US backs Pak action on militancy

The Obama administration praised Pakistan's strong action against terrorists under Gen Ashfaq Parvez Kayani

WASHINGTON:
Pakistan has taken aggressive and strong action against terrorists in the country under General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani, the Obama administration said on Thursday.

“During General Kayani’s tenure, Pakistan has, in fact, taken the most aggressive action it’s ever taken against extremist elements within its borders. We want to see that continue,” State Department spokesman P J Crowley told reporters at his daily news briefing.


“We continue our conversations with Pakistani officials on how best to accomplish these things which are, we believe, in our shared interest,” he said.

Also on Thursday, US Vice-President Joe Biden said America was not in Afghanistan to “nation-build” but intended to defeat the al Qaeda in areas bordering Pakistan. Under growing pressure over the unpopular and costly nine-year war, the Obama administration is grappling with how to measure success in Afghanistan for a review due in December of how President Barack Obama’s new strategy is working.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 30th, 2010.
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