rssPakistan at ‘Critical Phase’ Against al-Qaeda
Wednesday, October 07, 2009 at 4:08 pm
- 10 Comments
Pakistani Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi (securityconference.de)
The foreign minister of Pakistan vowed that President Asif Ali Zardari’s government had forged an “unprecedented national consensus” to defend a “stable, democratic country where terrorism and extremist ideologies have little or no support” in an address to the Council on Foreign Relations Wednesday afternoon.
Shah Mahmood Qureshi, who met yesterday with Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, urged the United States not to delay or place conditions on promised U.S. aid for Pakistan’s democratically elected civilian government and said the U.S. needed to provide Pakistan with greater “access to your markets” in order to provide a durable alternative to extremism. Political and ideological space for extremism in the beleaguered nuclear-armed nation would only be prevented through “social safety nets for the poor” and “declining poverty.”
Illustration by: Matt Mahurin
Qureshi spoke at a momentous time for the U.S.-Pakistan relationship. Last week, the Senate passed a five-year, $7.5 billion aid package known as Kerry-Lugar that President Obama is expected to sign in the coming days. The Pakistani Army is on the verge of launching a much-delayed offensive in the the mountainous region of Waziristan, where the Pakistani Taliban is headquartered and al-Qaeda’s senior leadership is believed to be hiding. And on Wednesday afternoon, the Obama administration’s war cabinet will assemble at the White House to debate potential changes in its strategy toward Afghanistan and Pakistan, though Qureshi declined to offer advice to the U.S. on the question.
The foreign minister, who is on a public-diplomacy tour of the U.S. to bolster support for his government, said that Pakistan was at “a crucial phase in its fight against terrorism.” He described the Pakistani Taliban as being in “disarray” after its leader, Beitullah Mehsud, was killed in August by a CIA drone strike, saying “no single leader holds sway over disparate factions.” Qureshi did not address the forthcoming anti-Taliban offensive in Waziristan except in passing reference — and after his speech, the Pakistani ambassador to Washington, Husain Haqqani, declined to address the subject — but said that Pakistan needed expanded trade access to western markets for its textiles and other exports if it is to consolidate any military gains. “Is it wiser to keep fighting the fire or [to take] away the oxygen that fuels it?” he asked.
Yet Qureshi hedged when asked about taking action against the leadership of the Afghan Taliban, the former Pakistani client organization that is now based in Pakistan’s city of Quetta. “If we feel there is an element in Quetta that is destabiizing Pakistan, we will not hesitate” to take action, Qureshi said. Asked what that stance meant for the Waziristan offensive, he replied, “We want to clear our territory of all kinds of mischief.”
Similarly, Qureshi declined to give an opinion on whether the U.S. ought to increase troops in neighboring Afghanistan, an option the Obama administration is currently debating. But he said that it would be “useful” for the U.S. and NATO to include Pakistan in its military deliberations, “so our effort is more coordinated, more focused.” Discussions with members of the Obama administration left Qureshi with the impression that a decision will come by “late October [or] early November.”
Qureshi praised the Kerry-Lugar aid bill as the U.S.’s “first visible demonstration of engagement with Pakistan beyond terrorism” and a “very strong signal of a long-term commitment.” Qureshi met with Sens. John Kerry (D-Mass.) and Richard Lugar (R-Ind.), the architects of the Senate version of the bill, who he said assured him there were no “conditions” on the aid package troubling to Pakistan. While Pakistan’s Geo TV reported earlier today that Obama was delaying signing the bill, a White House spokesman, Thomas Vietor, said there was no truth to Geo’s report.
At the State Department Tuesday, Clinton, who expects to travel to Pakistan soon, praised Qureshi and pledged an “enduring partnership with Pakistan, and to work with the government and the people of Pakistan to help spur sustainable economic development, enhance safety and security, and build on recent progress in the fight against the militants who have spread terror and instability in Pakistan.”
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10 Comments
Comment posted October 7, 2009 @ 8:46 pm
Just make one last major effort to “find and kill Osama”
and bring our troops home.
Achieving the goal of the first Afghan War was ruined when Bush & Cheney started moving troops to the illegal invasion of Iraq, backed up by the WMD Lies, and allowed Osama to escape. This war is now Obama's. Make sure America doesn't end up in Afghanistan's “graveyard of empires”.
And please, for the sake of our rule of law, Enforce Our Federal Anti-Torture Law against the Bush-Cheney Torture Conspiracy before the statute of limitations expires.
The 9-11 victims died for what? Torture in their name?
Help Prosecute the Violators of our Federal Torture Law,
NOW, before the Statute Of Limitations expires.
Google Our Url to see Our Work and
SIGN the PETITION
Calling for Prosecution Now!
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So the 9-11 victims did not die for Torture!
Start a weekly “prosecution” protest at your Congressman's office Now!
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Pingback posted October 8, 2009 @ 2:34 am
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Sharon Lopez and TMC Member Feed. TMC Member Feed said: Wash. Independent: Pakistan at ‘Critical Phase’ Against al-Qaeda: Shah Mahmood Qu.. http://bit.ly/wIWHb [...]
Comment posted October 8, 2009 @ 12:03 pm
Great, once again with Al-Qaeda. Give it a rest people. If the US would mind its own freakin business, there would be no threat. What a pathetic JOKE! Doesnt the US have enough of its own problems to deal with?
Comment posted October 8, 2009 @ 1:21 pm
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Comment posted October 8, 2009 @ 10:10 pm
I'm tired of hearing the conservatives piping up with their disapproval of Obama's handling of the situation. But you didn't mind when Bush merely tossed 6 and a half billion to Pakistan to help in Afghanistan, which now intelligence officials estimate a whole half billion actually made it to the military. Idiots.
We've been there 8 years, things are getting worse. None of this, by the way, is the fault of the troops, so you idiot conservatives can toss out the 'unpatriotic' label you'll toss my way. The consensus is, it needs to be fixed. How 'bout we inquire with a multitude of experts, and try to come up with the best fix…not just throw 'more' at the problem. If it means more troops, let's go with more troops, but a quick response isn't necessarily the right one.
Idiot conservatives.
Pingback posted October 10, 2009 @ 10:45 am
[...] Obama’s national security team is reframing its war strategy by emphasizing the campaign against al Qaeda in Pakistan while arguing that the Taliban pose no direct threat to the United States, The New York Times [...]
Comment posted October 12, 2009 @ 12:11 am
HERE ARE FACTS THAT THE AVERAGE AMERICAN CITIZEN KNOWS FOR SURE–
9-11 changed America–and brought Americans together as only America can do!
Bush responded with bombs that were aimed in the mountainous area in Afghanistan–then marched into Iraq–Whether right or wrong–
Didn't find weapons of mass destruction–how many months did Hussein have to transfer what he had–via tunnels into another country!
Fact according to Millenium year by year–In March 1988–Saddam Hussein admitted to using CHEMICAL WEAPONS–POISON BOMBS on a town HALABA (territory occupied by Iran).
So by this–Hussein had them and didn't care about the victims in the surrounding countries!
Every President in the United States (the last 43 Presidents) have ALL SUBMITTED AN AMERICAN BIRTH CERTIFICATE!
ALL BUT OBAMA! With Obama winning the Nobel Prize for trying to promote peace–then OBAMA SHOULD BEGIN IN AMERICA BY ACTUALLY PROVIDING A BIRTH CERTIFICATE WITH THE OFFICIAL SEAL FROM THAT HOSPITAL!
HE WON'T–HE DOESN'T WANT AMERICANS TO KNOW THE TRUTH–In his position and to soothe the Americans request–why wouldn't OBAMA WANT TO MAKE THOSE PEOPLE LOOK FOOLISH! For Obama to elude from with a signed along with the seal of his birth, does bring to mind–he must have something to hide–THE ONLY SEAL WE KNOW FOR SURE—0BAMA'S RECORDS HAVE BEEN SEALED BY THE HAWAIIAN GOVT–AND CAN NOT BE OPENED–UNLESS THE COURTS ORDER HIM TO HAVE THE MEDICAL INFORMATION ABOUT HIS BIRTH RELEASED!
Again–Every job that I have had–drivers licenses and a birth certificate proving my right to be considered an American Citizens—if all other Presidents have–then what is holding him up to the same standard that is required by every other President and the average American!
Obama has claimed his muslim heritage–and Louis Farrakahn is very proud of Obama! Louis Farrakahan has been wanting to promote the Nation of Islam in America! Maybe with that in mind-maybe that is why Obama won the Peace Prize!
GETTING TO HEALTH CARE–I don't want THIS GOVERNMENT TO KNOW MY MEDICAL HISTORY–LIST OF THE MEDICATIONS–Diagnosis–Prognosis–this will happen whether you are on your private insurance or the public option!
OBAMA said: “we aren't going to make you change from your insurance if you want to keep it—-THEN SAID–WE (The Government) will make sure the stability and security of your insurance companies to make sure they are in compliance with their law—so COULD THE INSURANCE COMPANY BE PLACED ON NOTICE–IF YOU DON'T TRY TO CUT DOWN THE MEIDCAL COST–YOU WILL NEED TO SUBMIT TO ME A PROPOSAL (like Obama did to General Motors) and if Obama's administration is going to be the watchdog for your private insurance provider–THEN THE GOVT IS DANCING AROUND AND NOT SAYING–WE WILL HAVE YOUR MEDICAL INFORMATION IN OUR DATA SYSTEM WHETHER YOU WANT IT OR NOT!
On 60 Minutes 09-13–OBAMA DECLARED ONCE THE HEALTH CARE IS PASSED I WLL OWN IT! Obama said it numerous times–and at the end of the OBAMA'S INTERVIEW BY KROFT–OBAMA SAID–WHEN IT COMES TO HEALTH CARE I WILL HAVE THE FINAL SAY!
09-20 with George Stephanlous–Obama was asked how he intended to reduce the medical premiums–then if the American people who can't afford the premiums–you are going to fine/tax–
Obama's response—IF THERE IS SOMEONE WHO IS GETTING MEDICAL CARE AND IT ISN'T MAKING THEM HEALTHIER—WE WILL TAKE THOSE MONIES AND GIVE IT TO SOMEONE WHO DOESN'T HAVE INSURANCE!
These facts are true–I watched the interviews—and the transcript that was posted on ABC website–DOESN'T THIS SOUND LIKE IF MEDICATIONS OR THEIR CARE WASN'T GOING TO MAKE THEM HEALTHIER–WHY SHOULD THEY CONTINUE WITH THEIR MEDICAL REGIME!
FOLKS–THIS IS VITAL THAT EVERY AMERICAN LET THE CONGRESS KNOW YOU DON'T WANT THEM TO HAVE YOUR MEDICAL RECORDS–LIST OF MEDS–DIAGNOSIS–PROGNOSIS–
BECAUSE HE SAID IT: IF THE CARE THE PERSON IS RECEIVING ISN'T MAKING THEM HEALTHIER — THEN GIVE THOSE MONIES TO SOME ONE WHO IT WILL HELP! YOUR GRANDPARENTS are at RISK! By 2013–Obama will have the medicare cut in the budget for 500,000 mllion dollars!
On with the rest of the Obama's answer for George Stephanous—in regards to premiums—-the tax/fine ranging from $750–to $3,800 dollars are higher if you refuse or can't afford the insurance!
Obama said: “Why should my $900 insurance premium pay for those who don't get insurance?” WOW! No Empathy there–Obama further said: “if they walk out in front of a car and they are injured–then why should our premiums for them? The 2 interviews were informative–and very frightening!
Call the White House 202-456-1111—–House of Representatives 202-224-3121–and call your US Senators–and Representatives!
After hearing the above statements–I just began to call Senators–and Representatives from every State–any person who has had a loved one fighting for cancer–could not trust this health care reform–REMEMBER THAN SAY THIS IS ONLY ONE SIXTH OF THE DEFICIT BUT THE EMPHASIS ON HEALTHCARE HAVE PLACED OUR TROOPS WAITING FOR ANSWERS FROM THE PRESIDENT FOR THE LAST 8 MONTHS—PLEADING FOR TROOPS–AND OBAMA STILL CAN'T MAKE UP HIS MIND–
BUT OBAMA CAN FLY TO COPENHAGEN–DENMARK TO TRY AND GET THE WINTER OLMPICS IN CHICAGO–MRS. OBAMA LEFT A DAY EARLIER AND HAD TO HAVE THE OTHER PRESIDENTIAL PLANE FLY HER OVER–JUST TO HAVE HER HUSBAND (Obama) leave the next day–THE COST OF THE TRIP INTO THE HIGH BILLIONS OF DOLLARS–AIR FORCE ONE ALONE TO COST TO FLY IT IS $101,000 AN HOUR!
So wining and dining–while our troops are eating and breathing dust–this SHOULD BE AN OFFENSE TO EVERY MILITARY PERSON–AND THEIR FAMILY–IF OBAMA CAN'T MAKE UP HIS MIND–THEN LET EVERY SOLDIER RETURN HOME NOW–IT ISN'T FAIR TO LEAVING OUR TROOPS HANGING AND PLEADING FOR RESULTS FROM THE PRESIDENT–NO RESPONSE–THEN THEY LET THE PUBLIC KNOW ABOUT IT–AND OBAMA CALLED THEM ON THE CARPET—
WE NEED TO SPEAK FOR OUR MILITARY–WHEN HEALTH CARE REFORM CONSUMES INTO THE MID NIGHT HOURS FOR 6 MONTHS–TRYING TO WORK REDUCE 1/6 OF A FEDERAL DEFICIT—
WHEN THIS ADMINISTRATION HADN'T SPENT THAT MUCH TIME TO DELIBERATE ABOUT OUR MILITARY!
GOD HELP AMERICA! WE ARE IN REAL TROUBLE
Comment posted October 12, 2009 @ 6:31 am
I am totally agree with you since they faces lots of problem internally as well as externally.but this is caused by them selves only since they produce terrorist.
Comment posted August 5, 2010 @ 2:34 am
Every President in the United States (the last 43 Presidents) have ALL SUBMITTED AN AMERICAN BIRTH CERTIFICATE!
Comment posted August 23, 2010 @ 2:02 am
as well as externally.but this is caused by them selves only since they produce terrorist.
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