US lawmakers reject PCNS anti-drone recommendations
The Parliamentary Committee on National Security on Tuesday demanded an end to US military strikes conducted by unmanned, remote-controlled drones.
When asked by Voice of America (VOA) if the US should pay heed to Pakistan's wishes, independent Senator Joe Lieberman bluntly said “no”. “The drone strikes are critically important to America's national security. So obviously I do not believe that they should stop,” he said.
Drone attacks in Pakistan began under former US President George W Bush and expanded significantly under President Barack Obama.
In a report submitted during a joint session of the parliament, the parliamentary committee had described drone attacks as “counterproductive”, saying that the strikes radicalise local population, create support for terrorists, and ignite anti-American sentiment.
“The drones are needed because of the absence of a more aggressive effort by Pakistan to root out terrorists and radical militants,” insists Democratic Senator Dianne Feinstein, chairwoman of the Senate Intelligence Committee.
“I think the key is that Pakistan should take out all those terrorist leaders from North Waziristan who are fueling and leading attacks against our troops in Afghanistan,” she said. “I think that is an unresolved issue, if Pakistan takes action and shut down bomb factories and go after the [terrorist] leadership – then drones are not necessary."
Republican Senator Lindsey Graham said that he is mindful of Pakistan's objections. “I do believe sovereignty is, obviously, a big issue for any country. But I would like to see Pakistan embrace the idea that extremism is not welcomed in Pakistan,” he said. “The day Pakistani people, through their government, will tell extremists that they are not welcome in Pakistan, would be a breakthrough.”
He said that drone strikes have been effective and that “it is not in Pakistan interest in the longer run to be seen by the world as a safe haven for terrorists.”
COMMENTS (15)
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@A Tanoli:
If you are talking about shooting down the drones...........then you cannot be serious.
Something smells here . . .a war of hate and everything else is an excuse and fasade to carry on the drone killings! Pakistani leaders are showing lack of intelligence and Lieberman is having a good laugh at their stupidity for becoming the whipping boy!
What do you expect from a Jewish Senator??? Then they wonder why people don't like them in this world.
At last I am satisfied that the US lawmakers know the facts on the ground.
@Pakistan politics Pakistan has tried the peace talks route many times and has failed completely. Your claims on FATA are also wrong, Pak army has little control and there are regular terrorist incidents all over the region.
Drones are good for Pakistan.
Gov. is trying to deceive the nation, there are huge differences between public and Gov. thinking, Drones will continue and we people will be cursing over Gov. and our Gov including army will issue statements like "Drones shall not be tolerated and USA must respect our parliament resolutions" and u know nothing new will happen
How can Pakistan argue a points where 1)Pakistan has no control over its FATA. 2)Pak Army is not willing to control rouge elements which are using this region for plotting and attacking neighbours.
Probably never dawned on most Pakistanis that America may just say no - moving supplies through Pakistan maybe more convenient but wars are not fought because they are convenient. The only real accomplishments Obama can hang his hat on are bad guys who are being killed by drones/special ops in Pakistan and it's unlikely he's going to give that up.
Finally Might is Right.
Ww have a Tsunami in Pakistan.. who should now stand with all stakeholder.. unlike running his jalsa and doing political point scoring
Very appropriate advice!