is not afganistan or Iraq. Go to war with pakistan and one thing is for sure America will never EVER have a goodnights sleep. You call yourself a superpower what a joke if China want to they could bankrupt america. Long Live Pakistan and PAK Forge.
Vienna,25-09-2011 Open options are being unfolded, if you do not notice until options are carried out as in the case of Osama Bin Laden. No one can help you. Taravadu Taranga Trust for Media Monitoring TTTMM India --Kulamarva Balakrishna
US politicians are very good at dumbing-down their 'gullible' public. But they need to understand, whole world is not 'American public'.
@sylvester stallone: Hahahaha.. Sylvester Stallone? OMG!! What a Funny Name Behind a Hindu RSS Terrorist is hiding. Wish, Hindu was at least brave enough to declare his true ID instead of Hiding Behind Fantasy Western names. @Subhash, India: That's why Hindu Terrorists like your advised to stay at home.
@Karachi-Wala: I personally think that You are not Karachi wala but another Hindu RSS Terrorist behind karachi Wala. However, Answer to that Question is Nothing is wrong with rest of the world, Whether it is Libya, Syria, Iran. Somalia, Yemen, Eygypt, Palestine, Lebanon, Sudan or Iraq. All those together can not be wrong. But You will find someone who is commonly involved with all these nation and Killing their citizen. So, that one group who creates such Hypes is wrong , not you. Majority is right most of the times.. So be Happy...
If USA wants war, we are ready
We should not forget History. US raised baseless allegations of possessing WMDs against Iraq to initiate war there. Now they are doing same with Pakistan. They just pick some baseless stories for their wrong intentions. This is fact that US Adventure in Afghanistan has been a total failure and now they have started this blame game just in order to hide their failures. It is high time for Pakistan Nation to stay united.
So killing US soldiers is now terrorism? LOL!
Wow..a super power depending on Pakistan for its security in Afghanistan?. this is just a double game played by the US and the taliban. if everyone is pointing at us doesnt mean that we are wrong?..people have been pointing at us since ages..India for instance blamed us for the recent bomb attacks and it turned out indian mujahideen were behind it?...lol...anyways we just have to eb strong believe in Allah more than being scared of the US..just keep your imaan strong and inshaAllah we will be out of this situation just like that. inshaAllah... but i must say if this war starts this might be the beginning of the WW3 and may involve other countries!. so they should think before they take any step. \
its rubbish why pakistan whose 50000 children,army innocents died
they cant save themselves
how can they save superpower america troops
by saying pakistan to save american troops its ridiculous.
america not given any missile shield whats they give only abuse for sacrifice.-statement on face of america.
I think something is wrong with us....if every one in the world is pointing fingers at us that really means we are doing some thing wrong..
Have they ever considered that Pakistan might want to also ensure the safety and security of it's troops who are being sacrificed by the thousands. All countries have their national interests and arm twisting has never worked in convincing Pakistan. So my advice to the US law makers would be to be a little more realistic - 140000 US troops in Afghanistan so how come you are not able to control cross border movement from the PK side. Clearly US commanders share some of the blame because otherwise I will have to just call it pure incompetency on part of the US army. You decide.
Those 'Americans' can say this bcz they spend a huge amount of their money as aid to Pakistan...but it doesn't mean that they can cross the line rather our sovereignty.
sanity should prevail while dealing with pak-us relations. A father was proudly mentioning the bravery of his shepherd boy's fight with the lion to his fellow villagers.When he kept on repeating the acts of bravery of his son during the fight, he was asked what was the result of his son's fight. Whatever had to happen did happen, he said and added the lion devoured him at last. Moral: When you face a much stronger enemy in fight, your only concern should be not win but how best you can survive this fight.
Where is parliament and elected representatives? Why un-elected officials in uniform are deciding our fate? Why these un-elected don't understand that our future is not with Taliban.
Good way to hide embaracement. Keep going....
Pakistan should think why it is considered synonymous with terrorism. There is something inherently flawed with our entire defense strategy, which has proven outdated and stagnant time and over again. A complete overhaul is needed, if Pakistan does not want to become another Somalia or Afghanistan. Acting like "Sultan Rahi" is not going to take the Pak Army anywhere, and their fate will become the same. It is time to salvage whatever they have, and prevent a complete anarchy. The answer they have to think over is that "why Haqqanis are more important than the lives of Pakistanis", other than they are accomplice in this crime too.
Instead of wasting their energies on burning flags, and beating their opponents, why don't they put their energies into something constructive? 180million strong, but the sum total is zero!
There is nothing like Al Qaeda in Afghanistan it was all cover story to occupy Afghanistan. Now more real stories about drama s of Americans will be leaked out by various countries of the region.
It's time ... Cut aid of all sort
Nice suggestion. After 10 years of losing they're gonna start "protecting" their armymen. How about ensuring that the US establishment doesn't pay the insurgents money to bribe-off attacks. Billions were paid as protection to the "taliban".
Nice Photo. The Photo Journalist has a nice eye for beards; especially colorful ones. & The picture itself portrays Anti-American Sentiment widely prevalent in Pakistan.
We have only experience of American hostile act under the grab of ally and friendship,now let see and wait his real face out of strong enclaves rolling down rugged mountains of frontiers.
The US only seems to think selfishly what about the drones that kill so many innocent people on Pakistans border the US just calls them terrorists and what gives them any right to bomb villages in Pakistan if the Pakistani government was not complacent this would never be happening,
Wow what an Statement, (Applause!!!)
Great..Now Afghanistan has become ally and Pakistan has become enemy.. Brilliant..
I think after ten years if there any option left is only leave us alone.. forever forgood for god sake.
......and so it begins. This looks all familiar. US wanted the then Taliban government to cut ties with OBL and hand him over to US. Taliban asked for proof and maintained he was a "guest" bla bla bla. US attacked. Now US wants Pakistan to cut ties with the Haq brothers and we are asking for respect and what not.....next move? time will tell.... Evil begets evil. You dont raise a serpent as a pet and expect not to be bitten.
Moment of truth. US will have to take decision now. I think they should not get into a high attrition proxy war. That will cost them a lot in terms of money and reputation. Other options must be employed to deescalate and yet not loose face. This is definitely not the right time to get into a war ( proxy or direct ) with Pakistan simply because Pakistan will control your supply line. Asymmetric options will always remain open and US may employ them at an opportune time.
Baseless and absurd accusations against Pakistan
Plain & simple. You cannot run with the hound & hunt the hare.