The comments by Senator Lindsey Graham, an influential Republican voice on foreign policy and military affairs, follow remarks by the top US military officer, Admiral Mike Mullen, accusing Pakistan last week of supporting the militant Haqqani network's September 13 attack on the US Embassy in Kabul.
(Read more: I have been Pakistan's best friend, says Mullen)
With growing calls for a tougher stance on militants accused of such high-profile attacks, US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said on Wednesday that Washington was closer to deciding whether to label the Haqqanis a terrorist group.
The United States has long pressed Pakistan to pursue the Haqqani network, one of the most lethal Taliban-allied Afghan groups fighting Western forces in Afghanistan.
The Pakistan-based Haqqani network has been in the spotlight since US officials accused it of mounting this month's attack on the US Embassy in Kabul with the support of Pakistan's powerful military spy agency.
Graham said in an interview on Tuesday that US lawmakers might support military options beyond drone strikes that have been going on for years inside Pakistani territory.
Those options may include using US bomber planes within Pakistan. The South Carolina Republican said he did not advocate sending US ground troops into Pakistan.
"I would say when it comes to defending American troops, you don't want to limit yourself," Graham said. "This is not a boots-on-the-ground engagement -- I'm not talking about that, but we have a lot of assets beyond drones.
"A perfect world ... would be Afghan, Pakistan and (US and NATO) coalition forces working jointly on both sides of border to deny safe havens, inside of Afghanistan and on the other side," in Pakistan's western tribal regions from which the Haqqani network and other militants are believed to operate, Graham said.
Graham said US lawmakers will think about stepping up the military pressure. "If people believe it's gotten to the point that that is the only way really to protect our interests, I think there would be a lot of support," he said.
Safe haven?
The Haqqani network is allied with Afghanistan's Taliban and is believed to have close links to al Qaeda. It fights US and NATO forces in eastern Afghanistan, operating out of bases in Pakistan's North Waziristan.
"We are in the final, formal review that has to be undertaken to make a government-wide decision to designate the network as a foreign terrorist organization," Clinton said in an appearance with Egypt's visiting foreign minister.
Clinton said Washington already had placed a number of leaders of the Haqqani network on its terrorism blacklist. "We're going to continue to struggle against terrorism and in particular against those who have taken up safe havens inside Pakistan, and we're going to continue to work with our Pakistani counterparts to try and root them out," she said.
A move to name the Haqqanis as a terrorist group would bar US citizens from providing support to the group and freeze any assets it might have in the United States -- a symbolic step that might relieve some of the mounting US political pressure to take a harder line with Pakistan.
Pakistan denies it supports the Haqqanis and says its army is too busy battling its own Taliban insurgency to go after the network, which is estimated to have 10,000 to 15,000 fighters. Some analysts have speculated that the State Department has not yet taken that formal step in hopes the Haqqanis could be reconciled as part of Afghan peace talks between the government and insurgents.
Any such talks now seem unlikely at best. US drone aircraft in recent years have targeted mostly al Qaeda figures rather than Haqqani militants. Increased US military action on Pakistani soil, including the idea of US soldiers crossing the porous border from Afghanistan, would be deeply unpopular in Pakistan. Pakistan viewed the US military raid in May that killed al Qaeda chief Osama bin Laden as a grievous breach of its sovereignty.
The tense ties between Pakistan and the United States worsened last week after Mullen, the chairman of the U.S. military's Joint Chiefs of Staff, described the Haqqani network as a "veritable arm" of Pakistan's ISI spy agency.
Graham, known as a hawk, said on Sunday that the United States must consider all options "including defending our troops" in confronting Pakistani support for militant networks active in Afghanistan.
Such remarks from the US Congress, where patience has worn thin with Pakistan, have intensified speculation that the United States might resort to another cross-border raid such as the one that killed bin Laden, intensify drone attacks in Pakistan's lawless tribal regions or send in bomber planes to attack militant hide-outs.
Lawmakers are proposing to restrict US aid with stricter conditions under which Pakistan, which possesses nuclear arms but is desperately poor, can access US military and economic assistance. The unusually public criticism from Washington has provoked anger among Pakistani leaders who warn that the United States may lose a key ally in an unstable region.
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In my honest opinion, if the U.S. wanted to they could wipe Afghanistan and Pakistan from the face of the earth. We have lost almost 7,000 troops with two wars at the same time. In Vietnam alone there was 50,000 deaths. The problem is the U.S. doesn't want a total war. All we want is stability so we don't have to worry about airplanes being hijacked and flown into buildings. We want to withdraw. 20% of the U.S. budget goes to defense. Without the wars we would be able to fund our healthcare AND not have to raise taxes. But, it was our decision to attack these countries because of their terrorist and radical ties and now we don't want to leave the country worse then when we got there. STOP THE VIOLENCE AND WE WILL LEAVE!!! Also, why are we considering military action in Pakistan? Osama living in Pakistan? Pakistan spies working for Taliban? When Americans hear this news it makes us almost ready to say go get em. But truly I doubt we will because inmho, maybe we need to be the ones to put the good cheek forward. You don't want us there, we don't wanna be there, and we have our own problems. But if we pull out, all I ask is that you don't make us invade again. I have heard that in Afghanistan the worst thing you can do is embarrass someone by making them feel out of control. It is very hard to do that when you are the invading power. Therefore, we will never be able to change the culture by occupation. Instead, we should give them the satisfaction of making us withdraw, but still offer aide to make the country more stable. I think what we have done in terms of establishing a representative Government there and showing the people some of the western ways of doing things are beneficial however.
There are suggestions that India should support Pakistan in case the Americans intervene into our soils. The clever PUNDIT is already creating trouble for us. They are supporting the insurgency in Baluchistan, have threatened Pakistan with military action for the Mumbai incident, have kept the Kashmir issue under the carpet and is carrying out spying activities from their various so called diplomatic "consulates" opened along the Pak-Afghan border.
We can fight our own battles- India is alligned with US to harm Pakistan. Thank you INDIA. Mind your own business and stop trying to be a "big brother" in our region.
After reading some of the comments. There are such big empty words from members of the Pakistani public about defeating the US in a war. What purpose this serves, I dont know. This is suggest massaging ones own ego and easily allows people to forget Pakistans weaknesses and numerous strategic and economic blunders. Pakistan needs to reallize that it is dependent on the US one way or another. If it supports terrorists and uses them as leverage currently for short term gain it will eventually lead to the destruction of Pakistan in the future. The US and the global economy is in a recession currently however the US economy despite all its problems is bigger than all of Europe combined. There is a reason that it can afford 12 Trillion dollars of debt.
People do not reallize that the world economy has changed significantly in the last 50 years. Countries are highly dependent on each other even if they have stark ideological differences thus war is not an option. Pakistan has not reallized this and seems to want to negotiate with other countries sitting with a begging bowl and gun pointed on its own head and wants the relationship to be based on equality. It does not bring anything positive to the table. The only thing Pakistan brings to the table is whether it should be fighting extremists or not and whether it should allow supplies to travel through its territory. Fighting extremism is in the interest of Pakistan but not many in Pakistan seem to see it that way. They are too blinded with their hate for the US and India (both have their own agenda but thats how the world works) and is too interested in being portrayed as a protector of Islam. Supposedly this radicalization is going to solve all of Pakistans problems.
An overdose of religion and religious scholars (mullahs) preaching about global politics without any knowledge has led to a breakdown in the moral fibre of sociey. Killing is justified when conveniant and history is manipulated to alter the perceptions of society. Pakistanis are fed with lies and many continue to live in denial. Alot of introspection is needed. Let other countries do what they want but Pakistan has to build its own future.
@Jerry: "Americans paying heavily for its mistakes in the past. Now Indians should support Pakistanis." Haven't you been following Digvijay Singh's posts, here, there and everywhere? What else can he do to reassure Pakistan of India's support. Digvijay speaks for the whole billion plus!
@ramanan - also also as they say, certain anti Paki Indian Hindus were brewing a 'Witches Pot' and they can brew no more . . . . . who you gonna call now . . . . .
oh plz attack united terrorist state ....... usa , we will unite ,,,, the rich will run and the sins of supporting americans dogs will be over. we will fight and beat u like afghans have... and dont forget we will use nukes too..... i welcome u ....
It would be foolish for US to spoil relations with Pakistan.US is already overstreched and is involved in so many conflicts around the world.They have serious problems at home and American people are wary of these non ending conflicts which eat up their collosal resources.All this money could have been injected in US economy which would have created thousands of jobs and spurred growth at home.
@khalis: lol if america sends all its army to pakistan who will guard the 1000 american bases over the world ? and middle east and USA Pakistan may not be able to defeat america but it can easily kill at least 30% of the US army , force the americans to introduce a draft that is cost the americans are not willing to pay
@Capt Umer
I am shocked that even you believe in that ridiculous myth that soldiers carried out suicide missions in 1965. Do you know that tanks have a gun mounted on it that wont allow enemy soldiers to simply walk towards it with a suicide vest. And if a soldier can simply walk towards a tank, then he can simply attach a bomb with the tank and walk away.
@teaser: "Why in the whole universe only America is in state of war." America is in a state of war because some idiot (later to become fish-feed) decided to avenge perceived humiliation to Islam by attacking the pride of their nation. And, he and his cohorts had to be taught a lesson of their lifetime. The lesson is in progress! "Why only Americans have problems with Muslim countries???" Every country in the world has problems with Islam and Muslim countries only, not America alone. So, your question can be turned around :"why is only Islam and its followers in conflict with the rest of humanity of all creeds and nationalities and ethnicities?" The answer to that is simple: Muslims think that Islam, which they revere, is not getting any respect from those others. They may be right but you cannot demand respect; it has to be earned.
Why Americans cant protect themselves from terroist by staying in there own counntry, like others countries of the world are doing WHY WHY WHY??" A wise military campaign is one where battle is taken into adversary's territory and fought there. Those other countries are stupid to be waiting for a barbaric terrorist to come to them. Do you understand now?
@Capt Umar: Hey I am impressed!, but then what happened in 1971 , and 1965 and 1999 ?
Khuda Hafiz
Kallu Mama
I don't think so.......
If US created Haqqani, then they got every right to eliminate it. Pakistan is nothing before US military with its deadly weapons in a conventional war. It is the same difficulty for any country to deal with guerrilla fighters and even China, India are facing the same problem. Let Pakistan deal with Karachi killers first. .
@Capt Umar: No wonder PAK is in such a mess. Your comment says it all.
@Ghaznavi: "They say about Afghanistan, that its graveyard of the empires! Pakistan will make Afghanistan look like walk in the park for US and NATO".
On the one hand, the army says it does not have the resources to take on Haqqanis bcause they have 15000 fighers. Yet it willbe able to take on NATO? We already saw how effective the Pak were against the US Navy seal operation in May.
Also do yuo think NATO is going to send infantry? No way. But they can do the following: 1) Increase drones 2) Send some bombers 3) Stop direct aid. Influence IMF, WOrld Bank, ADB loans. On merit the IMF would have denied the loan in 2008 itself but gave it on US pressure. US will no longer provide such support. 4) Stop importing goods from Pakistan. 5) Deport the family members of top Pakistani buraucrats, army personnel and politicians living in US and Europe. 6) Put restrictions on repatriations to Pakistan from NATO countries.
@Ghaznavi: It is interesting that Bhagat Singh is often brought up as a counter example for terrorism. Historical point of note. Bhagat Singh shot one policeman who he thought was responsible for murdering Lala Lajpat Rai by targetting him during a lathi strike. When he and BK Dutt exploded the assembly bomb, they made sure to have zero shrapnel so that there would be no injury or life loss. You can justify and protect the Haqqanis all you want, but please acknowledge the fundamental difference between some one who sends others to do their killing, and targets innocent women and children, and some one who thinks about these things and avoids them.
Militancy in Pakistan was born out of unholy wedlock of USA and Pakistan with the role of Saudis as mid-wife. Father USA is trying to disown the spoiled child and the mother Pakistan is doing best to protect this grown up adult. We all know how a pampered child becomes a troublesome adult. This is what is exactly happening now. Pakistan has to deal with this, else it will finish Pakistan. As far as India is concerned, we will surely handle this spoiled child , though with some of and on problems. May Mother Pakistan takes a lesson from our famous movie Mother India and kill the spoiled child once for all, else somebody else will have to do it.
I would prefer dying in fight with America then to live a shameful life........Pakistanis be brave and only look to God for help no east no west
@ Ghaznavi - you need to be careful as you are sliding down a slippery slope of morality. I don't think anyone would consider someone like Gandhi a terrorist. I may not like him personally but his methods were peaceful.
America will not take any military action. There are reasons:
1) First there are still diplomatic solutions available. 2) The people who are resisting Americans in Afghanistan and Pak border region will get all the support of Pashtuns living across the border and Amercians lose the war of hearts and minds. 3) Pakistanis will support its Army even if America provide proofs that ISI is assisting Haqqanis. This will again go against US. Even the most neutral Pakistanis, who even think extremists are dangerous, will not support US agression. The Taliban also gani more hearts in this region. 4) Taliban in Afghanistan will muster more strenghth to give the final blow to US troops that are already in difficult situation.
And, finally, When US cannot achieve its all targets in Afghanistan in a decade with the "support of Pakistan", how can they achieve all going against Pakistan?
By reading these comments of my fellow Pakistanis. I see a very bleak future for our future generations. Although, I know most of these guys are either from right wing families or those sitting in internet cafe ... As any one who has little education and understanding, they don't talk this way. How unfortunate, that most of these guys won't think before shooting their naive comments. FATA has always been out of govt's control without any Army, Police stations or schools ... It has always been our mistake not to bring in under control due to which every day thousand of people cross that border which only exists in maps and books but has no practicality due to which illiterate people of Haqqanis et al has never recognized or respected the Durand Line. Instead of stopping those people who have been killing our citizens in the cities on almost daily basis our establishment (backed by right wing parties), are logger head with the US and international community.
Americans forget the fact that when we cut off there supply lines there soldiers had run out of toilet paper.even the rickshaw drivers will take up arms and you forget the jawans who tied bombs on there chest against the indian armed core tank divisions at chawinda.and we are the same nation that broke the soviet union which once said it was the most powerful country of the world.they forget our valiant heros who crashed there planes to protect the secrets of the state and the soldiers who preferred there tounges cut off. Capt Umar 3rd commando battlion Pakistan Army
AC-130 gunship should be set loose on South Waziristan against Haqqani/TTP.
Senior Republican US senator says US may go beyond drone strikes, did not advocate sending US troops into Pakistan...........WHY NOT, please do come, oh yes, and do get some advice from Russians (no offense).
The American are preparing grounds and justification for an attack on N.Wazistan, This is the typical way of American aggression in process. First an excuse, then hype the media, then force a resolution through UN and then attack. They are trying to repeat the Iraq misadventure. I fear a limited but intensive attack on N. Waziristan, they are trying to expand the offensive so their withdrawal could be made secure. They may try soften the Haqqanis before they withdraw.
Why to go long and hard way, die in millions, destruction of infrastructure, millions more begging in streets. Do the simple math, stop supporting terrorists and everything will be fine.
@ RS Johar
Do you consider the likes of Bhagat Singh, Chandershekar Azad, Mangal Panday, Jhansi ki Rani etc. as terrorists? If they were terrorists then so are Haqqanis and Talibans...
You know, Gandhiji and Jinnah would also be branded as terrorist and most probably brought to the gallows if Britian wasnt mauled by World War 2. One man terrorist is another man's freedom fighter... we should not forget than 65 years ago we were also colonized and brutalized by then superpower. We know what Afghans are going through, we feel the pain..
First off we did not get beat in Afghanistan, Taliban forces hide in fear in their own country or fled to other areas when we started are operations. When they do attack, the usually only do minimal damage. Pakistan people who think their country can withstand an all out attack from the USA are ignorant. Militants don't wear uniforms, so targeting them can be tricky. Pakistan's army however sticks out like a sore thumb, we won't have to guess were to send are bombs flying. And as far as Pakistan being a nuclear armed country, that is a joke. Pakistan wouldn't be able to get a missile to our homeland if we stood by and let them launch one. Get real.
Americans paying heavily for its mistakes in the past. Now Indians should support Pakistanis.
@R S JOHAR: "Digvijay" is being sarcastic!
@Brasstacks: "A Pakistani by any name ( this time an Indian ) is easily recognizable. " It need not be a Pakistani. Diggyboy is far more unpopular in India. So, it could be an Indian impersonating him to look ridiculous!
After all this blah blah..one thing is clear..the american (diplomats + Generals) know tht they hv to bear a heavy price for their any mis-adventure...Dont underestimate Pak Militry..yes,iots the same whom hv defeated the Red army(soviets)....
This is very different scenario of war in Pakistan, US has a different plan to capture Pakistan as they knew Pakistan is an Atomic Power ( as compared to Iraq and Afghanistan) and direct attack on Pakistan may lead to severe consequences. So they are making dual face policy to show friendly relations and to come to close to the Aorta (Shah rag) of Pakistan so that they can come so close from where they can get control over Pakistan’s Atomic Control System to disable it and then can capture and destroy Pakistan.
USA and its allies have been defeated in Afghanistan. It is now looking for a scapegoat. Pakistan is not Iraq or Afghanistan. Its is a nuclear armed state of 180 million brave people. So don't even think about it.
If the Americans dare to step foot on Pakistani soil, as a peaceful and responsible neighbor, it would be India's highest responsibility to lodge an official protest at the United Nations.
@FU John B:
The purpose of US troops going to Afghanistan is to smoke down the terrorists from Al-Qaeda and Taliban from their caves and not to defeat Afghanistan in any battle. In this mission, they have succeeded. The terrorists are on the run and they have now taken safe refuges inside pakistan. They are roaming inside your country with your full patronage.This is the issue.
Taking pride and credit for the fall of Alexander and USSR, you seem to forget that the Pak's only bargain chip is the NATO route. A day may soon dawn when US may not need to use that route. You people should pray - more than 5 times a day - that that day should never come. Because, if it happens, you will understand the wrath of US. This internet will not be there in your country, at that time, to vent your spleen on your benefactors. A fight with US will take you back straight to 17th century. You can relive your glorious days of Moghuls once again !!!
Even a child now knows that these are but petty moves to mount pressure on Pakistan, this isn't going to work as they are seeking help from a pretty weak position.
To American Govt. - '' Do try your military actions in our land, and this time, our forces won't spare you. For you are only going to welcome another Afghanistan ''
americans in the last 10 years have not fought a decent enemy.. iraq afghanistan even Vietnam was not conventional war.. Iran is tough has conventional forces but can never be compared to Pakistan. Pakistan has full conventional military navy and a decent airforce. yes americans have quality but they would get a tough match and yes maybe our infrastructure may get damaged but there would serious american casualties.... and if americans step on their ground...they know whats coming.. they have seen how badly beaten and owned they were in afghanistan by 15000 taliban.. insurgents in iraq... and ofcourse the Vietnam massacre.. and lets not forget we have nuclear missles. they are not there for display.. could and should be used ..i rather we die and take them down than have them occupy us.
once they start war with PAK. their ALL supply to NATO army will be blocked and then this war will be more expansive for US as they have to supply all things to their army through another route, now their army is getting all supply from PAK roads. US know it already...
@Pakistani:
Well said! If only Pakistanis stood together on more issues, Americans wouldn't take such liberties with them!
@Gul Khan: Bhai cards khelane ke liye hath chahiye, US may just chop off these when it cuts off aid.
Unexpected Pak military reaction possible against US military actions: Pakistani Nation
@Digvijay Singh: Good joke !! A Pakistani by any name ( this time an Indian ) is easily recognizable.
The fate of USA is clogged in Afghanistan as it closed for Alexander the great, The Great Britain and USSR in the past. Every super power of its time has invaded this part of the world (Af -Pak as you would call it today) and went back never to recover from its exploit. So please reconcile to the new dawning reality and try to make your exit pain less. Do you remember the photo of last trooper departing from Vietnam. The marines were on the run. The last man was trying to climb the chopper and the Pilot was trying abandon its own marine. He escaped by hanging to the chopper.
@fighting falcon: You don't understand. The American people are extremely insular. They don't know anything about Pakistan and are easily indoctrinated by their media. In case you didn't know America started a new war already this year in Libya. No one stopped them. No rallies or protest marches took place in the US. No one wrote to their congressmen and senators about that illegal war. So don't expect any help from ordinary Americans.
Anyway the elite control the policies of the American govt. not the ordinary people. Just like in Pakistan. The American elite consists of large corporations including defence contractors and oil companies who are happy to see more wars because wars are very profitable for them.
@khalis: Nuclear weapons are only for show. You can't actually use them. The Americans are currently involved in wars in half a dozen countries. They haven't used a single nuclear weapon yet in any of those wars.
As far as conventional warfare goes then of course our army will capitulate very quickly just like the Iraqi army did. In fact it's better if they do. The Iraqi soldiers took off their uniforms and blended into the civilian population. Later these same soldiers fought the Americans in a guerilla war just like the Taliban or the LTTE. It's that type of warfare that the Americans can't handle.
@Pakistani
You cannot target B-2 with gun. So complete your education.
Whenever there is election in the US, new blood of innocents required.
@Someone Very funny : ))
@Pakistani:
If you want to drop out, do so. But, don't blame international politics for that!
@R S Johar
As an Indian well-wisher of Pakistan, I fully endorse Diggi Raja. I would even go to the extent of proposing that India should seek Zaid Hameed as Pakisan's ambassador to India. We will sign a treaty conferring the MFE ( Most Favoured Enemy) to Pakistan whereby LeT/JeM will be allowed to bomb not more than 4 times in Mumbai and Delhi.
It was the Marshall of the Royal Air Force Sir George 'Bomber' Harris who said:
War is a battle between heavyweights. The winner is the one that clobbers hardest, with the maximum effort, in the minimum time. That means Berlin!
Harris was an extremely able and effective commander. His words are universally applicable, across space and time.
If the US thinks they will carry out action in/on Pakistan, I will drop out of university and take up a gun to fight the americans.
250 warship us navy against 50 smaller ships and boats navy of pakistan. 5000 in total fighters including f-15, f-16,-f-18 and f-22 against rusted bunch of f-16(should not be considered against usa) and chinese f-7. it took usaf 1.5 week to destroy 5th largest air force in world iraz air force. pakistanis are high on emotions but they should get practical. 18 crore pakistani soldier, they still have 3000 15megaton nuclear bombs
U.S has the habit of putting nose in everyone's matter. die usa.
@Digvijay Singh: Equating Gandhiji with Haqqanis is indeed a shameful comparison and if you are really an Indian my head hangs in shame for your comment.
After 10 years and spending 2000 billion dollar ,almost all the forces of world with u , Pakistan is provide full support to u against worlds most underemployment county , u did carpet booming but now situation in Afghanistan is that 50% of county is belong to Taliban and u can not handle the 3000 to 5000 men of haqqini group and start crying . Now u are talking about new front to a country whose army and people know region vary well . I do not believe it .u must need 1 years for get ready and lot money of your taxpayer ( which is dry out now a day ) also must sure that Pakistan will not able send not a one missile to your country b/c your people are not use to it as pakistni
Let them step even one foot on Pakistani soil. The American soldiers will remember their grandmothers after the treatment they get. They got thrashed by Taliban, now they want to take their chances with Pakistani army. LOL
A very poor cut and paste job by TET.
Do You know (american Govt.) "18 karor (Minus childern and women) it will be i think 8 or ten karor " soldiers are waiting for You.SO PLZ STAY AWAY OR FINED ANOTHER WAY.(PEACE).it will be better for you.
They say about Afghanistan, that its graveyard of the empires! Pakistan will make Afghanistan look like walk in the park for US and NATO.
I hope policy makers in Washington know they will be getting into a quicksand. It's another nice mess they've gotten themselves into...
These statements are beyond ridiculous. They do not at all help the environment to come to the level of sanity. Drones are the only military option available to US - landing troops in tribal areas is extremely dangerous. Unless and until they plan to raze to ground the whole of FATA with Daisy Cutters, then the bombers make no sense. US would be more able to extract from Pakistan through financial leverage they hold through donor agencies. Though this blackmail sucks but this is how it is in this world.
I am afraid to say but America is going to be history soon... just like other so-called super powers who got only "insult and heavy defeat from Afghanistan" now they think they can dictate us (PAKISTAN) with their threats, this US Govt. is now suffering with Debt and still their neck is not down due to their pride and over-confident on their troops? after so many years you did not even can control Kabul, then how the hell you think you can do more? its the most foolish thing to see from a super-power, they are more in to DAY-DREAMING !!!!
B2 Bombers .... Dream on US .... These are empty words of a fallen comrade. Admit your defeat and leave in a humble way or else you would have problems that your children and grand children will have to suffer for a long long time.
SAB SAY PEHLAY PAKISTAN ... PAKISTAN ZINDABAD ... AMEN
I beleive any direct military conflict with paf is not really a option in washingtons table. why ? americans are quiet irritated with goverments growing debt concern, and most of this comes from military spending, and all americans care about return of jobs, growing economy and growing hoursing price, not some goddaamm haqqani network. if america take direct military action, how would obama justify his actiona against pakistan, seriously at the moment haqqanis are not direct threat to their homeland security. and secondly this will make americans troops to stay in this region for more time, which their goverment doesnt want. more over as obama going for election next year, one more war with another country will make his comeback extremely difficult, and republicans just want that...the most possible options for them is ,I beleive the americans might increase more drone strike in north waziristan, and if paf does something about it, then american might bring on thieir fighter jets, i beleive PAF willnot do anything towards american drones that escalate the tension The third and last option and the most likely option for americans is to start with limited contact with pakistan, and later on reducing trade and perhaps economic sanctions which might happen only if situation worse. if you ask me, any economic sanctions from usa is just worst than a direct military conflict.
Pak should wish that Obama wins the reelection!
Republican networks and political talks already decided beyond drone and if Sen. Graham seconds that then it is a done deal.
If Haqqani's go under terror list, then PAK will be harboring LeT and Haqqani and this will not go well in US.
Malik's "Haqqani are sons of the soil" comment does not sound reassuring also.
Understand the PAK concern of Wazir tribe situation, but PAK has to decide one way or the other if Waziristan is a PAK territority and if her sovereignty reigns there.
Better of to stop NATO's logistic supply to Afghanistan via Pakistan. This is just the first and the easiest re-action. Apart from this, Pakistan has many cards to play.
Typical Indian slogan at every shadow of an oncoming problem for Pakistan, as time has timelessly proven my Indian friend, it is easier said than done
As you sow, so shall you reap.
Cutting our aid? 1989 anyone? This is just like the thank you gift the US sent us in the form of Pressler Amendment after it was done our help. This time cutting our aid wont make a difference because we are already sitting at rock bottom and things cant get any worse. Plus the US will come back running to us, like it always does every few years for our 'help'
In my view, India must extend full support and cooperation to Pakistan in this delicate moment. USA has been known for targeting Muslim nations unfairly like in Iraq and Afghanistan. Now they're extending the battleground to Pakistan, taking thousands of Muslim lives in the process. All I know about the Haqqani group is that they have been resisting imperialist objectives on Afghan soil, and as a secular pacifist Indian, I can only compare them to Gandhiji. In fact, I would call them Gandhians with guns. Because of their long beards and turban they have been grossly misrepresented in world media as devil incarnates. But that's far from the truth. The contribution of the Haqqanis to curbing drugs trade and roadside robbery is commendable. India's backing of Pakistan's stance will help achieve regional and global peace and pave the path for a strong and stable Afghanistan.
such statements will only increase the tensions and both countries wont benefit from it. Pakistan and US ties have been struggling for a long time and its better if both countries work together and defeat militancy. if they continue to play this blame game things will only go from bad to worse.
As they say, the Paki's have got it coming!!