Obama orders ‘sharp increase’ in Pakistan drone strikes: Report
According to the report, the US officials said that they expect Pakistan to halt CIA operations in the country in retaliation to the drone strikes, and shut down the only air base being used for drones. However, Pakistani national security officials, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to Bloomberg, claimed that all CIA officers working on the drone program were expelled and the drones were now being launched from bases in Afghanistan.
The US officials were further quoted as saying that Obama’s decision to increase drone attacks reflected the “mounting US frustration with Pakistan over a growing list of disputes”.
US Defence Secretary Leon Panetta had stated on Thursday that the United States was reaching the limits of its patience with Pakistan because of the safe havens the country offered to insurgents in neighbouring Afghanistan. Pakistan, on Saturday, rejected Panetta’s statements and said that he was “oversimplifying some of the very complex issues we are dealing with in our efforts against extremism and terrorism”.
Three drone strikes in as many days on suspected militants killed 27 people this week in Pakistan. To lodge its protest against the “illegal” drone attacks, Pakistan had summoned the US Charge d’affairs Richard Hoagland to convey the government’s serious concern over the issue.
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@ Ashraf P: Grow up and face the fact. you will know only God forbids if any one close are killed by them and they are killed in large numbers by them. God forbids..God forbids..... It doesnt happen to you.
Drones can only be good for Pakistan in the long run. The radicals will be out in force to make comments like "the US is targeting innocent women and children". Why would any nation do that?
Actually, US wants PAK to SHOOT its drones down. Then US will get a chance to portray this incident as an act of war (for shooting down an unmanned aircraft of an ally) and will get a chance to gather momentum to cripple Pakistan further.
US wants Pak to take some ill-advised action that will precipitate matters in the Af-Pak region but the Pak does not seem to realise that it will hurt them more than US. With one act of misadventure (like shooting down drone), Pak can undo all the benefits of six decades of beneficial association with a global power.
Obama is daring Pakistan to shoot down the drones. He seems to say, "Make my day, folks !"
US frustration with Pakistan's inaction is understandable. However, nothing can justify killing civilians in a bid to kill a bad guy here and there. Obama is nothing short of a disaster.
@ alami Musafir, You sir, are mistaken and are spreading confusion. The PAF is not a policy maker. They don't just launch the F-16 and bring a drone down. The PAF is an instrument of policies that the elected officials and the Parliament makes. When they are not permitted by the Parliament to bring the drones down, they cant do it. Simple as that. The PAF has the capability to bring down the drones. The day the Government has enough balls to give PAF the green light, you will see drones coming down like rain inshaa Allah.
@ sensible: I am Afghan. I know how many villages are destroyed by NATO bombing. I know when my brothers were killed, i know when my elders were humiliated. I know when my brothers lived as refugees, when they had no houses, i know when our children and few month old babies died, they were killed by NATO and US. They claim they have killed militants, there were no militants there, there were only women and children. So now they say that have won this war by killing innocent civilians, huh.
@China: Their main mission is now in Pakistan NOT Afghanistan. If you hadn't noticed, it has now changed to PakAf. You can't be serious when you call it a victory for a few rag-tag individuals who just fire a few rocket propelled grenades and run away. You can only cut their ammo but we all know where their endless supply of ammo is coming from, don't we?
Have a look at:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F6b35gjZ9cc
@Its (still) Econonmy Stupid: It's only then our dream will realize . And people like mirza will be heard by followers of Hafiz Saeed .
there is no bravado in fighting a war with USA, if you choose to fight america then you are STUPID because whatever may be the result of the war, usa winning or losing, the enemy is destroyed to the root.
The PAF must be commended and praised for not shooting down the drones in the absence of our governmen's orders to do so. The blame lies entirely on the government and the parliament of Pakistan.
@Alami Musafir: Why shoot down only a couple? Shoot them all down.
@China: losing war because there is no taliban rule in afganistan?? or beacause kids can go to school now?? or because people can listen to music now?? or afganistan has democracy now?? or they are less dependent on drug money now?? or because afganistan is building its infrastructure?? or because per capita income is highest ever in afganistan??. Your commets just show your terrorist mentality. either u r from china or pakistan why double standards why dont you support taliban in ur country?
Nice to see strong reaction from establishment and its supporters. Obviously a high value target has been hit. It is the moral duty of the US to clean out the area before they finally leave. It is a dirty job but somebody has got to do it. How cleanly have they taken out OBL and now Libbi without any fanfare or loss to many civilians? This says a lot about the US expertise and Pakistani reaction.
@F Khan: 'UN will back you'. You have not complied to UN resolution that states NO COUNTRY SHOULD SUPPORT. Sure UN will back you (sorry, but can't stop the laughing).
@naeem khan Manhattan,Ks: ' Those who has awarded the Noble Peace Prize to Obama' Well he was awarded one because the world believes him. So if he says that Pakistan is a terrorist country, the whole world will believe him. As for Pakistan ?
@China: USA has not lost this war but in fact is opening a new war front. Any guess on the name of that country?
PAF has to take matters in their hand now
@Menon: they will shoot it down when its time to do that..dare PAF not Alami
The reason PAF doesn't shoot down Drones is because US has one last final, ultimate trump against Pakistan. No not weapons, but Economic power and the influence that comes from being a super power- so basically to cripple Pakistan's staggering economy with sanctions.
The day Pakistan shoots down drones, that is the day US will declare Pakistan to be an enemy and put some heavy duty sanctions.
I think it will happen sooner than later.
Sounds familiar - I remember the Russians sharply increasing Pakistan's airspace violation and bombing northern areas right before loosing the Afghan war.
@Pragmatist: Whatever dude. We have survived all these years and will do so in future. Obama can do whatever he wants. Politicians can lick his bum for money but people won't. You can say whatever you want.
@k. Salim Jahangir: What if both PPP and Obama are back in power for next four years than what?
@Nasir: You a Pakistani muslim? or just pretending to be one.
Yeah seems like everything US does, its counter-terrorism. Everything they ever did in Iraq, Afghanistan or any other muslim country for that matter, there's NO collateral damage whatsoever. Obama is saying this because he can. Whether its right or wrong, it doesn't matter at all. Robert S. McNamara, US Secretary of Defense during WWII, ''*LeMay said if we lost the war that we would have all been prosecuted as war criminals. And I think he's right. He... and I'd say I... were behaving as war criminals. LeMay recognized that what he was doing would be thought immoral if his side has lost. But what makes it immoral if you lose and not immoral if you win?'' Us Pakistanis are at fault. Can't blame the US. We need to stand up for ourselves. More than 34000 Pakistanis have lost their lives ever since this so called War on Terror started.
Those in Pakistan who are eagerly awaiting a US retreat from AFPAK in 2014 or earlier will be deeply disappointed. US never enters a theater merely to sneak away after a few short years. The sacrifice of thousands of lives and billions of public treasure will never be lost in vain. More than 65 years since the end of the last great war US sustains its influence and force presence in Europe, Japan, Korea. Middle East etc. and growing influence in Asia-Pacific. Prudence requires Pakistan to promptly dump its militant Islamic groups, its Hafeez Saeed's and assorted 'strategic assets' into the Indian Ocean and join the civilized world as a normal law abiding, peaceful nation.
Things will start settling down after the departure of PPP & Obama.........till then Wait!
PAF fast becoming redundant - AWACS or not :)
@ Pragmatist: Are you sure they had 2 goals, then tell me what are they doing Afghanistan if they had only these goals? why are they expanding war? why Afghanistan is still not safe for foreigners like you?
Thank you uncle obama , please also extend drone strikes to inner cities where known terrorists live in full knowledge of the govt. Please also target ministers that attend rallies of banned extremist outfits
@Alami Musafir: Silly boy the army was asleep while obamas boys took care of obl. What makes you think they want to shoot a drone down that is taking care of our problems
Bring the first one down....trust me there won't anymore coming.Drones are against international laws....UN will back us....this is the first time we are right....yes KL aid will stop....this will anyway stop in a few weeks or months the way our relationship is moving. We are no more allies...the early we get out of this mental mindset the better for Pakistan, US and NATO.At least one should be that intelligent enough after losing 10,000 soldiers and 40,000 civilians. Let Panetta et all fight their war which is no more ours.
@Alami Musafir: which drone did the Iranian's knock out?
The one that landed intact and undamaged?
Drones are the destiny of a nation that provides strategic depth to extremists.
To shoot a drone down would be to provide a casus belli for expanding the war into Pakistan (remember the Gulf of Tonkin incident?). The Pak military leadership has to be very careful how it reacts.
All those calling for the military to shoot down these drones should recall the '65 / '71 wars and the Kargil Conflict. If Pak cannot take on a 3rd world regional power like India, what hope do they have that it can pick a fight with the strongest military in history and win that confrontation?
Secondly, Pak depends on the US for weapons and spare parts. The US provides aid. It also has key voting power on the World Bank, IMF, and ADB, not to mention the Security Council.
Some things to think about before urging our 'patient' military to lead the nation down the path of doom.
Thank Obama for doing what Pakistani Leaders and Armed Forces are incapable to doing.
Pakistanis have only created, trained, nourished and harbored Terrorists. Saudi Arabia funds them! Then the whole world uses them to kill other Muslims, including innocent women and children !!
On commenting on the drone attacks in PAk and Yemen according to NY times, Obama said that he did not want to go in war with Yemen, but did not say the same thing about the drone operations in PAK.
Sometimes what is not said says it all.
@China: Sorry to shred your noodles but Obama has already won the war. He got Osama and and got rid of the Taliban government. Those were the only two goals of the Afghan war.
As an Indian, I can't be happier with Obama. Ever since the drone campaign started, incidence of cross-border terrorism in India has reduced by over 90%. Well done, Obama! If Indians could vote, they will re-elect you for another term !!
@ Iron Hand: OOOO.. Yeah, you bet, they have lost it.
@ Imran Con: Well my friend, I am telling you the facts, but am afraid you are ignorant to the facts. Just visit Afghanistan, dont go to Kabul and North side, but move around and visit the rest of Afghanistan, you will know who is wining and who is losing the war. Sitting in a room watching TV, news, Western media and reading news papers wont get you anywhere. Even your religion tells you, do not believe until verified and you get the authenticity. One more thing there is a day for everyone and that they will die on that particular day, so why afraid of finding the truth. They have lost it man, its been a long decade war with US and NATO. but wait for the frustration which might be coming in near future.
@Alami Musafir: On an another note there are no Taliban nor foreign militants based out of Iran. How about Pakistan applying its writ on these territories for a change.
I think they have decided to small scale war with Pakistan before leaving Afghanistan .
Drone and fighting is not the solution of any problem, its making more problems. both sides should think abt it. why US/Taliban/Pak dont talk on table and make solution.
@Alami Musafir:
Well, OBL and al LIbi were not found found in Iran, were they? And we have never heard of Iran harboring terrorists, have we?
The policy makers should make it very clear- either Pak will take the US money and fight terrorists, or not take money, stop providing verbal support, and plainly support the terrorists.
@Faesal: if pak was a proper democratic crountry then yes the gvt calls the shots however in pak it is the army that establishes the rules of engagement.
I feel for ordinary Pakistanis. Any fair-minded citizen would feel frustrated at the daily violations of sovereignty by drones and the government's limp response to them. To make things worse, the original report by Bloomberg also says that there is still one American base INSIDE Pakistan which is used as a drone base. The public in Pakistan, looks like, has been lied to when its been told all drone bases inside Pakistan have been shut.
Obama is planning on calling up Mr Richard Armitage and send him as an envoy to Pakistan. He was the one who negotiated with usurper Musharraf after 9/11 and knows his job. Was Pakistan paid $20 Billion to hunt down terrorists or shelter them, am confused after reading all the comments.
@China: So what are you saying, that the US has lost the war?
If a drone is shot down by PAF US will stop supply of spare parts for PAF.
Why not Pakistan raise the legality of Drones in the UN as advised by Dr. Palie? Is it hiding something or what is the problem?
@Alami Musafir:
Absolutely disagree. PAF doesn't act on its own. Its not that the parliament, PM or President has given orders to shoot down and PAF isn't obeying. Blame for shooting down drones completely lay upon the government.
Stone age is coming. Bush threatned Obama delivers
@China: Do you know the best part about your comment? The way it's worded is so different than the common comment, yet you speak as though you've been doing it every day. Then we can look at the articles you have chosen. Oddly, they're the ones that harm Pakistan's pride and the already common but denied views of its competence and honesty. What are you actually doing in your comments? Dodging the actual topic and attempting to deflect. You've got the "we're so crappy we have no choice but to sling mud at other people then find something to hide behind" attitude of a government worker at the very least. Come on now, that can't be the only thing you guys can do. You're supposed to be the best.
@China
I am curious to know what you call "winning a war"?
We should not play with the US patience! Are we on death wish?
Obama is desperate to win election. He has nothing else to show, economy is in bad state. Democrats got a sever beating in Wisconsin.
Can someone remind me what was wrong with Bush/Cheney?
@Alami Musafir: I agree with u saying "The PAF are a disgrace."
Stop playing on both sides of war, no drone will be required , simple!
Yes, it is high time that those who maim and kill not only those deemed by the US to be guilty - but not arrested and put on trial - but also hundreds, perhaps thousands, of innocent families in the most horrific manner, should be held to account. The US President, by profession a lawyer / attorney, is fully aware of his country's international legal obligations and the consequences of his war crimes / crimes against humanity.
He is allegedly an intelligent man who, it is believed, understands the moral concept of what constitutes 'a just war' . Clearly he does not or, if he claims to, chooses to ignore it. It makes one wonder who exactly is running the US - probably the military, overly keen on target practice on humans, scatter-gun approach?
Clearly, too, he has no concept of the historic religio-political connotations which remain deep in the psyche of colonised / invaded nations and the damage still being done by modern-day Crusaders (Bush's faux part) and neo-colonialists.
Severe condemnation from the US's London lapdog government would be appropriate. It has, quite rightly, condemned the atrocities in Syria - so far nothing said against Obama's Cabal.
@Alami Musafir: It is because Iran never allowed itself to be used as a rentier state which i am sad to say , Pakistan did!!!. And a tenant will always insist on fulfillment of conditions after paying rent!
Obama is in a fix. He has six months to show that he has honored his election promises. The most important of the promises that he made to the families of the Armed Forces personals and the public at large that he would take them out of the futile war. Alas he has not been able to declare victory and get out of the theatre of War.
@Alami Musafir: No can do. Shooting down a drone will officially declare Pakistan to be at war with US. Or it'd have been done by now.
Instead of Apology we get more Drones.. wow
Well the bells of losing the war are ringing... Mr Obama admit the fact that US lost the war. No matter what you do but nothing will change, the result would be the same US lost the war. Obama and US and NATO after more than a decade with all the technology and sophisticated weapon could not contain a few men who had simple guns. well americans you have lost the war. uncle Sam just go home with your troops.
PAF, Pakistani Navy and Pakistan Army has lost its credibility especially General Kayani, their heads should roll, But who will do it, the weakest President and PM? off course not.
Allami Mussafi @PAF,ARMY, and GOVT, still hoping heavy aid, perhapes the have failed to study the Aamerican mind, Iran is a courageous countray and knows to maintain its integrity. Drone attacks are being with the Govt's consensus, it was agreed.
Pakistan Airforce is really a disgrace to nation.
@Alami Musafir:
Shoot it down. I dare you.
As long as civilians are not target and only terrorists and terror camps are targeted, Godspeed ! US should ignore Pak Govt and continue Bombing Terrorists and terrorist supporters like Difa e Pak.
Pakistan expels all CIA agents doesn't provide intelligence to US but since the US is going to intensify drone strikes, they are going to hit you will less ground intelligence. This will lead to greater collateral damage. Its a lose lose situation for Pakistan. Unless of course Pakistan takes it upon itself to do its own cleaning up
Shoot down a couple and give Obama something to think about. If the PAF is too scared to do it , ask the Iranians to come over with some of their missiles. We never hear of drone strikes in Iran. On the contrary they seem to knock out whatever is sent to them. The PAF are a disgrace.