WASHINGTON: Republican presidential hopeful Newt Gingrich said Wednesday that Pakistan's nuclear arsenal was at risk of being seized by "extremists" who had probably infiltrated Islamabad's military.
"My guess is that they have well over 100 nuclear weapons and that the Pakistani military is so penetrated by extremist elements you have no idea if one morning, they are going to lose three or four of them. I mean just have them stolen," Gingrich told CNN's Situation Room program.
Gingrich, a veteran Republican who has surged in recent weeks to the top of the pack of contenders vying to unseat Democratic President Barack Obama, also derided Pakistan's claims that officials did not know Osama bin Laden had been hiding there for years before elite US forces found and killed him in May.
"The Pakistani military was capable of protecting bin Laden for six years," in Abbottabad, a major military city north of Islamabad, Gingrich said.
"Now do I think Osama bin Laden was sitting a mile from the national military university and nobody noticed him in their intelligence service? It's inconceivable," the presidential hopeful said.
The safety of Islamabad's nuclear weapons has been heightened ever since the September 11, 2001 attacks in the United States, when Pakistan's then military ruler Pervez Musharraf allied his country with Washington's "war on terror."
But Pakistan has suffered hundreds of deadly attacks from anti-US militants in the decade since. The fear of extremists gaining access to an atomic weapon has also surged in tandem with Washington losing trust in Pakistan since the revelation that bin Laden had been sheltering there.
US opinion polls on Tuesday showed Gingrich, a former speaker in the House of Representatives, had extended his lead over rivals, both in the leadoff Iowa caucus nominating contest and nationwide.
A Washington Post/ABC News poll of 858 likely Iowa caucus goers put Gingrich atop the field at 33 percent, trailed by former Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney on 18 percent, who is level with libertarian conservative Ron Paul.
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moreover, if i was in this attention seeking sorry excuse of a republican's shoes, i would have strong concerns about India's nukes because there are a lot more extremist or call them terrorist organizations and freedom movements going on in India then anywhere else :)
a good excuse by the Zionist lobby to try to initiate an attack on us. well here's the bottom line from Pakistan's point of view,
"You start a war with us, we're gonna blow u all up" :)
cheers! Pakistan Zindabad :)
@narayana murthy: if you are worried about LET, JEJ, JUD, i ll definitely love these people to get hold on few of them and blow them in some major indian cities :) lastly, no need to get worried, we ll inform you before hand
@Sadia: Those who live by the sword, die by the sword. Heard it?? Then, tell it to your trusted army.
@khalid: Some introspection is also required by the countries you named. Why these muslim countries are having problems with all others in the world??? There is something wrong somewhere within these countries. Do not look at ignorance of others only. You have ,now, heard about introspection.
Tired of this India Pakistan fight! going to sleep now! and as far as Newt is concerned, he can keep shining his politics, Ron Paul is going to win in the end (i hope :p)
O really NEWT.... Wait till you'r in the presidency then we'll buy you and your 3rd wife some Jewels from Tiffany's. You wont see any Extremist then its just like old times and old friends. The Serial Hypocritic as RON PAUL says
I regret to see, even people deny these articles. Instead we should ask govt and military is this true? People themselves are supporting military and govt. And when incidence like this happen, you blame govt/military.
Indian trolls are here once again playing USA against Pakistan as they cannot face Pakistan directly. India is trying fear tactics on USA so they can have a partner to gang up with in their war of hate and genocide against Pakistan. Coward Indians have to use fear tactics to drag and motivate other countries to join them as partners in crime!! Only Pakistan understands India while the most powerful countries get fooled by the wicked Indian brainwash! How very pathetic . . . . countries should look beyond India as there is more to life than listening to Indian lies and drama that could have disastrous results as one can see whats happening to the world . . . . .Loss of Humanity!!
@ all world If the CIA, RAW and Mosad, after their utmost struggle, have still not been able to access our nukes then extremists will also not be able to reach it! So, to delight yourself say whatever you like. Makes no difference.
@Xoaib Hassan... From your list it seems USA is right on all accounts except Iraq WMD's 2/3..thats 66% a first class first pass..:)
@RizwanTKhan ..Well USA and Russia got their nukes by the courtesy of Jewish brains in the first place :).... also you got most of your imunization shots(polio by Jonas Salk) by the courtesy of Jews and INFIDELS..so please if you have an iota of pride in your religion BAN all the modern medicines from you country that were created by infidels...
@Khalid.. terrorist begets a terrorist.. you attracted them in the first place by your "Infidel" theory :)... funniest part... the inventor of Monotheism is Abraham=Jew who also made the Kaaba... Muslims have copied his theory and hijacked his place of worship but have no respect for his people.... Ahsaan Faramosh hain aap...
@Billal... Kashmir/Hindu Kush/Pakistan is definitely going to be free of extremist theologies some day....and you know what I am referring to :)....
@narayana murthy,
ok, thank you uncle, we were waiting for your instructions !!!
I live in US and observe US politics very closely. Gingrich is the MOST hypocrite politician. He would say anything to get elected. The difference between him and others is that , he is smart sensation monger, others are not-so-smart sensation mongers!!
Extremists having infiltrated or having sympathizers in the Army is true enough, considering that the icon for Muslim Terror all over the World was found next to a Military training academy in a military cantonment area.
Is it really far fetched to see them double crossing the institution and give nuclear material to Terrorists?
loke of the years man america should be given Noebl joke prize.....
Our Nukes are in safe hands and are very secure. Nukes is the only reason we are surviving in such a hostile surroundings. No body can fail this state as this is Allah's gift. If it was going to be a failed state, we would have been failed right after independence, when all the efforts were made from each side of the border.
"Pakistan is only to be a failed state when we ourselves would make it happen and currently we are heading that way."
Why is it so necessary for most American politicians to put on their dunce caps in public? I guess the people like that look.
funny stuff...do they actually get more votes for saying silly stuff like this?
@narayana murthy: if they can get hold of the nukes then what makes you think it will be difficult for them to get hold of the missiles?
@Karim Javed:
Thought you had enough money to buy the US 6 times. You should buy US before you buy India since US is the root cure of all your problems. You also get two for one, you buy US and you get Afghanistan for free. Better buy don’t you think?
Extremists have already reached to Nukes in USA ...
You guys want to treat the USA as an enemy -- I suspect Gingrich will return the favor.
@Sadia: I agree with you. These Presedential hopefulls will do anything to win election and in this scenario stir anty Pakistan and Iran sentiments. These American senators are not consentrating on dire economic situation in their own back yard. The American public (99%) have arisen against teh stinking 1% awarding system. Wars and more wars won't achieve any lasting peace and prosperity around the globe. Let's consentrate on eradicating poverty; illnesses and illetracy from our planet.
@Karim Javed: Haha. You seriously made my day. "We have enough money to buy India 3 times if we spend in right way." This is a bigger scam then WMD not found in Iraq. Good luck with your imaginations. Lage raho.
Barrak Obama on his campaign trail in 2008 had said that if he had to recieve credible inteligence on the whereabouts of Osama bin Laden, he would not hesitate to strike even deep inside Pakistan. Well, well, well... the rest is history. So Ladies and Gentlemen, fasten your seatbelts. Don't be surprised if this policy prediction comes to being!
@khalid: That is highly insecure excuse that world is plotting against you because you are muslims. Why is world not plotting against many other muslim nations? What makes you so interesting to plot against ? Just that you are muslim ? There are more muslims in India then in Pakistan, so why is not worl plotting against India or Indonessia for that matter ? I am sure you don;t have answer cause your feeling that USA is plotting against muslim comes out of deep paranoia and not from hard facts.
How does he know? Did they tell him that.
that is quite rich coming from a person who has always used his political influence for monetary gains .but it shows that how much these people fear the ''Islamic bomb''
The only country irresponsible enough to actually use Nukes is US of A. No other country have used them since in a theater of War since. Looking at the previous records it is evident that the US have far more reported Nuclear Related incidents than any other state. Mr. Gingrich is just another blowhard republican, his poll numbers suggest he is struggling. So the only baloney of Pakistani Nukes is out. Indians can agree to him all they want, will make no difference. Chances of him getting into Presidents office are very slim for the time being.
Old man Gingrich is only saying what Indians want him to say. If I were Gingrich, I'd tell Indians to feed their 836 million starving citizens first before making attempts to reach the moon.
Gingrich's sweeping statement is not as ridiculous as some of the comments from Indians here. When will Indians grow up and stop calling Pakistan a failed state?
Just what the world has been fearing. This situation should never have been allowed to develop in the first place.
:@ Karim Javed.. Seriously our you trying to make a joke, with those money you cant even buy a state in africa.. Have you seen our economy? India and Pakistan both got their independence in 1947, their economy is far better than us. In india dollar is around 45 and in Pakistan around 90. Wake up. Khayaali Pulao bunana Band karo!!!
@karim, "buy India 3 times if we spend in right way" ..Let me first ask a basic question..What is India's price as per your calculation..If you say the answer with some economic sense I will try to understand your point .Else I have to say you are plain stupid.
@Yuri Kondratyuk:
You can’t realize my Indian friend.
Gingrich, do you have any contact with these extremists?? seems you do as you counted even the numbers. You are caught with slip of your own tongue..
Just like Iraq WMDs intel is rock solid.
Newt Gingrich , if Superpower cant get access with modern weapon then how can guyz with ages old AK-47 infiltrate ? Question is what makes me say that Superpower dont have access ? Answer : You dont even sure about the number of Nukes HAA HAA !
Well there was an attempted coup in 1995 by an extremist general which was thwarted by MI. Regardless of what others say, our army should develop strict criteria for promotion. In our radicalized society, even mature men can develop fantasies of the mythical golden era of Islam.
Bilal, Ashok, Nitish, Arun, Ashutosh would make wonderful room mates if they were studying in an Amercan University or later working in the Gulf.
For now they are enjoying the benefits of the internet and making a sensless display of patriotism on both sides.
Listen kids! The days of India versus Pakistan is over. Let us a new day dawn and turn the leaf to read India and Pakistan.
Don't you feel bad when you see the poverty in Dharavi or the slums of Karachi? The new generation in both countries must vow to build their societies.
You fought for over 60 years. What did you achieve? Give friendship a chance!
@Nitish: Have you ever considered on this thing ? that if India have 20% of politicians from Pakistan in their cabinet then what was happened to them :) dude you have to search it on Google that India was a country in this globe. We have such an awesome politicians for 60 years and still we are surviving. We need just 1 person and then you will see what happens. We have enough money to buy India 3 times if we spend in right way.
I have a question to Pakistanis.
If at all, the terrorists caught hold of a Pakistani nuclear weapon, who would they use it against?
Afghanistan?...come on, there's nothing left in Afghanistan to blow up.
Israel/USA?...need missiles to deliver these nukes.
India?...Perhaps, they can get the nuke to the border and detonate, without causing much damage to India. Also if they want to hit Indian cities to cause major damage, they need missiles.
Pakistan?...Most likely. How difficult would it be to blow up a nuke in Karachi or Lahore or at GHQ? Would they not do it to teach the government or the military a lesson?
So, Pakistanis must wake up to this possibility and reign in on groups like LET, JEJ, JUD, Haqqani network.
@khalid:
You remind me of a Irish serial killer character in Austin Powers movie who keeps thinking that police are only out to steal his lucky charm/taweez and not because he is a serial killer.
Dear All, History repeats itself, Russia tried and failed, let US try also, once US leave this place, there will be peace again, and India is not and enemy if US stays away from Islamabad and Delhi... God bless us all.
i fully agree with Mr Gingrich, and everybody should be very careful on this issue
That's funny! I have always thought that extremists were in charge of American and Israel Nukes.
"you have no idea if one morning, they are going to lose three or four of them. I mean just have them stolen" very very cheap try, i must say.
Mark my words, if and when he comes to power int he US, he will retreat from his statement, these are just political stunts for them to attract more audience before his campaign finishes, been there, done that
While there can not be any doubts about the importance of keeping the nuclear arsenal safe, let me also say that the world is worried about the American economic might and nuclear/chemical weapons that have already fallen in the hands of corporate leaders.
The fear is mutual. The threat is equal.
No one takes him seriously even in the US... not sure why would Express Tribune publish his statement as a headliner?
@antanu:
Truths cannot be changed to entertain you and it will be always bitter for people alike you.
The truth is that the American Nukes are within reach of their extremists which are their nationals.An airforce plane flew within America loaded with nukes and no body knew in their defence command that the plane is loaded. Every day movies reflect american nuclear arsenal slipping in the hands of american extremist.
@Ashutosh pandey: your concern conveyed to our higher ups... They have requested you to remain peaceful, there is nothing to panic.
@Arun John Singh: Wow, you are hereby offered the position of his deputy...
@Nitish: I believe Kashmir is gonna be freed from Indian occupation... but not so soon.. there is still some time. Here is my wishful thinking!
@ashok sai: Crap day dreaming... US president is not the policy maker, there is a big think tank formulating the foreign policies. These are just popularity gimmicks by Mr. XYZ. Has any one noticed any change in US policy after presidency transition from bush to Obama?
'Extrimists' within reach of US presidency
Mr. your a stupid man.. I think the american have no other topic other then Pakistan. It is very bad. what do u think Mr. If you are planning to attack pakistan by saying/show such intention, you are thinking wrong.. we will fight aganst you if you attack our mohterland.. I love my country. I am aganist the taliban too..
Ron Paul is the only hope for USA and Imran khan is the only hope for Pakistan. Both have been stood with the their common stance on this war "of" terror ie, "give peace a chance", despite facing severe criticism in their respective countries for this "pro taliban" stance. Both understands the geography and culture of tribal people in afghanistan and Pakistan...
@Ashutosh pandey: @Arun John Singh: @ashok sai:
Why Indians are so ignorant.
They (US and other western countries) are after us because we are Muslims. What they did in Iraq, Afghanistan, libya and Syria, want to repeat here in Pakistan. let me tell you US and west are much bigger terrorist than so called Taliban. But you can’t realize my Indian friends.
I love America and have affection for Pakistan. The only politician of US, I do not like is Newt Gingrich . He is an opportunist.
Mr. Newt Gingrich; Republican Presidential hopeful must impress the US' people with the plans; to bring peace and prosperity for them..., instead , keeping hatered and hidden war planing in coming days.
His comments are just election campaign boosters. They know and we are sure that nukes are not like biscuits,extremist will come and grab, it'sin pretty safe hands. We closed down Nato supplies for 7 days and they will come to terms. we receive Rs. 410/- for one container, that's not even taxi fare for 10-miles. Our corrupt leaders have brought us to this level. They get boggled by comments and threats from Gingrich- Bush- Obama and co. Have faith Allah will protect us, our Army is alert. Nukes are safe.
Not a chance. It is India trying to infiltrate but again not a chance!! Do not worry . . . .it is in safe hands of the military.
NEWSFLASH: 'Election' within reach of Gingrich !
Everyone, brace yourselves for some pre-election, misinformed, fear mongering.
@the Skunk "Salams to our South Asian region" You arer south Asian region really lol. aren't Pakistani consider themselves arabian??
xD
Another rotten age-old ranting....its really getting boring...but of course, giving another chance to Pakistan haters to make sniding comments
Karzai-US are working on same agenda to declare pakistan a terrorist state
extremists such as CIA
It is a wishful thinking .By harping endlessly on what Americans have been saying for the past several years is not going to yield results, for Republicans or Democrats, in next elections .Stop it now. Pakistani Nukes are not lying on the rack that some one can pick them & use them. Despite innumerable explanations if Americans don't want to understand..........one could only call it ..........imbecility. Pakistani Administration should not respond anymore on this subject . That will serve them right !
Cheap try to gain political gain at home.
Anybody having evidence Osama was there? When Saddam's & Qaddafi's capture could be shown on media, why not Osama's??? Maybe he's still alive!, or maybe died much earlier. News are that he didn't have a practical role in the organisation for quite sometime, then why couldn't he be charged and given legal rights, if at all he was captured???
The only country in the world without any Nuclear accident, i.e, safety & security nearest to perfection??????
Alhamdolillah, PAKISTAN.
Then why such remarks????
Is there a Plan B or X??????
Extremists => NATO&US ARMY
@xohaib hassan: And US got it right two out of three times. Not bad if you ask me.
saying what people want to hear rather than what is right has always been a good technique to be popular in public. Your 'guess' reflects this thinking.
Extremists=NATO&US ARMY
If it is true then it is certainly very dangerous.Pak Government must take cognizance.
no they are not....they are out of reach of US and India!!!!
"It’s inconceivable" - Yes Gingrich, its inconceivable because OBL was not found there! What a load of crock and propaganda against Pakistan.. We know how to take care of our 100 nuclear weapons.. US should take care of their own 5000 nuclear weapons! Hypocrites!
Oh Lord. Another Bush in the making!
Well to some extent , these senators are correct but I guess its more of a hysteria in the west. I believe Pakistan is going to fail but not so soon.. there is still time!
So are the nukes of USA, Russia etc. Can you please tell us how Israel got the nukes? Where were you when Russia nuke technology was being black marketed in the world?
Just a move to gear up your election campaign. You are such a low life.
yyyyyyaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaawwwwwwwwwwwwwnnnnnnnn!!!
Americans! be creative...you are boring me.....
There is a major difference between a man in hiding and a direct/brazen attack on our prized assets. Spare us your cynical views, we have no use for them
I fully agree with Mr. Newt Gingrich.
If the Presidency changes in coming US elections, I predict difficult times ahead for actual rulers of Pakistan.
Mr. Newt Gingrich! If this is your campaign motto and catchword, you are headded for a disappointment. Almost all other presidential contenders are hammering, bellowing and braying out against the 'most favored non-NATO ally." WHY? For thinking of its own priorities first.
Dont worry the citizens of your country are educated and can think for themselves. A better campaign slogan on the trail will be "Occupy Wall Street" unless the Zionists are financially campaigning for you.
Salams to our South Asian region
Pakistani Nukes are straw in the eye of west. Was it Pakistan or US who used em to kill thousands in Japan? Pakistani Nukes are not within reach of Neither US Nor Extremist. That is one thing i am sure about coz there is no civilian involvment and i trust my army.
WMDs --> Iraq Taliban --> Afghanistan nukes --> Pakistan and Iran