WASHINGTON DC: Former US presidential hopeful, Republican Senator John McCain says it is reprehensible that Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence maintains a close relationship with the Haqqani Network that is responsible for American deaths.
Addressing a packed hall at the think tank the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace in Washington DC, Senator McCain said that he had sympathy for Pakistan's military since the Pakistani government is dysfunctional, but said that it remained a "source of never ending frustration" that the ISI had a continuous relationship with the Haqqani Network, when General Kayani is responsible for appointing the head of the ISI.
In response to a question on General Kayani's recent statement regarding India, the US senator said while he appreciated the statement, the fact remains that the Pakistan Army's best troops and equipment were on the border with India and not Afghanistan. He also criticised the Obama Administration's policy on reconciliation with the Taliban. He added that the US should have a strategic partnership with Afghanistan, saying it would "demonstrate to Pakistan that continued support for Taliban will leave them more isolated and less secure."
In response to a question on Kashmir, Senator McCain said that it was not an excuse for Pakistan to not break ties with the Haqqani Network. Senator McCain said that Kashmir, which he dubbed one of the most beautiful places on the earth, remained a longstanding problem.
Senator McCain called the incident of US soldiers photographed with body parts of Afghans published in the Los Angeles Times as "deplorable and despicable". He said it tarnished the work that the US soldiers are doing out here, and said that 99.9% of young Americans serving in Afghanistan have the highest standards.
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@Mohammad Ali Siddiqui:
"Why don’t Senator John McCain call the ISI Chief on phone and ask him whether ISI is maintaining any relationship with Hsqqani network or not?"
McCain already knows and has proof that ISI controls Haqqani network, so no need for him to call the ISi chief.
"Blaming ISI on each count is not more than a frustration."
It is the truth that the ISI is involved in terrorism in Afghanistan and India. So, it is not frustration.
"Why would ISI keep any direct or indirect relation with Haqqani network and for what?'
I am surprised you haven't heard about the strategic depth strategy of the Pakistani military. It calls for a subservient and pliable Afghanistan that will take orders from Pakistan with the ultimate goal of making Afghanistan the fifth province of Pakistan. That is exactly what Zia ul Haq said.
No worries, we also maintain ties with the US, which is responsible for the deaths of thousands of Pakistanis.
Funny he should say that, forgetting that Pres. Clinton brokered a deal between IRA and the British Govt. IRA was allegedly responsible for more than 3,000 death from violence ranging over a decade. If the US Govt can maintain an open dialogue relationship with an alleged terrorist organization then why can't the others do that for their mutual interest. At many occasions the same US governments have used such back door channels. It is such 'holier than thou' attitude that has alienated the world from the US, who used to command respect in the world. I think people in US Government should now realize that rest of the world is not stupid, they are aware what is happening around them and they feel the injustices around them.
He is an old man so do not take his words seriously. Our hand have been "dirty" since the days of OSS!
Dear Janu McCain, I am sure you know better but cannot speak the entire truth!
The USA doesn't care if you talk to Haqqani terrorist -- but you go the extra mile - you provide them sanctuary, intel, and defend them at every opportunity - it makes a farce of every statement you make about terrorism.
McCain understands Pakistans game.
In the long run sleeping with terrorists going to cost huge. These thugs are not going to be pals of Pakistan for ever.
It has become a common practice for failed Politicians all over the World to revive their popularity by blaming and finger-pointing Pakistan for all atrocities in the World. So as here, for this old man who yet again tries to get something from upcoming US presidential elections.
I won't be surprised if ISI was behind and facilitated the 9/11 itself at the behest of Arab masters. One more interesting read on how the country earns it's revenue: http://www.atimes.com/atimes/South_Asia/ND19Df02.html
What about American support for baloch rebels killing innocent Pakistanis?
Reprehensible that ISI maintains ties with Haqqani network: Senator McCain
Reprehensible that America maintains ties with the Northern Alliance Reprehensible that America maintains ties with the BLA Reprehensible that America maintains ties with the TTP
Shoe's on the other foot eh?
Those living in glass houses should not throw stones Mr McCain. That's the pot calling the kettle black... well you get my drift
@DB: First learn to deserve and then desire. US have worked very hard to earn this status over years to build power, money, freedom, citizen support, health, education, science, innovation, military, technology, power, infrastructure. We on the other hand is doomed for failure and can collapse the day we stop getting dollars from outside. Our entire development is begged from US and China. Like polio we stand of crutches of foreign support. Given an opportunity people like you will be the first to apply for green card and start polluting their country.
Senator Macain,,How dare should one? come out with such crap.
americans can talk with talibans. but pakistan can't . americans can support the terrorists(according to the legitimate govt of the time) in libya and syria. but pakistan can't defend its interest. what they want from pakistan? do they want pakistan take enmity with the whole pashtun nation? do they want pakistan to kill every pashtun living in pakistan for them?
Pakistan fought three wars with not afghanistan mr senator and this your war not pak. and american maintain relation with izrael and india even though these two states are biggest abusers of human rights in the world.
ISI is innocent as always :)
How about issuing few bounties?
It is acceptable that the US has maintained ties with Shah of Iran. It is acceptable that the US has maintained ties with Saudi Kingdom. It is acceptable that the US has maintained ties with Saddam Hussain. It is acceptable that the US has maintained ties with Latin American dictatorships. It is acceptable that the US has maintained ties with Mujahideen. It is acceptable that the US has maintained ties with _.
But it is never acceptable that Pakistan maintains ties with any regional entity that has some level of truce with Pakistan.
We get how this works, Mr. McCain.
It seems that ISI has become a nightmare for every US political leader, despite the fact that ISI has been providing all out support to US Government in Pakistan.
Why don't Senator John McCain call the ISI Chief on phone and ask him whether ISI is maintaining any relationship with Hsqqani network or not?
Blaming ISI on each count is not more than a frustration.
Why would ISI keep any direct or indirect relation with Haqqani network and for what?
Mr. Senator, the fact that US has completely ignored human rights situation in Kashmir and Palestine, we believe you have no right to mention Kashmir issue.
while America is directly responsible for the death of Pakistanis... drone attacks and cold blooded murder of 24 Pakistani soldiers, does that ring a bell?
McCain failed to convince American people that he is the credible Leader. I do not even bother to think about his statements have any importance. He failed to win his own people hearts. Please stop talking about the Pakistan and Afghanistan.