huh!..beggars cant be choosers.Then how come pakistan gets to choose. Half the country needs the money of Americans, the other half, arm power of radical islamic groups. No problem even if both the parties are going to come back and haunt us later.Terrorists are mad at us for helping America and Americans are mad for helping terrorists. No issues.. lets poke our noses deeper into the issue and if that back fires.. lets live in denial… until both the parties come and fight us first. Radical islamic groups are already on their way. We at least have a neighbour to put blame on. Lets live in more denial and enjoy the visual treat of bombs and fidayeen attacks in our own backyard .We are in for one wild ride. It never stops getting exciting.

It should be very clear to the American’s that they cannot win in Afghanistan w/o the help of Pakistan. Our supply route is the shortest and cheapest, which will help to keep the war cost low, which is increasing exponentially. Route through Iran is long and not developed. Route through Russia takes for ever. With that in mind our government should tell our American Friends that things would run according to our wills, after all when they left in 1989, we were the one who played a crucial role in bringing about peace in Afghanistan. We should dictate terms rather than accept anything that is thrown at us. I remember reading in a book, when once President Ayub Khan said that beggars are not choosers. The time has come when we should say the same thing to Americans Beggars re not choosers. We need more aid & better equipment. Not only this they should make sure that Indians don’t use their twelve consulates to destabilize the region.

Muhammad Abdul Majid – listen up.

the reason they have not been captured is because they hide in caves surrounded by a land that the US is not permitted to go into. Nothing groovy or sexy about how they have avoided capture. Its simple logistics.

The shortsightedness of the people here is so obvious. You are still mired in the thought that the US is the Great Satan. what you forget is prior to 911, the US in fact supported and funded Pakistan with great zeal and at times to detriment of Indian interest.

You will live in the stone ages if you act foolish in not accepting the funding and assistance of the US in this war on terror. This is ‘Global’ threat that would only see the international community alienating Pakistan – if Pakistan does not step up to the plate.

Don’t make a scapegoat of the hand – that extends to help you. This is not about regional identities – Its about smart politics !!!

Can you handle the truth ?

World knows what kind of fairwell received by Bush in Iraq and its old saying history repeat itself.

Pakistanis should be more careful and keep themselves away being a war partner by any means.

Pakistan and Afghanistan can’t taggle the web of foreign powers and Mullah without help from each other. Pakistani and Afghani must realize that neither US, UK or India are friends of Pakistan and Afghanistan ( India). Sooner Pakistani and Afghani realize it, it would be better. Both nations are proud nations- both with each other help defeated the Russia and both need each other to destroy the Yolk of foreign powers and Mullah’s powers. Each can’t do alone.

Pakistan should ally itself with the organic, so called “Taliban” not those elements who have sworn alleigance to Arab extremists and their allies. Make no mistake, once America leaves, and the dust settles, the Pashtoon nation will again return to power in Afghanistan. I further suspect that Karzai will soon be in exile and a new leadership will emerge in Afghanistan. It is clear that the hardcore Taliban offer nothing but war, misery and destruction to themselves and the region, and thus should be defeated militarily and ideologically through the support of the reconcilable Taliban and Pashtoon tribes in Pakistan and Afghanistan.

PAK+India should fight terrorism together. Historically it the people and the part of the land of Pakistan which has bear the attacks of foreigners in the past many centuries(Alexander, Iranians, Mongols.Mughals etc) and saved the mainland from the barbaric acts of the attackers,They have sacrificed their lives and religion to save the present India.
So I request evrey Indian and Pakistani (Including politicians) that leave all the political difference aside and work together to erradicate the common enemy i.e. terrorism, Poverty. illetracy etc

Its amazing how many people here sincerely believe that Israel is behind the mayhem in Pakistan. Its even more amazing that person after person believe that the problems that haunt today’s Pakistan is because of events that transpired two decades ago.

The fact is Pakistan should face the terrorism treath head on and resolve it with force if required. Pussy-footing around the issue will not help.
It is increasingly apparent that Pakistani elements sponsor terrorism. That terrorism is not engulfing the entire state. Today’s Pakistan is a pariah, a no-go zone for cricket teams, politicians, artists and everyone else.

I am an Indian and have always wished the best for my Pakistani brothers. Please do not be fooled by internal hypocrisy that lays the current situation on India and Israel.

Around the world , people talk about our country for the wrong reasons.
After our independence what we had achieved? Nothing!!!!!
We always compare ourselves with Indians.. how they are treating their muslims, riots in Gujrat etc…
But try to understand — even after all these events in Indian soil, nobody is talking negative about them , except us.
I am afraid to say in social web site, that i am Muslim and from pakistan.

Is it possible that the ISI is giving US a hardtime in Afghanistan through Taleban? The more the US wants to eliminate this monster that it created itself to fight the russians, the more ISI is keeping it alive. Reason: US continues to hold Pak as its top ally and keeps funding its economy. I would have given a 10 on 10 to this strategy had we got a handful of good, honest and patriotic politicians running our country and striving to make the best out of the funds that are pouring in in the form of aid. But alas! Deep pockets and sometimes pockets with holes are shattering this nation’s dreams.

It is Pakistanis destryoing Pakistan and no one else. 62 years of blame game should end and realities accepted. If we have US pushing things from nose and throat it is us to be blamed.
If for the wrong of US we are going to destroy ourselves then no one can help a nation. This is what is happening. Insurgency has destroyed Pakistan… US citizen sleep in peace while we dont know where we will be struck.

who says terrorism and jihadism do not pay? according to USA it is worth $1.5 billion a year but according to Pakistan’s best friend, China, it is not even 0.5 billion onetime gift….go figure
Make sure what you wish for, because God may even grant it…like the US to get out of the region may just happen…because Obama is not going to jeopardize his second term by pouring more money down the afpak border.And if that happens Pakistan economy will go into a tail spin and crash …

Its all about the direction of war which America has lost. It was Al-Qaida who was the target. After having all the “greatest” weapon and all the greatest and sensitive technology why Usama bin laden and Amen al Zahwari havent been captured. It is very easy that if some one is failing the put all the trash on someone else and get out cleanly. Same thing USA and allied forces are doing. They cant even captured those who were involved in so called attacks on 911. Pakistan should be kept out of it and Pakistan should also try to keep her self out of it. It has never been a Pakistan war. The war which was thrust upon Afghanistan and killed thousands of innocent man, women and children but still Alqaeeda is active and killing people in Afghanistan.
Pakistan should concentrate on enhancing all the systems of govt. with most importantly the Judiciary for justice which will make stronger Pakistan and the war to USA. Let them clean the trash which they have messed up.

I tell my son all the time – if you don’t do it, someone else will make you do it and you won’t like it. This is exactly what is happening to Pakistan. For years, they ignored the warning signs coming from all over. Now they are complaining.

The saddest part is, the Pakistanis still don’t get it, and continue to blame everyone else.

For a second, ponder on these issues:

Islam is not a unifying force. It is meant to be observed on a personal level. Don’t mix it with politics to run a country or destroy one.

open your eyes, know the facts, analyze them, and act like an informed mature person. Don’t be a whiny cry baby. It is a great country, but is stuck with some bad people. Take care of them, and march on. The whole world, including your enemies – the Afghans and the Indians – will support you.

We need to realize that the ISI and the army need to be UNDER a civilian thumb. They have been ineffective in the way they have defended us as an organization. On an individual soldier/agent level we have the cream of our population there but at an organizational level, they are our bane.

a) ISI/Army thinks that we can keep saying that we do not have control over NWFP, FATA, Balochistan and yet consider foreign troops as a violation of sovereignty. The US is not that stupid.

b) ISI/Army must realize that supporting the Taliban hurts Pakistan. We might win the battle but we will lose the war.

c) ISI/Army must realize that we cannot SECRETLY support the Taliban. The CIA is not that stupid.
.
d) ISI/Army need to realize that Kashmir is a lost cause. Regardless of the moral case, we need to cut our losses, change our relationship with India and grow our economy. Doleouts from US will NOT grow our economy.

The much-publicized new Afghan strategy speaks volumes of the failure of US efforts to put back the genie they had created during the cold war years and later left to grow in the region on both sides of the Durand Line. The new policy is not a U-turn. However, what is significant is that criticism at home and amongst its allies, helped the US administration realize the scale of the threat and to do comprehensive groundwork before chalking out a clear approach with more resources and including an exit strategy.

At home, President Barack Obama addressing the Congress stressed that his focus was ensuring that al-Qaeda could not attack the US. He was candid with the public that the war will cost more lives and money. He succeeded in making the Americans understand that it was “down payment on our own future”, and got an immediate positive feedback from both sides of the aisle in Congress.

In Brussels, U.S., Special Representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan, Mr. Richard Holbrooke stressed the need for a regional approach to the Afghan problem, including Pakistan, and the importance of a stepped up civilian and military effort. The new policy has been termed as an attempt to “fit the Afghan and Pakistan pieces together”. Envisaging more US troops and civilians than their counterparts from NATO, there are plans to bring Iran, Russia, China and India as part of the new international contact group on Afghanistan.

The new US strategy includes reconciliation efforts with some Taliban, and a lowering of expectations for what the US can achieve in the war-torn Afghanistan. The aim is to train the Afghan military to fight the insurgents and to take control of its war and ultimately to bring back their troops home.

For Pakistan, it tantamount to an endorsement of a congressional funding plan – the Kerry-Lugar legislation that links long-term U.S. security assistance to that of its efforts to curb the Taliban activity along the frontier areas that border Afghanistan. It also stresses the need for tackling extremists operating inside Pakistan. The US administration believes that maintaining the new relationship envisioned between Islamabad and Washington depends on a convergence of views on how to counter the Taliban-driven security challenges in Pakistan. It could have redefined the US approach to Pakistan. If the drone attacks continue, it may damage its ability to succeed.

Today Pakistan is struggling for its minimal existence. Its sovereignty is gone. Its territorial integrity is in severe danger. Its ethnic divisions are at their sharpest to a breaking point. Its armed forces (pride of the nation) effectively engaged in a suicidal war against its own people. Father of its nuclear capability under house arrest. Its nuclear assets created to protect the country are being protected, lest they are picked up or destroyed in a surprise US-India-Israel special action.

This is indeed amazing and incredible. 170 million people and their leaders are neither interested in finding out how have they arrived at this situation, nor seeking to get out of it. With no one in control, circumstances are the driving force and the situation is totally out of control.

J

I feel very sad for Pakistani citizens 1.Apparently being beheaded by militants in some parts of Pakistan
2.Being attacked by drones from skies.
3.Ordered by West to act against Militants.
4.Apparent Terrorist sympathy of ISI and Army.
5.Weak infant status of Democracy.
6. History of connection of all parties with Militants.
What is the average citizen to do? What is his / her future? Macho talk is totally useless. All of the allies (US, Saudi and China)seem to be off no help.All of the true patriots should come up with a practical answer to this problem at this critical juncture. Is there no patriot / leader to step in and do it? I do not trust any of the leaders of the parties except may be Imran Khan. They all seem to take the money and run!!

This is in reference to the unveiling of new approach towards tackling the afghan problem .

pakistan has to realise that there is nothing like good taliban and bad taliban all are extremists who have no regard for the human life nor they do recognise religion , there sole aim is to spread terror and cause maximum destruction .

secondly pakistan and afganistan have to demarcate there border and respect the santity of it by stationing border troops with provision of free movement of people as on both sides of border consist of same ethnic stock .

thirdly pakistan has the stake in region and its concerns needs to well addressed similarly other countries have stake and if all them work in tandem they can iron out differences and can contribute towards rebuilding the war shattered afghan society and economy .

After seeing the rallies over the past 2 years regarding the dismantling of the justice system by the government, why would the people of Pakistan feel they themselves do not have the wherewithal and the commitment to respond and win the war on terror on their own soil? Really all that is needed is for Pakistan to secede the NWFP entirely – and for the people of Pakistan (and ex-pats) to continue to rally for this expanded cause of justice to get rid of terrorists from their own soil.

Ceding the NWFP region to form its own autonomous region would allow tribal leaders there to deal with the Taliban and handle the situation themselves, as they have proven they really do not want or appreciate any outside assistance. Pakistan could then have REAL borders to set troops up in and defend their territory. Then Pakistan could request assistance from US, UK and other neighboring nations because they could have clearly proven they will not aid and abet the harboring of Taliban or establishment of Taliban within Pakistan borders. There may be elements that remain in places like Quetta or close to the border, but more than likely when they find they are outnumbered by the powerful Pakistan army AND average citizens, they will soon run over to join their fellow terrorists in the newly formed region or Afghanistan.

Of course, this would be sad for the people in NWFP who do not want Taliban and Sharia law (especially non-Muslims) but this would also provide a way for Pakistan’s people to show they understand democracy. A lot of which truly means if YOU want justice YOU must press for it and perhaps even suffer for the cause – similar to the cause for the Chief Justice and detained lawyers and journalists.

It is my strong recommendation that the ex-pats here in the USA also commit their energy and finances to press for TRUE justice for EVERY Pakistani, be they Ahmaddya, Sikh, Christian or Muslim. True democracy demands all people receive equal treatment and opportunity, regardless of ethnicity, race, creed, or current social position. This is what “the pursuit of happiness” means in the Declaration of Independence. It does not mean to be able to fulfill your every desire in order to be happy, but that all the people agree to live in harmony and work to maintain equal rights for each other. The phrase was based on writings of John Locke, who expressed that “no one ought to harm another in his life, health, liberty, or possessions.”

Afghanistan was once up on a time the cradle of Buddhism. So was SWAT valley. They were the last to discard Buddhism and again accept Hinduism. When Islam came much later around 1000 AD with the sword they became hardened Islamists.

Things are changing. Not only for Afghanistan and the tribals of Peshwar onwards.

The Punjabis and Sindhis could never accept Islamisation. They are hard working people who want to enjoy life. They will not sacrifice everything for Islam.

In the changed global scenario there is no room for religious states. Secularism is the way and Pakistan has to become a truly secular state. Ultimately it will happen. The only question is when?

Three things that have destroyed Pakistan: 1) religious fanaticism, 2) false and hollow Pakistani pride, and 3) competing with India at all costs.

Forget our role in Afghanistan,or Kashmir,or India,or Isreal,lets find out whats our role in Pakistan each one of us,before the reality of extremeism roles over us.Get a strong education base of enlightned new generation so we can be a part of the G21,rather than being on the outside looking in on the G20 nations.

This is the first time we have seen some consideration for Pakistani sentiments from US administration, BUT, U.S. has had a poor record with Pakistan on sincerity.
Not once, or twice but three time Pakistan has been ditched terribly after the political agenda was met, leaving Pakistan in a very difficult situation.
Do we have a choice, YES we always have a choice, we as a nation must follow our own interest like any other nation.
To clearly answer the question, Pakistan should carefully view the policy, and if required ammend it to suit our needs. We must realize that there will be now more pressure on miscreants to hid inside Pakistan with more trrops arriving in Afghanistan. Moveover, money given for non military causes MUST be made to work for the economy. If we loose this chance then no one will ever respect us and try and help.

sell Nukes(which we may never use at all) to the US..it will yield billions which can be used for constructive purposes.dependence on foreign aid will also reduce substantialy

Pakistan and India face similar social and political issues. Both have poverty, corruption and non-transperency to tackle.
These issues have top be solved in top priority to have better quality of life for its citizens.
Pakistan must additionally tackle its lean towards Islamic fundamentalism and authoritarian leadership which triffles the very existence of its nation.
I sincerely believe that future generations will see properity between these two neighbours burying the past – past history and recent past history. As it stands today – the situation is indeed bleak, with world war clouds looming in this region.

Pakistanis need to focus on themselves especially now. The country is in big trouble and requires the support of it’s own people and outsiders as well. Forget about getting even with India. In fact being friendly and doing the right things may bring about true recociliation and perhaps a solution in due course to the problems such as Kashmir. But that is later. For now just look after yourselves.

Obama’s New Pak- Afghan Policy
Muslim world, especially Af-Pak inhabitants prayed day and night for the success of Mr. Obama during US presidential elections 2008. It was the impression that he carrying part of a Muslim name with close Muslim background in early life; will understand it better and break Zionist-Neo Con hold on US policies against speculative danger from Islam/ Muslim world. But he seems to have forgotten his election promises on this (few analysts pointed on it) or has been embroidered by the continuation of wrong American policies with its Zionists – Neo con hold which may ultimately cause doom for USA.
It seems to be the continuation to destroy one Muslim country after the other i.e. Afghanistan, Iraq followed by a general belief that Pakistan and Iran to be the next targets. Due to certain internal problems, that policy was delayed and the period was used for preparing grounds for its continuation. This policy has been amply cleared in the policy paper by US ‘Think Tank’ ”RAND”, published by The News on 8th Jan 2009, according to which they succeeded in divide and rule by the end of 2008.
The new Obama policy is clear indication towards the continuation of the same old policy; with grounds now favorably prepared by CIA, RAW, MOSAD in North and West of Pakistan (Sawat, FATA/NWFP and Baluchistan with political turmoil in Sindh and now Punjab). The decision of The Great Game has now been openly deployed – its crusade on Pakistan at the time when our leadership (both political and Militant) is busy in building their own empires. It’s clearer when Obama shows a carrot of 1.5 billion dollars to be spent through NGOs and the stick by forcing Pakistan to obey the World Bank and IMF and declaring Pakistan as the future battle field. It’s without a trace of evidence/ based merely on false propaganda i.e. danger of an attack on USA by Al- Qaeda. It’s the crusade which our leadership (Civil / Military) must realize and immediately deploy its counter policy before it becomes too late.

Some one should go back in the news archives and search for the developments after 9/11 attack. The real problem in Afghanistan was Osama Bin Laden, not TALIBAN. Taliban came in between because they guested Bin Laden wanted by Amerca for still unknow perpetrators of 9/11 attacks (search for Arial Sharon’s interview on CNN before 9/11 where he threatend to put America on fire). You must find from the old news in 2001 that while Taliban were getting a confernce “Girga” to how to hand over Bin Laden to a third country, America all of sudden turned their guns to Taliban, thus attacking Afghanistan and throughing out the Taliban government. Therefore, Americans and allies are seen as occupiers in Afghanistan with their puppy rulers. Unless until, US President brings Taliban in to negotiations and government, the situation will not be solved and it will ignite more problems if they open more fronts with Pakistan. By the way, why do we forget of anti Pakistanies who wish the country should be vanished from the earth. Even planned to separate it into various parts. India make propaganda against Pakistan in whole world but themselves stop flowing all rivers towards Pakistan. They now have collaboration with USA and trying to win their goals.
Finally, although we have very bad Mulla’s but this does not mean the whole Pakistan nations is bad. We still believe in ALLAH and have strength to fight till death.
One more thing to add, the war in Afghanistan is not for any religion nor for the freedom of westerns, but its for all the gas and oil pipelines coming from Russian states and passing through Afghanistan need passage to hot waters either through Iran or via Pakistan (gawader). West freedom lies beneath OIL and GAS. No gas means no survial in cold, no oil means no cars, no electricity, no pubs and no girls.

I suggest Pakistan and its corrupt politicians stop asking money from the USA or anyone else. Put the house in order. And I think what USA should do is to get out of Afghanistan because it is not there to fight terrorism, it is converting more and more people to join resistance movement which it calls TERRORISTS.It should not be forgotten that it was USA who invaded Afghanistan not Afghans invaded US. If it did not learned from the history, it will soon follow the same destiny as others big powers did before.US Economy is in complete mess and those who will join USA in this war will have no different outcome than US itself.Its a lost war already.

I wanted to write my view thus the comments I read, from Indian fellows and talks about India and pakistan instead of what topic is.

Let me clear him one thing What Majority and minority he been talking about about muslim in india, everyone is aware of Gujrat Riot 2002, what Hidus did with muslim and still doing there, it is failure of their own democratic government. least in pakistan hindus are being treated as pakistani. India should learn from Pakistan, instead of taking issue of muslims and islam.

As far Pakistan is not begging and nor ISI is supporting Taliban, no one is blind that Taliban are the product of United states against soviet union. former President W.BUSH was very close to Bin laden family, so United states should stop pretending WAR ON TERROR, because by drown attacks on our soil, in return they shouldn’t expect success. there is no war on terror when terrorist country ( united states ) is playing the chess backed by Israel since they are anti islam.

Please stick to the topic and if you are not pakistani, mention your views here but don’t point not knowing particular information and having knowledge about it.

Regards,

Faree Imaan

Dear Andy

I take your advice and will join the fight for survival of my country which I am sure will be fought against India, Israel and USA.

Its time for some aggressive response from our government to the Obama plan. Its time to ask them to stop their interference in our internal matters.

If you can’t control things on the other side of the border (India or Afghanistan) don’t blame them on Pakistan.

The ones who think that they can overturn our nation should know that we the people of Pakistan hold onto the rope of our Lord Allah, and it is He who is the Disposer of our affairs, if our enemies want to despoil our nation, then with certainty their lies foes within our own nation who wish to aid the evil perperators enabling them to have a firm grasp on our nucleur weapons. They seem to think that it is their God given right, that only they can possess such a weapon, and the rest of the world should be subservient to their desires!
We pakistanis are a pround nation and the world should come to know that we are a kind and compassionate nation and indeed very tolerant, but if you cross the red line, we will indeed all roar like thirsty Lions and rip the heads of the ones who wish to despoil my country!!

What needs to be understood is why have we created this situation for ourselves, and the answer is yet a very simple one, our leaders and I repeat all of them are merely slaves to their masters, they do not possess any brains whatsoever to mitigate a responsible plan for their people, and are continuously bullied at the corridors of parliament by their white supremace leaders, who also have no idea as to what they are doing, they are all completely in denial that they are facing a complete defeat, and their arrogance not to accept it, will only create strife and discord for our people. Someone who I might add possesses the spunk, should once and for all inform the westerners to mind their own business! and not create a story that we are facing threats by Al-Qaeda, this is all complete nonsense, and responsible people in my country should go on the chopping block for their betrayal.

Its the foolishness on part of Pakistan because of which Americans are sitting next door ,they are not friends of Pakistan or India.

We are not worried about Pakistan but Americans which have come so close ,a country which had a history of espionage to maintain its supremacy.

“kashmir” is an emotional issue both sides ,people of India or the people of pakistan will not give up an inch of its territory ..both are nuclear and India is far more powerful..any war will be disastrous on Pakistan,its economy and same for India

“Who will benefit(or are presently enjoying benefits)”:
a)Americans/NATO-Selling arms,even have more control on our resources
b)Chinese,Russians

Unfortunately both sides are adamant on killing each other ,Indian RAW will continue to do what it is now till ISI stops.

Jihadis and media Jihadis(Zaid hamid stuff..etc) are just running there shops and business ,its all money game in the end .

“Things which are not possibile”

a)Kashmir aligning with Pakistan
b)Kashmir aligning with India
c)Nuclear war (as India will not attack & Pakistan still doesn’t have delivery mechanism or hv limited strike capacity)
d)Peace

“Things which are possible’

a)Conventional war
b)Siachen issue
c)Resumption of cricket ties
d)More suicide attack in Pakistan by Taliban aka US backed infiltrators
e)More deadly attack on Indian economy
g)NWFP & Balochistan movement flaring.
h)any other US favoured move

Considering all above ,lets be sensible..lets not give in our heritage to goras ..they rules us and still ruling us indirectly…let the common stand up and speak ..similar to the long march.

Sumant,
India

What ISI is doing is absolutely correct and in the inetrest of Pakistan. It is a great agency. Indians are using the Afghan soil and the puppet Government there to infiltrate Pakistan through a large number of so called consulates in the areas bordering Pakistan. If ISI is not there we will be left defenceless.
The zionizt agents in Pakistan are encouraging Americans and providing them information to target innocent people. They may be killing an odd terorrist at the cost of hundreds of innocent people. this is shame for the Governament who are selling Pakistan so cheaply.

President Obama announced that he will send 17,000 more American troops to Afghanistan this spring and summer, to surge the troop level to 53,000. It appears to be a Vietnam-like solution for ending the war. President Obama came in the name of change and yet he is still following President Bush’s policy in Afghanistan. Surge in troop levels won’t accomplish the objective of ending the war rather it would promote instability in Afghanistan and Pakistan.
In order to formulate a win-win exit policy, the U.S. policy makers need to understand the history and culture of Afghanistan; every bearded Afghan man is not a Taliban. Every Afghan woman who covers her face is not doing so under any duress: it is part of Pukhtoon custom and religious belief.
What is the real objective of war in Afghanistan? The Russians and Chinese are looking at the U.S. to get out of Afghanistan. The Pakistanis have become suspicious of the U.S. They are fed up with the U.S. policies. They are angry with the U.S… They are almost ready to quit this war. They have paid a very heavy economic and human cost for this war. The continuation of drone attacks inside Pakistan is damaging public support in Pakistan. President’s Obama’s Afghanistan policy should be based on wisdom and not just continuation of President Bush’s policies.
After the Soviets left Afghanistan, the U.S. left them in a state of misery. At this moment in time, the Afghan people remain the most suffering people of the world. Millions of Afghans are living in abject poverty. Then there are millions of Afghan refugees who came in 1980s, continue to live in Pakistan. World humanitarian agencies have abandoned them. Economic conditions in the country are despicable. Karzai et. al. has been involved in massive corruption.
Yes, President Obama can formulate a win-win exit strategy from Afghanistan by:
a. understanding the Pukhtoon tribal culture and Muslim religious sensitivities
b. assuring Afghan people that we will leave once elections are held and a democratic government is formed there
c. improving economic conditions in Afghanistan by developing the infrastructure and creating jobs
d. building schools and universities to educate children and adults
e. giving farmers better options to replace their opium crops
f. building energy project pipelines and giving Afghans their fair share
g. promoting regional trade to help Afghanistan stabilize its economy
h. assuring Pakistanis that the U.S. will respect their sovereignty and no attack will be carried out inside their territory, and the Indians will not be allowed to carry out covert operations inside Pakistan from the Afghan side.
i. developing an economic development plan for Afghanistan-Pakistan border similar to Marshall plan
President Obama should encourage all parties to declare a ceasefire and start negotiations to develop a blueprint for peace. Afghan people living in abject poverty, in conditions similar to the 18th and 19th century, in the harsh mountain terrain, can not be tamed with 21st century weaponry. In this day and age, no one likes to be occupied. The solution to the Afghanistan problem lies in the economic and humanitarian aid and support. Let’s hope President Obama formulates an exit policy based on wisdom and not war.

The current problem was created by USA as a result of the earlier Afgan war and to destroy USSR so that USA benefits and becomes a sole Superpower.Pakistan helped USA in achieving this goal.
It is therefore USA moral responsibility to assist Pakistan and Afghanistan to eliminate the current terrosium which was created due to USA desire to become a sole superpower.
What USA is now offering Pakistan and Afghanistan is not a favour but it is its duty in order to be able to enjoy the sole superpower status.All the western naions as well as India are also benificery of Pakistan , Afghanistan and muslim mujahedeen actions during the earlier war where USSR ware driven and defeated.
The Pakistan nation and leadership should not underestimate their leverage and demand that western nations should fulfill their obligation and should offer cooperation conditionally subject to international communities facilitate resolving Kashmir dispute.For Pakistan Kashmir is a life and death issue and all other problem related to terrosium will fall apart once the Kashmir issue is resolved.Terrosium can be eliminated if the issues like Palestian and Kashmir are resolved.

Any strategy that is not home grown will fail. So will this. American interests has to be different than what is good for us. We can’t blame anyone except us and I refer to Leadership in Afghanistan and Pakistan. You can label anyone as Taliban or Al-Qaeda, but most of these are still ordinary people. They were there 20 years ago also but their views have hardened due to intervention by outside forces. We need to talk to them. Militancy in any form cannot be accpeted, but we have to reach out to them and we have to act fast and hard to change their views again. Violence only breeds Violence and this is an unending game.

Why should Pak want a strategic depth in its western border?It wants to be a Super Power?Why dabble in Afganistan?In India many present day politicians find fault with Nehru.But the great man’s greatest acheivement is that he managed to keep the uniform away from politics.He had showdowns with few of the finest generals the Indian Army had.But he managed to keep the military away from politics.So it is the duty of the people of Pakistan to send the military to it’s barracks and the ISI to a mode aswerable to the people of Pakistan functionwise&financewise,afterall if you allow the Corps Comdrs to become Crores Comdrs then the people suffer.This breeds terrorism.(Kasab’s father reported to have told ‘THE DAWN’that he was selling Samosas to make both ends meet & I don’t think this is a very lucrative means of livelihood in a young country with energetic people)

Mr Obama is doing whatever Mr Bush was anyway supposed to do had he been at the helm;it’s bureacracy that runs the show, civil or military. Objectives are global, not local. When in conflict, the global will supersede howsoever unpalatable. Indians ought to stop relishing the plight of a neighbour that actually acted upon the propaganda it carried out. Now, niceties will be shed aside the moment any of the multiple power centres, state and non state will interact and jump the gun, while the already sick population will suffer and resent. Unless they forgive and forget,they won’t come out of it. More complications could follow and the Frankenstein will keep devouring it’s creator. major overhaul of foreign policy goals in the region, careful and responsible education of the population and a grand settlement with regional forces and mutual trade etc might help. Eventually, it will be attained through secularization of education and ending the hate campaign against neighbours,since this has hurt their society more and nation building is completely lost, and even state building is at stake.Sorry to say this, but that’s my opinion.Thanks

One of the most important element in the speech was Obama’s articulation of the reason US is in Afghanistan/ Pakistan. No longer were the reasons such as avenging 9/11 or bringing democracy and human rights quoted. Obama provided a very specfic reason for the US continued presence in Pak/Afghan context. It was that al-Qaida is present in this region and is planning attack on the US. Thus, ensuring US security is now the only official reason for the US presence.

I have two major concerns here. First, this move away from democracy and HR is not an admission of the failure of the mechanism adopted to do so but a result of the increasing strength of the voice that is saying that cultures of Pakistan and Afghanistan are inherently incapable of being liberal, democractic and respecting HR. A recent example of this view is Jason Burke’s article in Guardian on Mrach 15: http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2009/mar/15/jason-burke-pakistan. Personally, I find this sad and in fact a continuation of colonial thinking. Irony is that Burke wrote this article on the day when Pakistan rose for values such as the rule of law, supremacy of constitution, independence of justice, self-determination and so on.

My second concern is the basis of the claim that plans to attack the US are being hatched in Afghanistan/Pakistan. This may be so but how do we know? Clearly, this claim is based on intelligence US must have garnered. But how to trust this intelligence? Were we not told through the same intelligence that Iraq has WMD? Was it also not the basis of Collin Powell’s shameful presentation at the Security Council and Blair’s blatant lie that Iraq can attack the UK in 45 minutes? How then do we trust what the US president is claimning? The point is not that he is lying, the point is that there is a crisis of trust. We have only the claim of the US establishment to go by. It is far fetched to assume that vast of majority of people – people on the ground in FATA, in Afghanistan etc- whose support is necessary to win this war against extremism will be willing to blindly accept the reason for US presence and military might in the region. US must do something to win back this trust. Perhaps it should bring its intelligence to non-alligned group of people to assess and endorse it. There may be other ways but unless the US regains moral ground and trust, it is hard to see how its military power can gain legitimacy. If people will feel the use of force to be illigitimate and unjust, they may be silenced for some time but their future generations will rise again. Moral high ground is as important as military high ground.

Let first things be dealt with first.
The USA had invaded Afghanistan not the backward Afghanistan invade the superpower. Is invasion of an independent country justified for the USA and her coerced NATO Allies? Is US invasion not aggression, if not then what about the invasion of the USA by any alien force? First the USA has invaded Afghanistan and the oppressed have all rights to protect them against alien occupation? Has the USA and her allies-in- invasion the right to brand a war of independence against American-led operation as’Terrorism’? Under this priciple the future invading the USA can be termed a new “war on Terror”. Do the Americans agree? The right of defence of USA is simply restricted to its own territories only. She has no right to violate the right to independence of Afghanistan, Iraq or Pakistan’s people under any pretext. The Afghan people have every right to choose even a Taliban system of government in their country like a system of government based on secularism for the USA. She was the USA which invaded Afghanistan to change the system of government in Afghanistan, then in Iraq and now in Pakistan. After the USA, now the same right of changing a system of government at gun point is permissible for others including Mujahideen, Chinese, Russians? Like President Bush President Obama shows disrespect for the principle of national sovereignty for countries other than the USA or Israel. This American attitude has already created a global disorder, since the condemned and dubious occurrences of 9/11. The 9/11 events yielded an era of all out terrorism against Muslim states as the mishaps of New York and Washingtons were especially arranged to serve as starter of a New Crusade against reemerging Islamic sentiments in the Islamic world? The USA-haunted by Ziionists stood as the godfather of all terrorism in post-9/11 era. The US ‘war on terror’ has backfired and strengthened Islamic elements beyond American perceptions. In Israel Hamas has defeated whole the US-led world? Was it possible before the ‘war on terror’? Hamas type elements, the US-led forces have been facing in Afghanistan, Iraq etc. The US-led war for terror also backfired in the shape of current global econmic meltdown–the price of global war for terror. Despite multi media projections of US successes in the war on terror she has to wrap up its aggression from Afghanistan and elsewhere soon. The onground situation is entirely against the US-led occupation forces. The anti-Islamic sentiments expressed by US stooges in media can not change the fate of the US-led forces defeat in Afghanistan and elsewhere. The fate of aggressor is failure in the end.

Pakistan has no business in Afghanistan except constructive contributions that it can make. Certainly not the way it is presently indulging in by supporting Taliban.

The problem is that FATA areas of pakistan and Afghanistan is as culturally interweaved just as is the case between India and Pakistan. So, the problem arising in one part just cross over to the other side.

The myth of Religion being the foundation of any nation has already broken in Pkistan’s case—-in 1971. Moreover, the islamisation of institutions i.e. Military, intelligence, etc. has nothing but compunded the problems. The policies of General Zia Ul Haq is haunting Pakistan.

Pakistan continues to see India as its enemy. Pakistan has been under military rule for more than 30 years since it attained independence, which has ruined the democratic institions. The period of democratic rule have been overshadowed by personal enmity of political leaders, their selfishness and petty politics.

The looser has been common people of Pakistan. What’s the use of having a huge army, atom bombs when you cant protect your sovereignity in case of drone attacks.

Pakistan has to undo all it’s past policies and make a new beginning.

Let first things dealt with first
The USA had invaded Afghanistan not the backward Afghanistan. Is invasion of an independent country justified for the USA and her coerced NATO Allies? Is US invasion not aggression, if not then what about the invasion of the USA by any alien force? First the USA has invaded Afghanistan and in retaliation the oppressed have all rights to protect them against alien occupation? Has the USA and her alliies in invasion the right to brand a war of independence against American-led operation ‘Terrorism’? Under this priciple the future invasion the USA can be termed a new “war on Terror”. Do the Americans agree?

It would be sad if Pakistan breaks up and the Blame would have to go to Punjab and the Army what most of them don’t understand is that once a country breaks up it is not that easy for the muslims to create a country !. look at Palestine , for one . So I hope the Army and Punjab understand we already lost East Pakistan, continue to do what you are doing we will loose what remains of Pakistan.

I’ve been reading the Dawn for a more than a decade to get opinion and news from the other side of Indian border. it is really my only source to understand the Pakistani psyche.

The one thing I have concluded is that Pakistanis – not the just the army or ISI or the govt. – but the general educated (and maybe uneducated) public in Pakistan just does “not” get it. The problem in Pakistan which is causing everyone to focus on it, is that, it has not taken responsibility for it’s action over the decades in Afghanistan and India.

Don’t get me wrong – I am an Indian and am going to be biased to a certain extent but I love Pakistan too. My dream is to visit Pakistan one day when I will be welcome – not today though. I see Pakistan going from bad to worse and still the “people” – not just the army, govt or the ISI – are blaming USA, India, Israel etc. etc.

The sooner Pakistani people take responsibility for what going on inside their borders – remove terrorist elements and create security, the sooner Pakistan will get back on track.

Terrorism is a one headed snake (not two as some people want to suggest within Pakistan) – there is “no” good side to it. Killing innocent people will never be accepted by any reasonable society. I plead to Pakistanis to realise and take action to improve the situation, or maybe it’s too late. If not done quickly, Pakistan will be history – the mission of 1947 seems to be fading and there seems to be a lack of purpose all across Pakistan. Pakistan needs to ask the questions – why was Pakistan created? Why did your forefathers (and mine) fight for Independence? Why did you separate from india? – definitely not for this.

There was a time when I really really thought that people were the same on both sides of the border – now I sincerely feel we are not the same after all. On a final note, it’s going to be easy to criticise what I’ve written here…..but I’m hoping that some of you will think positively.

your true friend – from India.

war on terror was just a bark through Bush administration, they just wanted to capture south asian coutries, through this issue of (Osama/Mula Umar) who are still fagutive, and can’t be caught yet, becouse they are of US intrests, if Sadam Hussain could be catch eassily, so why they (osama/Umer) can’t? it is really a burning issue which All MUSLIMS must think about it critically.
So in current sircumstances what ever Obama is doing, he doesn’t need to ask to our leaders, becouse he already had bought our leaders through US $ Dollars.
what ever happend so happend, afghanistan is our brother country our government must sopport her, becouse if we don’t then some other country will do it surlly, I REALLY APPRECIATE our ISI in afghan matter and i really want them to carry out such activities, whatever is being done,
After all i really would like to suggest our leaders to adapt the Irians’ policy, to give solied reply to US, and never let them order around the Muslim WORLD.

In the endeavor of having an influence in the government of Afghanistan, Pakistan had taken a path which is leading to its own destruction. This series of destruction had started with arming and training the mujaheddin, who after vanquishing the soviets could not agree upon who should rule Afghanistan.

In an effort to have a government, if not a puppet but a surrogate government the nation of Pakistan had joined the Taliban by guiding them to power seat of Kabul.

The mujaheddin have became unemployed now, but a lot of experience in wagging Guerrilla war.

Pakistan saw an opportunity of employing these unemployed mujaheddin in Kashmir. This prompted India to get involved in the greater game to have a friendly government in Afghanistan, which is not an surrogate or puppet government of Pakistan.

The Iranian’s, Russia & India had joined hands with Ahmed Shah Masood to raise resistance force against Taliban.

By striking the US of A, the Americans got involved after a decade but in a different posture. Earlier they were friends and provided the Mujaheddin with Arms & training now they are on the other side to kill and vanquish the same Mujaheddin whom once they armed. When they felt that they became vulnerable to their own creation (Mujaheddin), the Americans started to hit back with force.

Sensing this as an opportunity, India joined the fray to have its sphere of influence in the government of Afghanistan to checkmate Pakistan.

India would ideally want to engage the well trained Afghan Mujaheddin in their own courtyard rather than in the valley of Kashmir.

India would ideally like to see a hostile government to Pakistan in Afghanistan, which would ensure that the western border of Pakistan are always engaged so that Pakistan will be busy protecting its border rather than arming and wagging a guerrilla war with India on Kashmir.

I personally believe that Pakistan is in a quicksand like situation, where it will not be able to come out of it, as harder it tries to come out of it the more deeply it would find itself in the quick sand.

It cannot relinquish its claim on Kashmir to get out of it, after so many years & wars it had fought for it and so many lives lost.

I really think only a military dictator can bring the Pakistan out of its own mess, its not possible for an democratically elected government to come out of it.

The sooner they realize the better for the nation of Pakistan, because they are spending almost a third of their budget to service the defense needs of the nation, which is not at all a good sign for a country’s economic point of view. Though its the prerogative of the people and government of Pakistan, but living life on the debt provided by another nations, i think is not a good sign for a country which believes its not a failed state.

Realize the reality and function as per the necessity.

President Obama has spoken words of wisdom and announced a very good policy. The best interests and the prosperity of Pakistan require that the State’s democratic government, its Army, it’s ISI use the aid for fighting terrorists, economic develpoment and not fighting India. India is a friend of Pakistan and has no intention to cross international border between Pakistan and India or the line of control in Kashmir. All that India wants is that Pakistan keeps its repeated promises not to alllow its territories to be used for terrorists or their training camps. India wants a stable, democratic and prosperous Pakistan. Abolish terroists training camps and terroristss’ organisations and Pakistan will prosper and India Pakistan relationship will improve beyond any one’s imagination.

Be silent spectator

I don’t know what the first thing .pk to do but last and desperately needed is to get rid of this proxy war (war of others imposed on Islam) or it will be too late.
I wonders what one will do with a person who is responsible of helping your enemy to kill you and your family and burn your houses?
What historian will write about .pk? that its was the nation who was helping non-muslims to kill and destroy there fellow muslims? even worse responsible for callotral damage of there own people (swat, bajour, Nort/Sout waziristan) just because they fellows the teaching of Islam?
Before 1947 it wasn ‘t the case Muslims of sub cont. didn’t do this sort of things then why its become practice of all the elected .pk governments to bend to west?

It is not Government of United States or Government of Pakistan who is responsible for this Mess. It is people of Pakistan who are responsible. They are the one who chose these leaders and support them. It is people of Pakistan who really never did any protest against Drone Attacks on tribal areas of Pakistan. People of Pakistan are those who never questioned their government either military or civilian about the identity of the people who died in those Drone Attacks. It is me, you and people of Pakistan who are to be blamed for it, who never really understood their own identity and never stood fast against people who invaded them ideologically, culturally and territorially.
So if people of Pakistan want to stabilize and prosper Pakistan, it is them who have to come forward in words and Actions. Please don’t rely on policies of US government who are ultimately ruled by Pentagon and I am sure we all know history enough to know what US government and Pentagon do in long run.

President Obama announced that he will send 17,000 more American troops to Afghanistan this spring and summer, to surge the troop level to 53,000. It appears to be a Vietnam-like solution for ending the war. President Obama came in the name of change and yet he is still following President Bush’s policy in Afghanistan. Surge in troop levels won’t accomplish the objective of ending the war rather it would promote instability in Afghanistan and Pakistan.
In order to formulate a win-win exit policy, the policy makers need to understand the history and culture of Afghanistan; every bearded Afghan man is not a Taliban. Every Afghan woman who covers her face is not doing so under any duress: it is part of Pushtoon custom and religious belief.
What is our real objective in Afghanistan? The Russians and Chinese are looking at the U.S. to get out of Afghanistan. The Pakistanis have become suspicious of the U.S. They are fed up with the U.S. They are angry with the U.S… They are almost ready to quit this war. They have paid a very heavy economic and human cost for this war. The continuation of drone attacks inside Pakistan is damaging public support in Pakistan. President’s Obama’s Afghanistan policy should be based on wisdom and not just continuation Mr. Bush’s policies.
After the Soviets left Afghanistan, the U.S. left them in a state of misery. At this moment in time, the Afghan people remain the most suffering people of the world. Millions of Afghans are living in abject poverty. Then there are millions of Afghan refugees who came in 1980s, continue to live in Pakistan. World humanitarian agencies have abandoned them. Economic conditions in the country are despicable. Karzai et. al. has been involved in massive corruption.
Yes, President Obama can formulate a win-win exit strategy from Afghanistan by:
a. Understanding the Pushtoon tribal culture and Muslim religious sensitivities
b. assuring Afghan people that we will leave once elections are held and a democratic government is formed there
c. improving economic conditions in Afghanistan by developing the infrastructure and creating jobs
d. building schools and universities to educate children and adults
e. giving farmers better options to replace their opium crops
f. building energy project pipelines and giving Afghans their fair share
g. promoting regional trade to help Afghanistan stabilize its economy
h. assuring Pakistanis that we will respect their sovereignty and no attack will be carried out inside their territory, and the Indian will not be allowed to carry out covert operations inside Pakistan from the Afghan side.
i. developing an economic development plan for Afghanistan-Pakistan border similar to Marshall plan
President Obama should encourage all parties to declare a ceasefire and start negotiations to develop a blueprint for peace. Afghan people living in abject poverty, in conditions similar to the 18th and 19th century, in the harsh mountain terrain, can not be tamed with 21st century weaponry. In this day and age, no one likes to be occupied. The solution to the Afghanistan problem lies in the economic and humanitarian aid and support. Let’s hope President Obama formulates an exit policy based on wisdom and not war.

it is a great delimma that pakistani rulers whosoever,plitical or amry, become a puppet in the hands of Amercians.May be it is their complusion or not but they try their level best not to make Amercains angry.They even sell the integrity of thier nation on the cast of few pennies the same is going to be happened by recent offers of Ameraicans.As a sovergin state paksitan should not relay on any other nation for her soverginty.She should memorise her role in Afghan Russian war whose after effects are still eminent on our national peace and security.They must demonstrate such kind of couage by rejecting the offers of amercians and save thier national “khudi” they will see that whole nation will be standing after their decision

As Pakistan’s northern part is bleeding profusely with suicide attacks, drone attacks, missile attacks and attacks between Talibaan and Pak army. Obama administration, trying its best to control the situation is quite puzzled how to handle this insurgency or war on terror.
This is Pakistan’s war or civil war,brother killing brother.
I do not think that this war has any thing to do with USA or any threat for USA. While Pakistan’s government is trying its best to cash this war and show it as a greatest threat for USA.
Obama is an intelligent man, he fully understands and realizes the situation and during this economic crises, it would be in the greatest interest of USA to get out of this mess.That is what he is trying to do.

A-1 Does Pakistan have a choice in terms of American policy making except kowtowing?
A-2 Pakistan has strong links with China and Saudis, but did it matter when you went around asking for help? The richest countries cannot help Pak pull out of financial mess.
A-3 Afghanistan’s problems are your creation too. In the bargain you have a confused citizenry who is united only in the NEED for Kashmir and CONTROL of Afghanistan! to the exclusion of economic growth and probably even a civil society.

It is easy for Pakistan to deny things. But please understand that Pakistan has been the loser irrespective of who has won or lost in Afganistan. First it lost its government and Army to the radical elements then it lost its credibility as a peaceful nation in the international arena now it has lost 40% of its territory to the radicals. The money that US offers is nothing compared to these losses. Please wake up and start building your nation as a modern power.

Please stop casting aspersions on Pak Army and ISI…”Disbanding ISI”.I can imagine why ppl from other side of the border pass these remarks.But my humble request to all Pakistanis.. we have to trust our forces… they are “our” forces…. most of us dont even know the ground realities and we still comment…. We have to realize that we are not responsible for this whole mess… we are victim.. its US which created this mess and left us alone…put sanctions on us and did everything to punish us for nothing. It a test for us and we have no choice but to pass it…and believe me we will Insha Allah…

Everyone in the region should have a deep introspection. Ask yourself, how did the terrorism found its way in the region?

Whenever the brethren (Pasthuns and Kashimiris for Pak. and SriLankan Tamils for Indians) across the border undergoes a struggle to gain rights or freedom, we – the respective citizens in the South Asian countries naïvely join the struggle by offering emotional, material and military support. The militancy that is supposed to strike the enemy establishments in the struggling lands later morphs into a force that take on the sponsors. In the beginning the naïveté of flirting with terrorism to strike the evil “other” country is widely and tacitly shared by the citizens and the governments.

However, after enough meddling in the Sri Lankan affairs, when the terrorists hit the Indian leader Rajiv Gandhi, Indians – rank and file – took a U-turn and cleansed the country from any form support to terrorism. India learned the hard way but Pakistan – may be the army- has not learned enough and is still feeding the killers.

Secondly, Pak. has never been able to enforce the writ of the state on the autonomous regions. So, it is in a much more difficult situation to restrain its own citizens. The inability to contain its own citizens and the presence of an intransigent population are the perfect conditions for the foreign and domestic rouge elements to thrive in Pakistan.

So, what do you expect out of a confused elite, an ignorant impoverished mass, a dominant army and a corrupt political class? Internal strife. Pakistan has to fight itself out and emerge with clear goals. Remember after all the U.S too lost 6 lakhs citizens 150 years ago its own civil war.

Good luck. Emerge clean and strong!

US plan to provide financial aid to Pakistan for education and employment is the right approach. This approach is better than military actions. But the problem is corruption in Pakistan. I don’t believe that financial aid will be used properly for benefit of Pakistanis. I think all that aid is going to the pockets of Zardari and company.

God does not change the state of a nation till they change themselves.

Until Pakistani nation starts to practice taqwa/self-control, other countries will always be in control of them.

I am not asking people to practice Islam to the extreme, all I am saying is that we need to practice shared values of all religions, which are honesty, lack of greed, lack of corruption, justice, at individual level.

Pakistan’s destiny will change when its citizens’ behaviour and thinking changes. Until then Pakistan will never be truly free.

Dear Pres. Obama (I donated and voted for you); How is the fundamental basis of your Afghan policy any different from the thinking of the Bush administration’s “war on terror”? Bush had a broad “us vs. them” approach (”we” are all good and pretty angelic while “they” are all-bad and demonic) with pre-emptive war and lethal attacks as its cornerstone. You have the same. Bush had no due-process or respect for international law in his pre-emptive war. Neither do you. Mass death and destruction was the primary approach (either directly or through proxies) towards the “terrorists” and so is yours. Bush did this mostly in Iraq and you will do it in Afghanistan/Pakistan, but everything else looks very much the same. So where’s the change Pres. Obama? You may have finessed in some development aid, civilian advisors etc. but the basic thinking is the same. We see no compunction from you in killing people with no due process or public oversight and not much regard for “collateral damage”. No compunction for intervention and manipulation of political processes in other countries for our own ends, i.e. maintaining the highly unpopular and corrupt Zardari and Karzai regimes by behind-the-scenes machinations and overt bribes ($1.5B to Pakistan). Demands on the Pakistani military to produce “results” which actually results in mass killing of innocents and destruction of entire regions (their scorched earth approach in FATA) and displacement of millions of people. Creating fissures and enmity in communities and societies leading to great disruption and despair for millions of innocent civilians in those regions. That is the cost of your policy Sir and it is borne mostly by those brown skinned Muslim foreigners in distant poverty stricken lands (all the while demonized as “failed” and “corrupt” and “deadly dangerous”); a “danger” to the whole world. You are willing to tear up the lives of millions of others half way around the world as you and I live in relative peace in this part of the world. Is this your morality? Is this your commitment to justice and peace? Is this your struggle against “racism”? Did you even think for a moment about trying a non-violent and non-interventional and non-massive disruption approach to these other people and regions? Are they less deserving than us of peace and security and due process and a civilized approach to solving problems, including terrorism of which none really existed before we invaded their lands? Is gross and deadly violence, even in conjunction with other measures, the only way forward for you? Must we use reverse-terrorism to try and defeat the terrorists? If so then you have committed the same mistake that other Imperial powers and their leaders did in past history, only with some nice words and clever packaging to take the edge off. But like those other emperors, we are afraid, you too will regret this. There is still time President Barack Obama, still time to DO THE RIGHT THING. Still time before it is too late Sir. Let it come from your soul and spirit, from your faith and from your heart instead of from your head or from the same coterie of failed and blinded advisors who have led others to failure and caused so much misery across the globe.

Pakistan will do best by complying with US demands. And, it cannot look to the Europeans to save face with Washington DC anymore. Time is up and the day of reckoning is near. Truth and consequences?. I hope and pray , God willing, the Pak establishment gets the message and starts singing. Pakistan should become a successful nation and not keep repeating the same mistakes and fall into chaos of one kind or another time and again. It is the ordinary Pak citizen that is bearing the brunt of failed actions.

Do what is right.

there is no law for common people in country. people say pathans are very proud people very tough and so on but when they landup in gulf or saudia they are straight as line but if they come to Karachi or some other city they convene their jirga and pracitce a parallel judicial system, law of land.

there is no distinction between common criminal and those who are exceeding all limits in the name of religion, and our right wing religious parties are equally responlible for this mess including Mr Imran Khan who virtually have not clue as to how thing happen on world forum i think he should study the european history for last two centuries.

Media needs to be harnessed every tom dick and harry is now a days on tv commenting on one issue or the other without having any knowledge of awareness. strict action against people who write columns that virtually hve only negative effect on people rather than bringing any positive thoughts must be punished harshly.

On the canvas of south east & central asia game of vector algebra is being played.
The vectors are :
1) Governance system of pakistan that keeps shunting from (Dictatorship + Quasi Democracy) to (less quasi democracy + Army)
2) Aspirations of 160 million mostly innocent folks of Pakistan who have waited a bit too long and are still told to wait and sacrifice.
3) The religious hawks having political ambitions. They comprise of confused zealots + a select few who have clearity regarding why it is in their own benefit to remain in chaos
4) The elite ISI. There is an inner circle within ISI. The top 5 percent (including retired/voluntary retired ) of ISI have control levers that are in conflict with USA.
5) Terrorists : A brew of religion , hatred and greed.
6) India : A country mired with its own troubles living in a hostile milieu.
7) Kashmir : People who can have independence but no freedom in near future. China : A hardworking emerging superpower which makes no differentiation between man and machine.
9) Money for nothing and chics for free : That is opium money ( Both Pakistani and Afgani people are invloved in this cartel.
10 ) Natural resources of western provinces of Pakistan.
11) Regionalism and Factionalism(it would be everywhere but more ampified in Pakistan).

Re-aligning the vectors :
a) More equity amongst regions in terms of jobs / subsidies / projects.
b)A responsible media(if that is possible for a generation fed on zia’s education system)
c)Professionalism rather than opportunism.
d)Ultra moderation on religion rather than ultra fanaticism. In fact even a departure from religion would be great ( like good friend Red Dragon but I dont observe leaders like they had in china in seventies )
e) Education : spent 70 % of your budget on it and see results.
f) Make friends with India. It is the easiest thing that Pakistan could do but looks to me is the last things they would do. Hatred is our favourite pass time. It is our way of living.
g)Handover a true olive branch to Afghanistan. They are best( though stone headed guys but are best people in world at heart). I have been brought up listening to story tales of kabiliwala.
h) Stay with democracy and do kai zen to it(constant improvement ). Was listening to an argument on Pakistani TV where an esteemed thinker said that if you maintain a running vehicle then u will get runover.
Now these are kind of dirty arguments that people use to create doubt. In my understanding it is the evolution that is built in nature rather than revolution.

easy preaching …so I offer my excuses.

Obama has articulated a strategy to isolate Al-Qaeda and to bring Taliban in mainstream. It makes sense. Taliban has local backing. The world must accept Taliban as a legitimate but an ideologically different entity. World must learn to co-exist with that ideology and with some give and take all would be pulled to the middle. Al_qaeda on the other hand is a global extremist organization. They must be isolated and then quashed.

Once Taliban are accepted as partners, then NATO forces must leave Afghanistan. Let Taliban and other factions work out a relationship for the better future of the Afghan People. India must keep its dirty hands off Afghanistan, otherwise they would pay a very heavy price once the NATO forces leave Afghanistan.

Pakistan Should do..
1. First of all FATA should be converted into a Province .In this way we can limit the war area , estimate insurgency and easy check and balance is possible. New provincial governing set up should be formed and activated on priority basis.The local authorities should be given task to separate the elements of Al-Qaeda from regional and local population . These elements should be brought in front of the newly formed governments courts and security agencies. Frontier province should be given full time to emerge. Because now you have diffuse the insurgency. Two regional authorities , Frontiers and FATA , are looking for solution of this deadly. It will synergies our efforts for the stability and peace.
2. Pakistan can’t participate actively in this war without neglecting its concerns. Our foreign office must took a firm stand on regional issues like Kashmir and water issues,disputed dams like Baglihar dam etc.
3. Pakistan is a main player of this game. So Pakistan should demand USA for the transparent role of their hostile neighbours.
4. Our foreign office should draft a protocol of USA-Pak relationship in the Afghan matters .This protocol have some guarantees, a red line about the sovereignty and minimum allowable tolerance on regional interference in their matter of interests.

From Obama’s new plan for Afghanistan reveal some points..
1. American grip on Afghan matters is becoming weaker day by day. They have the toughest time of the history.
2. American internal position and subsequent failure of their strategies has compelled them to bargain with other players of the region.
3.American “Activists” are looking the reasonable and satisfactory reason for their perceived failure in Afghanistan So it is better to blame the neighbor then to correct own home.To save your own from the media and people of USA they are blaming ISI.In this review strategy Obama’s establishment is finding the satisfactory answer for their people who are questioning about Afghanistan.
4.Obama wants to direct their resources towards the internal issues, currently deteriorating social and economic situation of the country. And He also has intention to handover this war to regional players.
5.The American intelligentsia want to develop a paradigm for the worst case. If they win it is their devotion and if lose then it is ISI , who is solely responsible.Like they had done previously during soviet war and also Paradigm of labeling Muslims a “terrorists”. So they can answer the World and their Alliess with “honor”
I am afraid one day Americans , especially the Armed and diplomats personnels will say
” It is ISI who take us to that region, betray us and defeat us against the “Al-Qaeda” to satisfy their own self respect.
Many pages are their to unveil over so lets watch the game….

Rome was not build in a day so Afghanistan. Now the time has come that Pakistan and Afghanistan should make a confederation type of arrangement for socio-economic and peace purposes. US has also unique approach to both.

Obama has better grasp of Afghanistan than Bush. However he still does not understand the region and local politics. Here is my free advice to Obama.
Karzai govt is completely corrupt and unable to govern or secure Afghanistan and NATO(=US) can not do it alone. US is wasting money building infrastructure(which will be destroyed by Taliban anyway) and US GIs have lost will & morale to fight.
Best thing to do invite Russia to secure Northern Afghanistan, Medvedev is eager to even the score with Taliban, also he wants close Uzbek & Chechen fighters’ route and support lines. US & NATO should just concentrate on western border and Pakistan.
In south Afghanistan they should give security responsibility to Iran & India. Iran hates Taliban( also Wahabis, Deobandis and Sunnis) more than they hate Americans. They will be able route Taliban and protect Hazaras. In India US can easily recruit 100,000 soldiers,(mostly retired nonmuslims, as soldiers retire around 45/50yrs). These are trained armymen can be hired cheaply for $500 to $1000/month. Shia Iran army is also wants to destroy Taliban, they can work with Indians.
Then US should take care of western front by invading Pakistani tribal areas and destroying El Qaeda and Taliban leadership and hideouts.
Bush was stupid to listen & believe Pakistani double crossing military did not fight this war properly. I hope Obama does make these mistakes.

First thing for pakistan is to depend only on itself as soon as possible for its security. Second thing is to have a complete grip within its border such that no body can blame it for its inability in controlling the situaiton within its border.

Sorry, Some 40 years ago the Pakistan Army was a strong Army. Now this is weak army. I so not suppose that this Army can fight and defend the borders of Pakistan. This army is a state in a state. Many soldiers in the Pakistan´s Army show a clear smpathy to the Taliban. Again: Pakistan has nuclear bombs and all facilities, but this army can not defend our country.

The role of Pakistan in Obama´s war ist comparable to a sweeper. The annual aid to Pakistan (1.5 billion USD) is nothing but peanuts.In the Western media (specially in Germany) Pakistan only associated with Taliban, Terrorism, Islamic fundamentalism, fanatic Mullahs, Madassahs etc. In Pakistan die daily 20 – 50 people due to attacks, but the media hardly reports such incidents. India is associated with a liberal democracy, which is actually a plain lie. In India the Hundu fanatics are also makeing the lives of the Muslims unbearable. But Pakistan has a bad image and our embassy staff incompetent.

There are Four interests inter-playing in the region, which needs to be resolved :

1. The US has the following objectives :
a) To retain the services of Pakistani army and ISI, for its future gameplans in the region.
b) To cultivate India as a new partner, and to ensure that India would not go against the US in future conflicts.
c) To consolidate its foot-hold in the region, to have leverage on China and Russia.

2. China has a huge stake in the conflict :
a) to keep the US bleeding and darining in billions of dollars
b) To do all it can to prevent India’s rise on the world scene

3. Pakistan is the proxy of China in the region. It’s objectives are ;
a) To keep terrorism alive, in order to be able to milk the US for billions of dollars, as long as they can.
b) To continue the proxy war against India, on behalf of the Chinese, in order to resist India’s emergence as an economic and military power.

4. India does not want any war with Pakistan, and or any conflict with China. But since it has no options but to respond to the Paki provocations, Indian strategy is to pay Pakistan back in the same coin, by sponsoring terrorists against it.

Conclusion :

Pakistan holds the key for peace in the region, but it is controlled by the Chinese.
The American can not succeed unless it is able to break the Pak-China nexus, by pressuring Pakistan and engineering terrorism within the muslims of China.

Pakistan has been the center of all terrorist activities for a long time now. We have outdone the Tamil Tigers and the Palestinians. This all started due to our role in the Afghan war and the prominence give to the militants during that time. These same militants, after having defeated the Soviets, thought that it was now time to take on the other big power in the world. They forgot that had it not been for the support from this other big power, they would never have been able to defeat the Soviets. After their “victory” over the Soviets they continued to train fighters in their “terror camps”. Most of them were located in Afghanistan but some defenitely in Pakistan as well. What can be more damning than the fact that people from around the world who wanted to get trained in terrorism, visit either Pakistan or Afghanistan. They do not go to Palestine or to Columbo. These militants/terrorists are bringing everyone down. We cannot treat these militants/terrorists as one of our own and be lenient with them. It is not America’s job to clean our house, but we seem to be unable to do so. So when we are unable to control these terror activities and these terror activities are spreading beyond our borders and affecting other countries (including the US), obviously they are going to act and do what it takes to fix the mess. Remember, America did not interfere with what Taliban were doing in Afghanistan with their strict implemenation of Islam and creation of a society that resembled how things were 1400/1500 years ago. The Taliban were living in caves or in mud-houses when other societies were looking to move into the next Millenium on a strong footing and to compete and make progress. It was only when the Taliban and Osama Bin Laden attacked America on 9/11 that they took action. We need to focus on making progress rather than complaining all the time. America owes us nothing. Not one damn thing. We need to invest in the right things and make progress and stop the moral, financial and military support of these militants. An example of what to do is not far away from us. Look at India. They were in mere shambles only 20/30 years ago. But since they had invested in their people and did the right things for 50 or so years, they reaped the benefits of the technology boom. We need to work on something similar. We cannot afford to waste more time trying to appease the terrorists. They will not be appeased.

Dissassociate from America’s War on Terror but make it clear to Taliban that they are no more welcome in Pakstani soil. Stop meddling in Afghanistan with an intention of having a friendly government. Whatever government is there try to be friendly with it. Keep Kashmir on the back burner and concentrate on the domestic matters of economy and militancy. Ask US and other wealthy nations for support to its economy and not for military purpose except for counterinsurgency.

I totally agree with some of the opinions expressed here that suggest that our country–Pakistan–does not have a foreign policy of its own. Most of the time its foreign policy is dictated by–I am dead sure of it–perpetual anti-Indian attitude. This anti-India attitude of ours has been, during the whole period of our existence, has been (mis)utilized by China and partly by USA, the latter doing so during the cold war days. The anti-India feeling is so deep-rooted, which was aggravated by our humiliating defeat at the hands of that country in most of the wars we fought with it, in our mental makeup that we have produced a whole generation of young Pakistanis who had been constantly indoctrinated with anti-Hindu and anti-India feelings through systematic disinformation campaign in the form of selective manipulation of school textbooks, particularly those of History and religion and in the form of manipulation of our “semi-educated” intellectuals and the less-than-competent media! During the last 20-25years, we have made ourselves a joke in the eyes of the world by trying to destroy our own country by methodically cultivating, though artificially, the forces inimical to the overall interests of India–remember the doctrine of “thousand cuts and million bleeds (something to this effect, I think!)” put forward by our ‘great thinkers on foreign policy’. So, to cut the unending long story short, it is obvious that to cause “thousand cuts….” to our eastern neighbour, of which we were a part till 1947, we have done everything in our hands that amounts proverbially to “cutting one’s nose to spite the face”. We are so deeply immersed in the latter act that it would come, tragically, as no surprise to any one of us if we would be left with no nose on our very own severely spited and damaged face which may get beyond recognition in times to come, unless we pull ourselves away from path of religious hatred being perpreted against fellow human beings–so what even if they happen to be Hindus, Christians, Buddhists, Jews and so on of any nationality, including our betenoire India.

Many things to do and shall take some time -that is to remember.
Close madrassas which teach hate and strictly control arab funds. Instead open small schools to start with moderate teachings.
Convince the army that they are earning a bad repute for the country by allowing the terrorists to take control. Take US & China in confidence to talk to your army men.
Forget Occupied Kashmir. Instead say in clear terms that let both Kahmirs and India+Pakistan stay in peace.
What a paltry sum – 1.5 Billion USD per annum. Don’t refuse it but mention that it is not going to help much.
Don’t try and follow the Indian politicians’ vote bank abuse of Pakistan. Instead be bold to be friendly with India.
Don’t take army’s help to bulldoze opponent politicians. Fight them politically.
Lastly the educated/moderate class should participate in active politics to bring out a leader from them.

Very first thing is get rid of the religion from the state matters & functioning. It does not mean that you can not practice your religion.

Keep a tab on all the comments made during friday sermons. Take the action against the offenders. Keep the semi literate mullas away from preaching. Severe punishment should be there for these offenders.

Turn all madarasas in to a reguler schools.
Also make it sure that text book doesnot preach hatred against anybody.

With this your 50% problem may get over. For the rest 50% work hard to build the nation.

With this You may not need Obama for long time.

I wish well for Pakistan. Let me state the followings
1) Pakistan population elected the moderates to rule them in a true democratic manner in all its provinces. How can the Government sign peace deals with extremists.
2) Does Pakistan want to live in dark middle ages or in the present world. How are you allowing summary executions, ban on girl’s school, Qazi courts etc to flourish
3) Military is meant to guard the national boundaries. Why are you allowing them to participate in the civilian day to day functioning of the government. We all know that people of Pakistan elected the civilian government.
4)Time has come to come out of denial. Face the truth otherwise the consequences would be dangerous for Pakistan itself.

US claims to be the champion of the world. If it owns any positive contribution to world peace & prosperity, then it must be ready and honest enough to confess that international terrorism is due to its discriminating policies. If the US starts doing justice, every thing will be okay. Let me explain that the major causes of Pakistan domestic terrorism are three: 1. India and Israel, the global terrorists, 2. Poverty, unemployment, defective, unjust & unfair policies of many Pakistani governments, and 3. support of Pakistan for US invasion in Afghanistan…

Pakistan can not play an “independent” role in bringing peace and stability to Afghanistan and its people. The U.S. has always had us “piggy-back” on it for this and other matters; and continues to do so. And for a few dollars gained and many lives lost, we have always been more than happy to tow the U.S.

Afghanistan is far more complex and delicate an issue than the world is willing to concede because there are “hidden agendas” at stake here.

The imperial (Anglo-American) intentions have always been to “steal” the world resources as and where it can be done (ref. “Freedom Next Time by John Pilger”). This war on terror is only a disguise for promoting the policy document of “The New American Century”.

Obama or not, there will NEVER be peace in our world as long as the U.S. occupies sovereign countries and flouts international law; and there are willing partners (like Pakistan) to further the U.S. hegemony.

The ONLY way to a peaceful Afghanistan, Pakistan, India and the rest of the world is for the U.S. to go back to its “dog-pen”…and I don’t see that happening in the foreseeable future.

Thanks to the U.S. and its cronies, we are in this for a looooooong haul!!!

We should be more careful with American policy. It has been and will always be in their own interest. Our interest is of no importance for them. The drones attacks are being continued without hesitation. This is creating hatred amongst our nation. And ultimately the people will rightly feel that the Government does not represent them. So it is time to study very carefully what we will achieve out of this dramatic scenario.

Pakistan and its army for one should make the right decision. Why are we so fixated on Indian or others influence on Afghanistan. We should seal our western borders for any trade with Afghanistan, Deport all those Afghanis who have destroyed our country and silence all top ISI chiefs ( the likes of Hameed Gul etc) who boast that they were the one’s who helped create the Taliban etc. Once trade and other things are blocked the tribes will have less interaction and there will be less money flowing and I believe this will lead to a thaw in militancy and weaponization. Why are we so short sighted? we think we can dominate Afghanistan, which is landlocked, war hungry country and thus try to choose sides!! Lets make a U turn on Afghanistan.

I feel this wont happen.The NLC wont get to transport contrabands in its containers if it happens, The afghan Transit trade which feeds illegal imports in Pakistan would be stopped and the ability to cause mayhem in Pakistan would vanish. Mr Kayani are you listening!!

The first question is that Americans must decide;

a. Whether they want to occupy the world,
b. Or they want their own security and peace in the world?

If they want to occupy the world, they may keep on trying what they have been doing till now but if they want security and peace in the world, they must withdraw their forces from countries and regions and must leave the countries to be run by their own people. American should help the poor countries for betterment of those countries’ people to make them realize that they are not being suppressed.

For Afghanistan, there appears to be no motive except for controlling Alqueda and militancy. The question is, why Alqueda and militancy are there? These are because;

a. People feel that they are being governed with suppression by America. For this the people have stood up against foreign forces. To benefit from this situation, some elements who have hidden interests in this region and have grude against America, are playing behind the scenes as they want this situation to continue. Their main source is poverty and unemployment in the region. Some poor people are compelled to do anything with small money.

If these people are provided reasonable jobs in their own areas,the vested interest would not be able to find and buy people for militancy.

Well I fail to understand why you guys are obsessed with looking at everything in the world from religious point of view? its dumb to do that. The day you understand religion is purely personal and you have no right to impose your ideas onto others you will learn to live happy, prosper and grow. Right now you keep talking of pakistan for peace but actions are just in the opposite direction. Self denial is terrible mistake. Wake up and let your educated people come forward.

Americans only aim to sell arms to maintain the standard of living and we are sustaining them. Let us think and act wisely. American society which cannot provide security to its own people(You can have your own weapon), says I can bring peace to Afghanistan and we treat them seriously this is the trouble. All those who are involved in fighting for Afghanistan for centuries should understand the above facts to get peace in their life

A lot of people in Pakistan perhaps the majority I think, are brainwashed, indoctrinated, and have been so for a very long time. It will take a very long time for them to reach any where near normalacy. Until then Pakistan is simply going to suffer and suffer and suffer.

President Barack Obama is an intelligent man. However it doesn’t take a genius to see the writing on the wall in Afghanistan. The reality on the ground where the Taliban control 80% of the territory is a tell tale sign that the military campaign has not worked in the graveyard of empires. The Bush Administration has created so much hostility in the entire region that it almost impossible to build goodwill and win the hearts and minds of the people. How could a $80 Billion think tank industry be so wrong. Three trillion Dollars wasted on two wars with little to show for expect war, mayhem and chaos. There was tremendous goodwill in Afghanistan and Pakistan for the United States. Through its miscalculations, bad policies and arrogant attitude, the Bush Administration evaporated the good feelings of the people towards the USA.

The US used the Pakistani military and abused the Pakistani nation. This from ingrate ally who had fought the Cold war together. Instead of building Pakistan and thanking the nation for its support for the war against the USSR, the Bush Administration (41) slammed sanctions on the former friend. To add salt to injury the US confiscated $450 million worth of F-16s and never did give Pakistan the planes or the money. All this for a founding member of SEATO and CENTO which had helped the US monitor the USSR from a base near Peshawar. All these abuse for a country that had helped the US in Vietnam and Korea.

Instead of taking the advice of the Pakistanis, the Bush Administration tried to ram through the Neocon approach to diplomacy-daisycutters and cluster bombs. These Israeli tactics did not work in Lebanon and did not work in the killing valleys of the Hindu Kush. The Indian also jumped into the fray and tried to take political advantage of the situation attempting to play “Lord Curzon’s Great Game”. Had they listened to the advice given to Lord Curzon by Rudyard Kipling, they would have been saved themselves the $1 Billion that they wasted on the 150 km highway whose bridges have already been blown up. The last time Delhi tried to play “Big power” in Afghanistan it was sent packing with bag and baggage.

The problem with the US approach is that it is US-centric. The US wants to prevent further attacks from AfPak. However its actions are actually doing the opposite. For example a drone bomb, even it takes out a really really evil person, also causes damage to civilians and kills bread-earners and children. The drone attacks also have an impact on Muslims populations from Morocco to Indonesia. Of course the Pakistanis are seething. Each drone attack wreaks havoc with the political infrastructure in Pakistan. The pro-American government feels the pressure to stop the counterproductive attacks.

The Obama Administration has make a choice–peace and stability in AfPak or a relationship with Bharat (aka India). The Bush Administration had it wrong on two counts. It messed up Afghanistan with brute force, ignored the Pakistanis and tried to build Bharat as a counterweight to China. This antagonized Pakistan and China both–ensuring defeat and humiliation for the US machine in Afghanistan.

If the US is serious about rebooting the AfPak initiative and put it into a positive mode, it needs to develop the Marshall Plan beyond the $7.5 Billion promised to Pakistan. That is peanuts. Compare to the $143 President Bush wasted on Afghanistan. If that money had been really spent in the Pakhtun areas of Pakistan, the Pakhtun children would be so busy enjoying life that they would not be bothered with the are next door and the insurgency would have died. Instead the Bush Administration bombed the heck out of the Afghans who moved to safer hideouts. With the US bombing FATA the population moved to Swat and the cities of Pakistan. It is the typical push theory which pushes criminals out of 42nd street to 56th street right after a police raid. Peter Senge in a seminal book on Systems thinking described this in detail. In order to end the insurgency the US has solve the problem.

The US failed to comprehend the security concerns of Pakistan and China. The rise in the Indian influence in Kabul raised hackles from Riyadh to Beijing. The militancy was a natural reaction to the American Gung Ho policy of occupation and wanton destruction in the Afghanistan and Pakistan. The US learned the old hard way. No solution is possible in Afghanistan without Pakistan

The US has to make amends to Pakistan, pour in $100 Billion in schools, hospitals, roads, and universities with “Made in America” written on them. Jefferson hospital in FATA and Madison school in Lahore would do more to eliminate militancy than drone bombs. The US has clear choices. It can choose Pakistan and China for peace and prosperity in West Asia, or it can choose India and perpetual war Hindu Kush. Unless and until the Obama Administration has clear goals and an exit strategy, it will face a Vietnam type of defeat.

Two,US needs to stop it’s threats to Pakistan and give it a comfortable working relationship, not one that is on probation.

Three, it needs to withdraw its forces from Pakistan/Afghanistan. I refer to the article of Jonathan Powers, today ie 28th March in Khaleej Times:
Is it time to find another way? Withdraw most of the military. Leave behind peacekeepers and switch them into blue helmets by order of the UN Security Council. Ask Interpol to bring in its best detectives to track down Osama bin Laden.

I agree!

Pakistan already has an enemy – India. And so far we have not been able to handle them either. Do we really need another neighbour turn enemy?

Unity, Faith, Discipline,the magic words of the father of nation – get these back to hold on to. First and foremost put your house in order. What a shame, Punjab Police, with the Sri Lankans. United we stand, divided we fall. About Obama new plan – in short, it falls far short of the need of the hour. $10b since 9/11 did nothing. What will $1.5b/year for 5 years do. Hello, are you kidding? At least $10b/year,i f they are seriously want Pak to fight their war.Otherwise is simple beggary. Pakistan Zindabad.

Pakistan being the part of international community and working closely with united states is still shameful because, its influence upon our foreign policy is shameful for us. We deny the Drone attacks but unable to stop it. We must required to suppose the problem in the united nation or else where to stop the drone from our territory and secure our sovereignty. As for as the Obama administration is concerned they are interested for their self interests and not for Pakistan.
I am appealing to the high officials of the govt to work for the sovereignty of the coountry and for the promotion of our own country. We did not need any kind of aid which threatens our sovereignty. We are a nation of rich history, our struggle for independent judiciary is one of it. So know it is the time that we must keep ourselves aloof from the allaies on the so called war on terrors. because it is only the American war not our own war.

This is such a problem which is being tried to be solved by the world’s best think tanks and they are not getting anywhere. So it is foolish of me to give an opinion or a suggestion. But many people like me has written their opinion and so let me also give mine.

First thing is that there is no easy solution for the present mess in Afghanistan/Pakistan combine. It started the day when US started meddling in Pak/Af affairs when Soviet Union invaded Afghanistan. ( I have read another view of this somewhere which said that ‘Soviets invaded only when US started to meddle in Afghanistan. It is a egg or chicken matter and let it be.) US made Pakistan its cats paw and the fate of Pakistan was sealed then and there and it has come to this state. So the best way is be no more a cats paw. Tell US that “we are no more an ally of yours on your war on terror. Please leave us alone”. Inform the Afghanistan also through ISI to leave you alone and seal the Af-Pak border. See that none of them crosses over the border to your country. Ask army to inform their erstwhile friends the Afghan Taliban that they are not welcome in your soil. You will have to deal with your homegrown varieties seperately, but that is different issue.

One more thing I would like to add. If India is friendly with Afghanistan why it should worry you. You too can be. You can also help them. I think that also is because you think that we are your enemies. Let us not be enemies. Let us be good neighbours.

This is how you save Pakistan
0) Give copyright protection to innovation and award capital punishment/heavy fines to those who deprive the innovator.
00) One Child policy for next 10 years.
1) Stop honor killings
2) Abolish blasphemy law
3) Stop Karokari
4) Invest in Education
5) Abolish blasphemy law
6) Stop loudspeaker use in Mosques
7) Minimum education F.Sc/F.A for Police.
Start small claim courts
9) Start people’s courts
10) Improve testing/exam standard in Colleges on urgent basis.
11) Empower woman.
12) Legalize Alcohol and Night clubs.
13) Invest in sports.
14) Implement traffic laws.

Pakistanis are living in a state of denial. The greatest threat to Pakistan is not India or America, its the Talibans and Talibanization that is going on. How come everyone makes such a big deal of drone attacks but does not even raise a voice when people are getting killed in mosques by the so called “Islamists”.

This is a battle of Pakistan’s survival and all of us Pakistanis (including Pakistani-Americans like me)must realize that. Pakistanis must show the world that they are sick of terrorist attacks and drone attacks. Pakistan’s civil society, lawyers, politicians, media, and Islamic Scholars must get together and peacefully protest across Pakistan (even Long March)against all forms of terror – both from within and from outside.

In my perspective, I would simply say that we are more geared up to find solutions to problems and that too with confrontation… Why are we not making any headway to find out the root causes of all these hatred / anger resulting in wars…

Why does United States spends billions of Dollars every month in Afghan War and make a standing that they are fighting the evils. Terrorism simply is not an act by an individual nor a cause but simply could be a human reaction to suppression / disagreements / annoyance to double standards and many more. Humans have a tendency to reduce anger if only they are given protection and care and one listens to them.

To all those who are seeing this trouble situation, I would like to appeal for showing restraint and giving respect to each other.. Spread this as the storm moves closer to our house… I am very sure that US / Pakistan or any other country facing such situations would not have to go into confrontation and remove these annoying factors.

The US initiative to support the economy of Pakistan is the best solution to all the problems. People of Pakistan and not the Government of Pakistan are in dire need for Financial support and by the US policy I am quite hopeful that they will reach directly to the people of Pakistan and not pass through the corrupt channel where the money disappears.

As a longtime ‘Pakistani Muslim American’ I offer the following in response to the invitation by Mr. Hasan Hasmi

1. Discard the ‘pie in the sky’ idea of pan-Islamism and think what is good for Pakistan.
2. The savages who are spilling the of innocent men, women and children Pakistan are our mortal enemies. attempts to rationalize their can wash away their sins.
3. The Afghanis are backward, primitive wild people and the Pakistanis support the Taliban openly are of Pakistan who should be tried treason.
4. The complicity of ISI in the campaign to embolden the Taliban entirely true. The allegations not false western propaganda Zionist conspiracies.
5. Pakistan’s well-being is tied with the irrational anti-Americanism pervasive among the better of Pakistan is a reflection of myopic world view of the educated class.
6. Obama can best help Pakistan extending the policy of drone to targeting the Taliban in Pakistan. If Pakistan cannot defend itself, it must use every and any strategy open to it.
7. Unless Pakistan can control militancy, the day is not far when the country will unravel. The time to close ranks and defeat the terrorists is now.

pakistan needs to engage with all the ethnic groups in Afghanistan. it needs to broadens its support base and get out of the pushtun narrow base. the more friends will help you in time.

I think it would be better if Pakistan does not have any strategy for Afghanistan. Best thing is to concentrate and improve internal situation.

America is systematically perusing its laid down policy of having more say in the gulf and south East Asian region. Pakistan has to firmly contest its sovereign position or it will have to pay a huge price in the shape of a civil war which will subsequently help realize the American and Western goal of terming Pakistan as a failed state with dangerous WMD. America and the West must realize that Pakistan will never be a piece of cake for anyone. On its part the government & the people of Pakistan will have to decide and initiate firm action to get rid of Pakistani Taliban & Al Qaida phenomena. The world community must be assured that Pakistani soil will never be allowed to be used against any country.

AH

Pakistan should take initiative and tell USA that we don’t need your help. As a matter of fact USA is committing crime against our people and India is helping wholeheartedly. India should be warned not to interfere in our internal affairs.

I am not a Pakistani or Indian or Afghani or Kashmiri.
I think the Pakistani public perception needs to change. The public must understand the risk the country is going to face in the near future and that Pakistan’s policy must be guided by evaluating the following:

What are the risks of refusing to cooperate with the US?

What are the risks of fighting the Talibans?

Refusing to cooperate with the US would cause the US as well as the Taliban to point their dagger at Pakistan and the risks are:

Cut off of economic assistance, which is now very vital.

Cut off of military assistance.
The military assets to become obsolete for lack of spares.

Declaration of Pakistan as a terrorist state and therefore cut off from the international community.

No earnings from export and no foreign investment in the country. Though foreign investment have already stopped coming for many years.

Prices of commodities and services will rise.

The country will economically collapse.

This will trigger chaos in the country.

Pakistan will come under pressure to rid itself of nuclear weapons.

Failing to do so might invite retaliation in the way of precision missile strikes to knock out the weapons and nuclear plants and facilities.

The perception of Kashmiris on Pakistan will change when they see Pakistan is collapsing and turning into a failed state.

They will realise that their future with India is more secure than with Pakistan.

This will cause Pakistan’s stand on Kashmir in the international community to collapse.

India will take full advantage of this situation and try to settle the Kashmir dispute by a plebiscite, which till now they are scared to face, when they realise they have a chance to win.

This situation persisting for a few years will turn the country into another Somalia.

This will cause the Taliban and their allies to gain and assert their control and we can only look into the pages of history to know what Taliban rule can bring.

The risks of fighting the Talibans would be tough.

Suicide bombings will take a very heavy toll of life everyday. If a few thousands suicide bombers are on the loose they will create havoc in the country.

Normal life will be disrupted.

Internal security will be needed for every thing from airport, air bases, seaports, power plants, bridges important infrastructures and even buildings and markets in the cities. Personnel security will be needed for politicians, players, and important personalities, as Taliban will first seek to destroy the intellectuals of the country.

Investment will stop coming into Pakistan.

There will be economic difficulties but not so much as compared to international isolation.

In spite of all these problems, international sympathy and support will not stop for Pakistan. The country will assert a moral right and demand for support for the country from the international community when they are fighting against Taliban. The best interest will be served by fighting the Taliban. There is no foreign policy interest at stake. There is nothing else at stake except the hardships of fear and bombings. The choice is tough but there is always a light at the end of the tunnel.

This is a difficult time for Pakistan. But the following, though painful, will bring lasting peace:

1. Opt out of the US led war on terror; since the problem lies within Pakistan, take responsibility and resolve it.
2. Say no to Saudi and US “aid”. The former is mainly ideological and does not help in the long term and the latter comes at too high a cost.
3. Use internal resources to give battle to the fanatics and the crazies – it will take longer and will seem more painful, but will be a home grown remedy with no IOUs to any other power.
4. Reform the education system with immediate effect. Remove the hatred for other ideas, religions and people.
5. Define what it means to be Pakistan as: “A non aligned, peace loving nation with no ill will or enmity to any other nation”.
6. Freeze The Kashmir issue, The Durand Line issue for 50 years, when Pakistan has more strength and prestige.
7. Halve the standing army, by directing it to engage in development projects across the country.
8. Sign the NPT and disarm. Pakistan has never won a war against India and it is much weaker today than in 1971. The battle is for the well being of its citizens and there it can win, if freed of its heavy burden of defence expenditure.
9. Immediately announce a peace initiative – jointly by the Prez, PM and Army Chief.
10. GIve all businesses and citizen an Income tax holiday for 5 years to boost the economy (fix a flat entry tax/sales tax, something like UAE does).
11. Hold an honest referendum in the country on the subject of Sharia law, and implement the results honestly.
12. Believe in yourself.

I think Pakistani Intelligence Agencies and our Army is the main culprit. Through their martial laws, kargils and other misadventures. also destruction of our Constitution, that took place under their watch is the main reson we are suffering at the hands of Taliban.

Just to get American aid in billions of Dollars, these rogue elements will always encourage and support Al-Qaida and taliban, and will make sure there is no peace in that region.
These talibans are a creature of, and protected by the Pakistan army. If an Army can carry out a misadventure like Kargil, and then make the same General President of the country, you can well imagine what else these and out of control Generals are capable of.

The fact of the matter is that the infedels wants to give a final blow to Islam and are using every possible option to do so.
Western lifestyle is a mess in itself which and is destinied to perish. The infedels percieve Islam as the only threat challenging them and their evil mentalities.
I personally think, that its not only Talabans, Pak army, ISI or Atom bomb etc but they (the infedels) are commited to nothing less then complete destruction of Pakistan.
God give us the strenght of ‘Iman’ to counter the enemies of humanity (US and its allies) in these difficult times.

It’s a very good strategy to invest more money directly into the FATA. Pakistani Government needs to understand that Taliban and AlQaida are not America’s problem alone but threaten the Pakistani way of life. Thousands of innocent people are killed by bombings every year in Pakistan. Knowing ISI’s reputation, it’s quite possible that many in Pakistani establishment are still supporting the militants. They should stop supporting them. Pakistani establishment and people in general do everything for money so these ISI types and military people need to be paid directly by the Government so they stop aiding the militants. Pakistani Government needs to articulate clearly to their people what’s at stake if we don’t detroy Taliban and the likes. Taliban are not normal human beings who can be reasoned with.

The new strategy announced by Obama seems very ambitious. The Taleban movement with in Pakistan poses a serious threat to our security, which is evidenced by almost non stop attacks. It is vital for us to work with the Americans to some how control this, because one thing is for sure that the US is not going to leave Afghanistan until the percieved threat to it is not significantly diminished or eliminated. Pakistan must be proactive in its approach at every front i.e. economic, political and military to normalize the situation in the tribal areas. We must think from our “Brains” and not get carried away with emotions. Focus on Pakistan first!!

The US was attacked on 9/11 by al qaeda operatives who were harbored by Afghanistan. The US had no choice but to retaliate. If this action is not pursued, sooner or later we here in the US could be hit again. No matter who becomes the president of thus ,or gets elected to the Congress, removing the al qaeda threat will remain central to our policy.

President Obama is offering a hand in friendship to the Muslim World including The Islamic Republic of Iran.

Does it make sense for the Taliban and al qaeda to target innocent civilians? It is time for the people of Pakistan,the government and others to declare war on violence and show by their deeds that violence and bigotry will be resisted. Pakistan can resume its place amongst other successful nations and prosper as the populace deserve along with other people on this earth.

Imagine for a moment, if you were looking at the world Through the Looking Glass, and saw Alice discussing with the Queen how best to curb the insurgency of the Dormouse?

In a short space as this, it is not possible to convey to Prisoners of the Cave that Machiavellian controllers are manipulating their reality.

War on terror is fiction, a fabrication, for “imperial mobilization”, which in turn is a fiction, to seed the “revolutionary times” along the ‘arc of crisis’ throughout the ‘global zone of percolating violence’ in order to create conditions which may only be ameliorated under one-world government.

To understand all this – one ha to begin ab inito and start reading the political philosphy and documents of the hectoring hegemons themselves.

To begin with, see: The Day After – American Agenda for Pakistan
http://print-humanbeingsfirst.blogspot.com/2009/03/day-after-dawn-mar212009.html

The only rational and moral solution for Pakistan is to DISENGAGE from the American Agenda.

Thank you.

Zahir Ebrahim
Project Humanbeingsfirst.org
United States of America.

Militancy and terrorism are a joint legacy for Pakistan and Afghanistan now. That Al-Qaeda and Taliban operate from Afghanistan and bordering areas of Pakistan causing an immediate fall out on latter, is an established fact. Time has come to pay back for Pakistan’s past policy of tagging Taliban as its “strategic asset”. Only our deeds can brush aside this impression of an ‘proxy ally” to Taliban. Pakistan will have to be completely on board with new US Policy viz-a-viz fighting Al-Qaeda and Taliban. We are no more fighting for US alone. We are in for a war that is hampering our present and could plague our future, if not fortified with a renewed determination.

I am extremely disappointed to read all the comments on the subject. Majority of the comments is from people who are not Pakistani nationals and have their own interests and agendas. Their comments are based on anti Pakistan sentiments.

I would suggest that anyone interested should read the Asia report No 164 of 13 March, by the International Crisis Group titled Pakistan: The Militant Jihadi Challange. It is jointly prepared by Brussels and Islamabad. The road map to eradicate the extremism is there if Pakistan has the courage and ability to grasp it.

To say that these barbarians are our Muslim brothers is travesty (to-day they demolished a mosque at Friday prayer time killing more than seventy Muslims). Our beloved Prohet’s (PBUH) last sermon reminded us that a Muslim shall not kill another Muslim. Unless all patriotic pakistanis are made to realise that these barbarians should be appropriately condemned (they should be called terrorists because that is what they are. Calling them insurgents and militants only makes them feel better) and treated, they will continue their agenda: spread fear, demoralise law enforcement agencies, destabilise infrastructure and force citizens to ’sign for peace’ at any cost and take over from the Government as in Swat.
May Allah save Pakistan

every reader has got their own views and many differ with each other. one thing we must remember, every successive govt in pakistan has been a puppet govt of the americans, period. now it very easy to put the blame on the military or the politicians is not fair. this problem did not occur overnight, once friends are now enemy.

the mountain people can never be defeated, their success lies in their ablity to adapt to the harsh mountain life. al-qaida is nothing more than a myth, talibans are a reality.
no force can control afghanistan no matter how large or sopgiscated. only the talibans can.

poppy production goes to all level high during western presence, is not hard to understand. drug money was used to fight the soviets under the watchful eyes of western govts, same is being done now.

to make progress adapt to reality. only way forward.

Here is where OBAMA’s policies appear to me to be correct. He wants to fund billions into Pakistan ( a good move) for civilian developments – not selling of military hardware etc. This will pump up its economy – directly benefiting the common man. He has articulated loudly and clearly that the army in Pakistan will have to show results. (Translated, it needs to purge itself first, strengthen its professional part, get rid of the terror-loving part, participate with USA and others to help rid Pakistan of the terrorists that bomb and kill Pakistanis.

If the present rulers are sincere, they will stop playing the power game in legislature and move together to build a new, peaceful, economically vibrant Pakistan.

The people of Pakistan are extremely smart. They do not shun hard work. Two out of the four legs are weak in Pakistan’s chair.

This is great chance for rebuilding Pakistan.

Kashmir is an issue that can ONLY be solved by a dialogue among the three parties. Force will FAIL to solve this issue ever!

This problem will take a generation to solve. And it will not be solved either by bullets or US$s. It will be solved in the hearts and minds of children going to madarsas. They should be taught peace, non-violence and secularism as Khan Abdul Gaffar Khan practised 69 years back in NWFP and his grandchildren still practise there. Then, and then alone Pakistan will be able to rise and be a worthy competitor to India.

I guess the money will work as it had worked in the past decades.
The sum of that money is a matter of bargainig between the parties, who are participated in this game.

The amount of propaganda that appeals to so many individuals is astounding to me. Everytime I read out forums here on Dawn, I’m taken aback by comments mainly by individuals of Indian origin (guessing by name). These individuals are quick to say a few things:
1) ISI involvement.
2) Pakistani’s being brainwashed.
3) Admit Pak’s loss to India in war.
4) Pak’s infiltration and involvement in all Kashmir related problems.
5) More along the same lines…

I am sick and tired of hearing about the ‘alleged’ involvement of ISI entities in illegal activities. Firstly, there is absolutely no proof of a current officer in the ISI aiding or abetting in illegal activities. There have been reports of EX-isi officers, but how can you hold Pakistan accountable for that?

Its like saying, Islam is bad because of suicide bombers. Thats nonsense, Muslims might kill people (that too a fraction), but Islam isn’t killing anyone.

Nobody is being brainwashed in Pakistan. People have the right to choose their path. It is unfortunate that the agendas of Mullahs and violent extremists have their opinions broadcasted over times of india and other news-agencies of the sort. Whereas common public opinion of Pakistan is never projected to the world.

And about the Indian-Pakistan wars… omg. Why does every Indian act as if Pakistan denies losing the 71 war? Why provoke discussion about an issue that only sparks emotional responses. There is 1 Pakistani to 8 Indians in the armed forces. There is no comparison. No Pakistani is claiming that Pakistan can ‘defeat’ or has defeated India. There is no race. Pakistan is tiny compared to India. India is ‘Yokozuna’ compared to Pakistan.

So, respectfully, I would request my Indian neighbours to tone down the notions of Pakistan trying to beef up in front of India in the name of ‘pride’. Pakistan is aware of its capabilties and so is India. Leave it at that for the love of humanity and decency.

Pakistan needs to put her own house in order first. The government MUST prepare the masses to rise up against the terrorism which has single handedly put our existence in jeapordy. So far I haven’t seen any single so called mainstream religious parties condemning the act of terror nor the ‘Taliban Supporting’ media is taking an agressive approach even close to what it take for so called ‘free’ judiciary.

Unless this menace is not cleaned within our borders, we’ll never be in a position to play an effective role to deal with situation in Afghanistan which by the way we initially architected in 80’s with the help of our mentors in US.

Pakistan has no choice but to accept Obama’s plan as the govt is lives on bits and pieces thrown by the USA. It is just so sad to see that Pakistan has no control over its land and its sovereignty is compromised. Today US drones violate the Paki airspace tomorrow it will be the Israeli F-16’s. Failed state.

I suppose the first thing to learn in life is – no one else can or will solve your problems for you.Least of all the US.
I feel the reason why democracy and civil society in India have survived and resulted in the new India are liberal and heterogenous society.
Please look at people as people instead of their personal labels.

Pakistan is paying the price of theocracy, which it imbibed by making the Hindus leave the country in 1947. Hindu Gods are punishing the Pakistani people

The Southern Baptist Evangelicals are already planning to convert Pakistanis to Christians.

To all Pakistanis.

Tell Obama to take a flying leap. America can never help you. Their attention span is very little to do you any good. Trust me.

Do not let Americans or Western Europeans anywhere near you. Treat them with extreme prejudice. They hate you and your religion. Trust me.

Pakistan is an Islam nation. It needs to remain Islamic. Support your own Muslim brothers in your own country.

Pakistan is at a crossroads. They’ve unfortunately been here before several times during their 60 year history, but the stakes have never been this high. The path they take in the next 2-5 years will determine if Pakistan exists as a nation or gets broken up. For too long the people of Pakistan have been ill served by their leaders and the army. These so called leaders have lined their pockets with loot and failed to invest in the country and its people. For too long a disproportionate amount of money has been spent on defense and not nearly enough on building infrastructure, industry, and most importantly on education and eradicating poverty. The army has justified these large budgets by demonizing India. With army men running the country, they decided to wage proxy wars with India and Afghanistan in the 80s and started engaging and training “jihadi” outfits to carry these out. They failed to contain these jihadi outfits and now they’re starting to spin out of control and threatening the powers that enabled them. And they are growing by recruiting young Pakistani kids that should have been in school but instead get sent to madrassa because that is the only option available to their poor parents. And these kids at Madrassa’s are being brainwashed in hate under the guise of religious teachings and they think its perfectly normal to kill people for the cause (whatever that might be).

So, it is about time the people of Pakistan make a choice:
1) Fight for the country’s survival
2) Do nothing, and wait for the Taliban to take over and then face the wrath of the world (the world i.e. US, Europe, India, Russia, and perhaps Iran and China) will not tolerate a Talib Pakistan.
3) Get out

My guess is that most people would opt for
choice number one. If that case, here’s the radical changes Pakistan needs to make in order to survive and come out of this as a stable country:
1) Align with the US strategy and declare war on Taliban and other Jehadi outfits.
2) Outlaw all Madrassas, and require every kid to get a high school education
3) Severely curb the role of the ISI.
4) Build a strong police force and allow the military to focus on fighting the war against Taliban.
5) Declare India a friend and take substantial steps to show sincerity of the friendship, like prosecuting Mumbai blast perpetrators, handing over Dawood, intelligece coordination, etc. In return, establish and develop trade relations between the two countries.
6) Declare Afghanistan a friend and coordinate intelligence and border patrols, etc.
7) Table the Kashmir issue for now and keep pushing for demilitarization on both sides with road links, etc. Don’t give up on the issue but remember you are in survival mode. Come back to it later. Use the US and IMF aid money to setup schools, build roads, etc. in the tribal areas.
9) Demand more trade relations with the world in return.
10) Declare Pakistan a moderate islamic nation, revamp the constitution to give women and minorities equal rights.
11) Ban investments in religious charities, especially from Saudi Arabia. if they want to give money, give it to the govt that plows it into education & infrastructure.

So Pakistan, please embrace the Obama plan but please develop and start acting on a plan to save Pakistan as well.

Sincerely

An Indian born American with many Pakistani friends

Why to make strategy that is against the convention. The convention is ‘Do not reinforce the failure’. The problem is occupation and not ISI or Army. The army of any country is the most robust institution caring about national interest.
If this is the criteria to malign institutions like ISI and the army than one will have to blame ISIs and armies of all the other nations. Yes they do the same like things, those look shady on the face but, for all those things, bottom line is national interest. Few of these commit real horrible things that is least expected of our great agency and army.
The USA’s strategy is destined to fail. Likes of Ahmed Rashid and Shuja Nawaz who can articulate what one of them had been seeing for the last 25 or so years and the other has the credit of long but essence less compilations of events but no good conclusion about Afghanistan and FATA, have become adviser on the merit that they can speak no different language than the lot, from where they get their bounties.
They are amongst the people whose mater in advising such a strategy. Both from a totally different culture and historical background.
One aspect of this policy is appealing and merits its application in full, less increase of drones and arms.
It is development and increase in monitory support. I would add one more thing, leave Afghanistan and make such like gestures back from Washington and it would help alienate any terrorist group.
USA can make best friends in this part of the world but it will depend on friendly and thoughtful strategy based on respect for other nations and by trade interest with interest.It is against the nature to find own interest and ignoring others. This way one looses all but hate and conflict.
Problem is not FATA or Afghanistan it is USA occupation. USA sponsored Jihad on the same theme line. For Afghanistan and Pakistan characters have changed nothing else.
Pakistan must realize its leverage and should be bold enough showing its concern without duplicity on diplomatic and public level.But that needs leaders. Where are they? So relax and enjoy.

what is Al.Qaida and Taliban? its not the Problem,

Can any “Pakistani American Muslim” tell me that if American Army/Govt. attack on your home what will you Do and kill your Family

> protest
> will go and said to CJ for Justice
> ?

its actually the Plan of USA to occupy every single Muslim Land so that they always beg from Money from USA. and unfortunately our Fasiq Leaders are helping to USA.

Pakistan is Atomic Power but how powerless its Govt, Army and Agencies, no one can imagine.

“Development”…”Health Facilities” are the powerful words only for people in hypocrite politician.

Problems are so many, but we are taking it As Nation.

don’t know DAWN will publish my opinion or not.

It looks an impossible challenge for Mr. Obama to overcome.

First Step for Pakistan –keep the house in order

Second Step -Stop all kind of Terrorists activity thr its official channel

Third Step – Develop Pakistan by people not just going to USA and asking money each time..

How many years Pakistan can live with US US

Thnx
Deepak

Mr. Obama Hussain…its pakistan army and its shadowy isi that is responsible for all the owes of this country.. taliban both in afghanistan and pakistan are a bunch of thugs and theives who are surviving on saudi dollars and isi’s guidance.. once your leadership has got hold of these insitutions situation both of these countries would normalise, inshallah.

Changing with the ever changing world order should be the call of Pakistan or for the matter of any country today. The region what is being called today as Pakistan has been there from time immemorial. It contributed greatly to the world civilization. And it will do so in future too. Pakistan has to realize that it cannot save itself not with a military might but with a responsible role in the comity of nations. That means, neither it will interfere in the affairs of other nations nor will it allow others to interfere in its internal matters. Today, Pakistan is being perceived as a country which is not in this ideal situation. The main problem with Pakistan is India. Pakistan being a Muslim country cannot ignore the large Muslim population in India. So also Pakistan as a vanquished country cannot ignore the fact that it lost a major war with India. Pakistan should reconcile with these facts. Today, the large Muslim population in India to stay within India Union as rightful citizens, India needs to treat and defend Kashmir, a Muslim majority state, in equal footing with its other states with Hindu majority. Pakistan has to support this idea. Any opposition is to dream of dismantling India into smaller states which is not going to happen. Then, never in history when a country looses a war, it starts again a proxy war the very next day. Pakistan to settle the scores once for ever, participated in the war with India in 1971. Pakistan should accept its defeat with magnanimity. Pakistan should look towards India as a major market for its products as they are the closest by culture to India than any other part in the world. Pakistan, for the next 50 years should close it doors for all ideas of expansions & invasions, internal and external terrorism and create a secular Pakistan of Jinnah dreams. This will automatically improve its standard of living. Pakistan today is at cross roads like a small and poor family with very sharp & intelligent but uneducated family members in a village. What the family has to do and which way the family will go?

As a whole USA and NATO mission is a total failure. Reason as follows

1: Poppy production went up from 185 tons (before invasion) to 6100 tons (2006)and still growing.
2: They could not build an Afghan Army
3: They could not capture Osama even though they captured whole country.
4: Could not convince afghan goverment to fence the border even though Pakistan wants to do this but Afghan goverment is creating hurdles.

How much propaganda you make, Pakistan has nothing to do with these facts. It is ony NATO and USA who are responsible for these. For all these failure they need a scapegoat. the best one is Pakistan, ISI and PAK army.

The last allegation is the free crossing of border by militants under the guidance of pak army. So solution is Fence, Military Posts and air servellence. But ther is no sign if Afghan goverment or allies are willing to do this. How they can blame pak for all this. It is responsibility of both sides to stop this crossings not only of Pakistan.

I think that pakistan’s army and its intelligence are all doing the right thing in fighting the Indians. Infact, its india that is using our differences with the tribal belt for her own advantage. For me India is enemy no 1. of pakistan and its people.

Americans and Europeans are thousands of miles away from Afghanistan. They feel not only insecure but also that the Taliban’s hate their value that is itself nonsense thought because they don’t hate their value instead they want to live within their values which is not acceptable to the Westerns. This is one of the reasons that they have occupied Afghanistan. The point is how the people of Pakistan and Afghanistan feel when the enemy forces are within Afghanistan and knocking at border of Pakistan.

Unfortunately the leadership in Pakistan are behaving as toddles because of lack of proper democratic system. Pakistan must raise a strong voice to the World community for a solution where people of Afghanistan not the foreign troops decide the fate of their country.

It’s worthless and disastrous to spend billions of dollars as long as the occupiers are Afghanistan.

I hate to write this but “as you so sow so shall you reap ” sounds very appropriate when applied to Pakistan”. Your mullahs have brain washed your people and your army has provided the guns and training , saudi arabia has provided money and now you have become the target. You are very quick to blame India for all your ills but that is not going to work anymore. Unless you preach tolerance and respect for other faiths and other minorities these tragedies will keeep on befalling your country.

Please read this article. Should give you some idea of what US should be doing.

http://www.commondreams.org/view/2009/03/05-2

US help is all right. But it is important that Pakistan should handle its problems on its own. For far too long Pakistan has been using terrorism and terrorist outfits for the furtherance of its policy objectives. (This is not the occasion to debate those objectives or the desirability or practicality of those objectives.) While promoting terrorism and terrorist outfits, Pakistan forgot that this is Frankenstein’s monster which in due time comes back to devour its creator. It is more than obvious from Pakistan press and from US press (not to mention any other country’s press) that the children have come home to roost and now terrorist outfits are beginning to nibble at Pakistan’s own limbs. Clearly, the moster that Pakistan has created is no longer in its (Pakistan’s) control. It is in Pakistan’s own interest to destroy the terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and POK. If this is not done, then it will only mean that Pakistan CANNOT do even that, assuming that it is willing to do that.
I am an Indian national.

Here I go enumerating what in my humble opinion should be the course of Pakistani “democratic” government in response to altered US strategy in Afghanistan:

1. Negotiate your terms, we do the job as we get paid, its time to increase your rate and gain more control at least of the operations inside Pakistan.

2. Forget about “sovereignty” , its time to be audacious before nation. Tell them the truth trust me it won’t capsize your boat just few ripples in the water.

3. Do not forget Kashmir, that will capsize your boat. Take control of the Kashmiri campaign from army, it has made them “couch potatoes”. They want more funds and spirit they need to earn it.

4. Keep your eyes open as in who are the new guests at your neighbors, anxiety is bad but we can take Xanax later. India, Iran, Saudi Arabia and Russia has huge stakes in Afghanistan.

5. Don’t let Americans fool you with their intelligence, op-ed studies and polls. They were fooled in Iraq and they want everyone to lower down to their level.

6. Stop playing religion card, nab those so-called religious elements in the government. Make sure either the ulemas/mullas speak one language in the country or no language!

7. Do not compromise on economics, “do not use merchandise containers to block highways”, Pakistani investors are not easily intimidated don’t test their limits.

8. Give the dog what it wants…a bone. Worry about the rest later. Compromise with political opponents.

9. Protect what is left in your pocket. Punjab and Sindh, its your last resort boundary, beyond that its India. trust me you don’t want to go there!

10. Tame media into getting their acts together, don’t torture tame! Curbs will only get ephemeral results.

11. Don’t be afraid of educated crowds. They are not a treat to your authority anymore. Capitalism has changed how one discerns government policies.

12. Will all of it in place, win people’s support. One don’t need Basant for that just reduce street crime. Again just reduce it people like some adventure. They will be happy.

13. Shariah could have been an answers to people’s wishes in some parts of the country but esoteric shariah will be root of all evil so stay away from it. Give them impoverished Pathans and Balochis safety, food and some sense of accomplishment they will worship you.

14. Take some time to contemplate about what will happen once American pull out their troops as they plan or will plan!
There could be an anti-Pakistan ardor accompanied with demand for Shariah so keep that in mind.

That’s all folks!

Well! the Prosperous Afganistan is in the great interest of region,but the Pakistan in order to respond the Obama’s plan towards Afganistan, it should have to solve internal problems.America have never been in the favor of Pakistan, whenever they funded because of their own interest and they never want true democracy in Pakistan.I foresee soon Pakistan will be turned to be scapegoat of whole mess in the region.

Obama has to do what he has t do, but Pakistan should make it clear that foreign incursions will not help rather agravate the situation. Pakistan does need however, to eradicate the radicalism and that will only be possible by having lot of economic support and transparent/good governance by the government of Pakistan. Pakistan must make it very clear to Americans that India’s interference in Afghanistan is more dangerous than Al Qaeda’s role. India’s involvement in Afghanistan will only increase terrorism and violence therefore the American administration needs to look at this factor. There will be no peace if India has free hand in Afghanistan. India’s involvement in Pakistan is causing instability in Pakistan and an unstable Pakistan cannot won’t be able to deal with extremists. The American administration must understand this corelation and do something to neutralise india if they need any success. If they don not realise this then they may be digging the grave yard for burrying their unfortunate soldier who will die in Afghanistan unnecessarily. The formula is, neutralise India, give economic aid to Pakistan, give military technology to Pakistani army and do not violate Pakistani sovergnity. By doing this Taliban and extremists have only grown in size and power and the proof is the Fazlullization of Swat. If they act upon this the in return Pakistan must do everything to eradicate the deprivation in some parts of its territory which are the breeding grounds of extremism. Pakistan needs to talk to Al Qaeda leaders to bring them back in the mainstream. Alqaeda leaders should understand that as much as Americanintervention is unacceptable, Alqaeda doctrine of human destruction is not also acceptable by the people of Pakistan. Pakistanis are a peaceful society and they want to remain that way. There is no scope for extremism in our society and I beg all these extremists whether they are Bushist americans or Usomite mullas to leave us alone , you have already done a lot of damage to our peaceful society and take your war out of here we are not interested, we have got better things to do. We don’t believe in bush or Lodin, we don’t need lectures on western values nor on Usomism or Lodinism. Thanks Iftikhar aziz

Pakistan Army & Politicians should feel for their citizens and spend money for them on education, welfare etc and not on arms. India won’t attack or harm Pakistan in any way.Kashmir is not a problem at all. Pakistan should not support the militants who are harming people in large extent. In India Kashmiris were never ever treated as outsider and Kashmir is always in development only ex.Railway lines, roads etc. What about POK?
Coming to editor’s question…
Pakistan should respond to USA by disbanding the ISI,destorying the militant training camps in the overall country,curbing the madrasa’s hate activities,Respectking all the religions/humans and also put all resources in developing the country and not military for harming India/Afg.
Best wishes for Pakistanin

Well said, Dr. Kadar Khan.
The two countries Pakistan should be friendly with are India and Israel. Nothing else matters…but who would initiate that??

We Pakistani.. and Indians..are an emotional lot…we tend to think with our hearts, and not minds. We have another thing in common, not answering the question posted above!

I think Pakistan has no other option but to support the Obama initiative in Afghanistan. And why wouldn’t it, the country is also being offered hefty monetary incentives to do so.

However, rather than solely relying on a US strategy for Afghanistan, Pakistan also needs to come up with it own, clear and written, strategy for its western neighbour; one that is also coordinated with its NATO and US allies. It would also help clarify Pakistan’s position to the world vis a vis Afghanistan, which is currently marred by the impression that Pakistani intelligence agencies are actually helping the Taliban insurgency there. And I don’t see why Pakistan can’t work with the Indians in Afghanistan either. A joint policy to strengthen the Afghan government would be beneficial for the whole South Asian region.

The US is right in its thinking of trying to include, rather than isolate, the Taliban from the Afghan political, social and economic setup. Pakistan, with its first-hand experience with the Taliban, should assist in this overture to bring about a sustainable change in Afghanistan. This is really not an option for Pakistan, but rather an imperative, as peace and stability in Afghanistan is directly linked to peace in Pakistan as well.

Obama administration has correctly identified the root cause of the problem – it is Pakistani army which is putting up a farce of fighting the terrorist to get aid from US and other countries and then helping Taliban and other terrorists to attack Afghanistan and India. India is in strong position to defend itself compared to Afghanistan. US has correctly identified that Pakistani army is rouge and is not under civilian control. US has decided to deny terrorist heaven in Pakistan and it will pursue that strategy. It will be in Pakistan’s interest to cooperate and rein in those terrorist.

Well, PAK needs to take a good look in the mirror, it will soon realize that true enemy lies within self.

Army and ISI has controlled PAK agenda since its inception for their self interest, sacrificing national interests in process.

Army, which supposedly is designed to protect the country has done most damage to PAK than any of the corrupt politicians in its history.

PAK needs to invest heavily in education (Not Madrasas, but real education like Science, Math etc) and fight extremism.

Forget this Kashmir crap. This is nothing but a diversion for army to keep hold on PAK’s national treasure and not addressing other critical issues.

It is in army’s interest to keep general population weak and illitrate and control the agenda in progress.

PAK has considerable potential which remains untapped. PAK will find that well educated balanced minded population is the best resource to make most progress for herself.

It is in world’s interest to see PAK being a stable and prosperous country. India would like that. We want to see PAK healthy and stable, not an international pariah it has been. So that both countries can divert resources to more beneficial causes for the welfare of the populstion.

Well the question should be in what way can Pakistan respond to US plans in Afghanistan. The answer is simple, it cannot. Because it is not a symmetrical relationship rather it is a master slave relationship. US is telling Pakistan to do what it is supposed to do but Pakistan will do what it will feel like doing. But doing so will stop the flow of $$ to Pakistan that it’s comatose economy needs. Pakistan will be the next empire to fall in the graveyard of Afghanistan. It is the stupidity of Pakistan’s short sighted generals and military planners that has created this situation for Pakistan.

I read an international op-ed piece here in the US which said that an average Afghan greatly admires the work India has done after the Taliban overthrow and at the same time abhors Pakistan’s meddling during the same period.

All India has done during the period is build roads, hospitals and schools, train Afghans in civil service and administration and donated generous amounts for development. They have never interfered with governance and para military issues. India might have a national interest in doing this to improve the relations with Afghan government. But is that a crime?

Pakistan has to precisely do the same, concentrate on development and stop trying to be the Geo-political puppet masters in that region.

i am agree with ahmed but pakistan and terrorism is necessary.

I am Pakistani American, but our leaders are taking responsibilities to overcome Afghanistan problem. This problem start from 1980, since then our leaders not able to solve the problem. we are going offensive solve the problem agianst muslims living in FATA and Afghanistan or solve there economic problem and build infrastrature solve the problem. Pakistan and US governement should try to weak ecnomically Al queda and taliban. We should not treat them a enemy, but we should communicate and solve there life style problem, find alternative income and activity, convience them that they are not doing anything for islam, but hurting Islam real image that lead to peace, if they surrender against Pakistan and Afghanistan army,so, they become brave and allah is the one who judge us,if they are right then Allah find the ways to win against agressor and finally they win, if they keep kiling innocent people and they thing they can solve the problem then I can pray for them, Allah give mercy on them and lead them to right direction. Ameen

Khan

I think pakistan should fight this war against terrorism without foreign help. The “SOLUTION IS RESOLUTION OF ISSUE OF KASHMIR”. I think by closing eyes on root causes of global problem of terrorism we cannnot win the “war on terrorism”. It is imperative that pakistan take its destiny on its on hand and “solve” the Kashmir problem once and for all and take “state terrorism” seriously as soon as possible.

I think pakistan should fight this war against terrorism without foreign help. The “SOLUTION IS RESOLUTION OF ISSUE OF KASHMIR”. I think by closing eyes on root causes of global problem of terrorism we cannnot win the “war on terrorism”. It is imperative that pakistan take its destiny on its on hand and “solve” the Kashmir problem as soon as possible.

Change in mindset of pakistani politicians and generals is the foremost requirement.
They can’t keep on pushing the people in to troubles and poverty by playing games among them for power!!!!!
Respect the verdict of the people and respect democracy with transparency at all levels will stabilise the country!!!!
Punish the criminals as per law…. Don’t mess/mix law with religion!!!!

Pakistan has to first accept that it had supported terrorism in the past and is paying the price for it. As you sow so you reap. Stop supporting the terrorists and severe the links between Terrorist and ISI.

This has to be taken up on a war footing basis and it may take years to clean up the mess.

We took a pragmatic step when we joined US war on terror and are paying the price for that till now. We should now take some principled stand.

US has no right to shape the future of Afghan people and continue to keep its forces here and if we cannot resist it, at least we should not be a party to it.

Pakistan should stop all interference in Afghanistan internal matters be that in form of assistance to US / Nato or in form of support to Taliban (as is being alleged). The border must be sealed to the maximum possible extent (except for authorized travel on both sides) and US/Nato and of-course Taliban be told in clear terms to keep their activities limited to the other part of the border.

Pakistan should declare its neutrality and friendship to the Afghan people and should continue with trade and humanitarian aid to them.

In answer ot the very specific questions posed by the Editor :

1 – Embrace it wholeheartedly.
2 – The two are the same, I can’t see how there is a conflict of interests.
3 – Yes. Afghanistan is only good for opium growing,and being a conduct for pipelines. In common, is large groups of uneducated, unemployed, disenfranchised, illiterate and unskilled people. Save the people and you will save the country.
Thank you.

In answer to the very specific questions posed by the Editor :

1 – Embrace it wholeheartedly.
2 – The two are the same, I can’t see how there is a conflict of interests.
3 – Yes. Afghanistan is only good for opium growing,and being a conduit for pipelines.

Sir,
Pakistan has always bowed to two pressures 1) American interest
2) Strong Fundamentalist views

Now when the two pressures are acting against one another the different views can only come or policy can be defined if first What is Pakistant and what are Pakistani interest. Pakistan cannot be defined on anti-India sentiment.

Please note you cannot define your goal to burn a neighbour’s house because the chance is that the fire may come back to your house.

USA will be there today for their interest, and may not be tomorrow.

Questions that anyone should ask -

What does every Pakistani want?
Is it in the interest of every Pakistani?
Does it matter who is helping to get there?
What lense you would use to read it? Political, economical, peace, safety, progress?
Is Pakistan establishment believes that ‘helping’ Taliban will allow peace and prosperity (i.e. being enemy of neighbours) will help Pakistan?

Why it never appears that Pakistan govt is for peace and prosperity? It is just words which are used for political purpose.

You have to ask what you want for next generation and future generations?

What do they want to learn and how they want to live?

What is progress and peace for Pakistan?

It is like, for a problem (say against terrorism), a general would want to send army, a saint would want to work with message, a politician would like to negotiate, an academic person would like to analyze.

If it it same, then do Pakistanis believe that they could gain only at loss of neighbours?

No one can help someone but one self.

As you sow so shall you reap.

Be it peace, progress, or something else.

no need to respond Obama at all.now ask me why??

here are the reasons:

1>Pakistan is not a position to help other,instead it will make the situation dirty which will support talibans.it has very worse financial situation and begging for even some million dollars.

2>again who is going to support us whether ISI or their military or their government or their poor people.clearly we can find no power center in Pakistan.

instead they should beg USA,UK,CHINA or IMF for some aid that will be help for their economy. respect your chief justice and keep ur military out of ur political matter.i don’t hesitate to say that i am Indian and i like Pakistani people very much. we share the common border and same blood flows through us.don’t you think that USA,UK,CHINA are using you like a toy.don’t u think that ur politicians are for power only though it is same for us also.i would be happy if Pakistan comes to rest with a vibrant democratic regime and prosperous country.i think most of my Pakistani friends would support me and my comments.

To get out of the morass,which is getting stickier and deeper by the day,Pakistan urgently needs to do following:-
1.Cure itself of its India fixation, which has done more harm to Pakistan than anything else.India will not harm Pakistan unless troubled.The required U turn on both overt and covert state policy towards India would require actual(not cosmetic) reigning in of Lashkar e taiba and Jaish e Mohammed.This is easier said than done because,ISI and the army who will be required to do it will resist it with all their effort. An untroubled India will not be jingoistic and will be perceived as non-threatening in eyes of Pakistani people The army would not like it because it would then stand to lose the image of Pakistan’s saviour against the Indian demon.Kashmir can be taken up when atmosepherics are better again.
2. Government should take up courage in both hands and allow NATO forces selective access to valued targets in Pakistan.We normally donot allow strangers into our houses but when the house is on fire,we donot fight fire-fighters in the name of our sovereign right to our houses.This should be allowed on the specific condition that civilian deaths in such strikes will decrease and not increase.
3.Time is ripe to get Iran and China involved.Iran has helped cool down Afganistan before.Iran will do to boost its international image and China will be too ready to help because it is worried sick about terrorism spreading to Sinkiang.India should limit itself to reconstruction and medical work in Afganistan.
4.Spend the billions coming from America on education.Literacy particularly female literacy is a force multiplier.
5.You have a great civil society.It should be officially encouraged to engage with the mullahs.
6.Build many more Sufi shrines.
Cheers

The main problem, which Pakistan is facing now, is that Pakistan hasn’t defined its national interest in true sense. What is being articulated in the press or statements, as national interest, are the interest of few segments of Pakistan society. Before defining the national interest, each Pakistani should be aware of the fact that Pakistan is standing on the spot, wherein it has to wage a war, whether against the Taliban like extremist or against the so called civilized world. There is no other way to look around. Facing any of the said war is not an easy task. One war is to fight within the nation and other against the powerful military of the world. Furthermore, resources of ours do not allow having small skirmishes rather to have a long bloody war. But we have to opt one of it. Before exercising the option, we have to take into account the following points:

• Based on the news items, it is transpired that majority of deaths were the result of extremist attacks on innocent Pakistani nationals by the fanatics. Drone attacks though responsible for many deaths but still far behind the total inflicted by the extremist element.

• The extremist are able to strike at the heart of cities without any regard of civilian causalities. They have succeeded to kill our beloved leader Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto, brave soldiers and innocent civilians. On the other hand drone attacks are only limited to tribal areas and the victims of drone attacks includes sizeable foreigners, who are living in Pakistan without any legal permission.

• Extremist are enemy within and USA is a sole world power, on which we are dependent economically as well as militarily.

• USA though has used us in the past but she gave us the usage fee, while Taliban were in power they are totally dependent on Pakistan’s economy rather burden on Pak economy.

• We can import new technology from USA, send our children to acquire knowledge while studying their but from Taliban’s Afghanistan we can only import extremist and send our children to Afghanistan to acquire knowledge of transforming themselves as a suicide bomber.

Above comparison, however, do not constitute support to drone attacks on the Pakistani territory, rather these are condemnable acts. But as a realist I acknowledge the fact that we neither can stop these attacks militarily due to incapability and nor politically, till our tribal areas providing the sanctuary to the extremist elements.

In view of the above “childish” argument (I called childish because every child can understand what should be our policy) I request to Pakistani nation to devise a new policy based on the following

SAY NO TO EXTREMIST, SAY NO TO FANATICS

i think it is critical for pakistanis to understand that the real powers that be in pakistan (the army and the isi) are more interested in their power games than in the welfare of the citizens of the country. so they are still actively abetting the taliban which is gaining more and more power by the day. and neither is the taliban interested in the welfare of the populace – it just blasted a bomb in a mosque today which left so many people dead. if pakistanis do not force their army to act against the taliban, the day is not far off when the taliban’s boot is on the head of the average pakistani – then we will not even be able to comment on such articles and web sites. and when the taliban gets out of hand (as it definitely will with its fanaticism) the powers of the world will attack pakistan and numerous innocent pakistanis will get caught in the crossfire.

Hi,
If Obama administration implements the new policy in Afghanistan without taking confidence the govt of pakistan than it will be useless for Washington to get desired reult.
Firstly, drones attacks must be stopped. Secondly, Washington should trust on Islamabad. Thirdly,if America wants to stablize the region Then there is a great need of dialogues with Taliban forces because they have ruled on Kabul and still has powers in each corner of Afghanistan. In the coming election of Afghanistan, Karzai should be replaced.
What should Pakistan do in this situation?
i think, now it is also the right time for Pakistan to change its policies as Obama says we want change. Now Pakistan should take some hard steps to stabilize the region.The key of peace is in Pakistan hand and Obama administration must know this reality and washigton should try to facilitate us in every field of life because after 9-11, we have lost our lives, honour, political system and domestistic stability, only to show that we are front ally of America. we got nothing.

I have read the above comments and come to the conclusion that we are all living in a fools paradise. As long as the lords of Afghanistan and NWFP including our and Afghan top power holders have a stake in the drug money, nothing can and will change.

Obama’s administration as well as all the true scholars, intellectuals, historians and academics of the world are very well aware of the fact and the ground realities that sooner or later, all occupying forces have to leave both Afghanistan and Iraq. Nevertheless, for the current US administration its a great strategical shift from the old hawkish and fatal policy of George Bush and Dick Cheney, which was based on the failed and maniac Bush doctrine of unilateralism , might is right and preemptive strike.

As far as the current administration in the Islamic Republic of Pakistan is concerned, how can it ignore the centuries old religious, ethnic, cultural, family, historical and tribal relations and connections with the brotherly people of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan including the Talibans – an integral entity of the brave people of Afghanistan?

It is the high time and the right time for President Obama and his team to know, understand and realize that just like the problems in Mexico inadvertently spill over into the US, similarly, all happenings in Afghanistan also affect all of its neighbors including China, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and the Islamic Republics of Iran and Pakistan.

What the government of President Zardari and Prime Minister Gillani has to do is to keep in mind its national interest as well as the aspirations and expectations of the great Afghan people in general and the dedicated ethnic Pashtoon population in particular (which forms about sixty percent of the total population in Afghanistan) before crafting any type of strategy to resolve the lingering issues over there, with or without the help and intervention of foreign powers including the United States of America.

Of course, the problems of Afghanistan will affect all its neighbors directly or indirectly, implicitly or explicitly, knowingly or unknowingly and the land of the pure is no exception to it. All foreign occupiers have to leave one day but the neighbors have to live together for good. The sooner we understand this simple but centuries old universal law, the better.

At the same time, it is surprising as well as amusing to know that the movers and shakers in Washington, DC including senator Kerry of Massachusetts, are endeavoring to involve India which has no common borders with Afghanistan, into its current and future state of affairs. This might prove to be disastrous for the world community because it might set a bad precedent and could open inevitable avenues of foreign intervention in the global world of today, for many more generations to come.

stop supporting militants ,close the terror camps all over the country including kashmir,increase role of civilian govt in pakistan,reorganise ISI,and most importantly try to have your own foreign policy instead of depending on china and US.

The biggest allegation against Pakistan is that militants are infiltrating through Pakistan border into Afghanistan.And that it is solely and entirely Pakistan’s responsibility to stop this from happen, as if Afghans and foreign troops have no duty to guard their side of the border.

The infiltration is quoted as the reason for the all failures of foreign troops in Afghanistan. It is suggested that everything will be hunky dory in Afghanistan if infiltration stops. If we accept all this as true then the solution is very simple and easy. All the foreign troops in Afghanistan should be moved and deployed on Pak-Afghan border with only one goal of stopping anybody illegally entering into Afghanistan. I guess with all their training, technology and weaponry this should be a simple and straight forward task.Since there is no other source of violence in Afghanistan, the rest of Afghans should be able to start building their country again.

But I don’t think this is the case in Afghanistan. Pakistan is mere a scapegoat in the big picture.

Fully agree with Asim above. Why can’t Governments of Pakistan and Afghanistan come up with a plan as to how the borders can be controlled between the 2 countries. I am sure with the financial help of USA, both countries will benefit as soon as the free crossings are controlled. I remember, Mr. Karzai opposed the idea when Musharraf suggested it and wonder why!!!.

Pakistani army is sufficiently strong to handle the terrorists and with America’s help, it should be a child’s play. But as of now it seems to be a tough job. So the natural question is how it has become tough? The answer lies in Pakistan’s obsession with the old thinking that India is the enemy no. one. I must hasten to add that it is not so with the educated class and the civilian govt. of Pakistan. But it is there amongst some sections of army & ISI. Army and ISI are not friendly with Al-Qaida, but it is likely that they are friendly with other militant outfits and these outfits in turn are friendly with Al-Qaida. This mix up has created a big mess. This triangle needs to be handled with extreme caution as otherwise it may backfire. It will take time and Pakistan must be given that time and gradually work in the direction of closing down ISI, which could be replaced by a new organization with a new policy and philosophy. The leadership for this has to come from civilian government with tacit support from the army chief and active support from the US, but from behind the scene.

Another angle is India’s role. Those in the corridors of power, who still think that India is the enemy no 1, needs to be taken into confidence; after all it is a mind game and for this India has to play a role. What I mean is that India’s claims that it has no ill will towards Pakistan needs to be proved on the ground for disarming the doubters. And for this, involvement of Iran & China could be of great help.

Pakistan would be well served by disbanding ISI completely, just like Bangla Desh which has disbanded its BDR. The evil is far deeply ingrained into this organization. No band-aiding will do now.

We are in big trouble in the eyes of the world, not in our own because we are still in denial. The Mumbai and Lahore attacks increasingly seem as if they were originated, planned in Pakistan with tacit support from our security apparatus which is also helping the Taliban. We seem to concentrate too much on the Indian threat which simply does not exist. The Kashmir issue should be resolved by dialogue and not by proxy war which we will never win. The Indian influence in Afghanistan is historical and we shouldn’t oppose it as the new Afghanistan may actually benefit from Indian democratic values and institutions and not that of a failed state. If it is true that we are losing more soldiers in our own land fighting our own people rather than our ‘hostile’ neighbour, what more proof do we want of our failed foreign policies dictated by the military and the ISI. It is high time that both be made accountable to the democratically elected Government.

I am pakistani born and raised in western Europe – Scandinavia. I so want Pakistan to succeed, but I can’t help getting embarassed by being pakistani. Our lawyers go around with a stick and our politicians are corrupt. Not even a local problem can you pakistanis fix without the involvement of your master USA. An atomic power that can’t protect its citizens from drone attacks from foreign countries – I am so embarrased by this once great nation Pakistan.

The unrest in Afghanistan is a one of the very complicated issues. At first we need to delink the terrorism & Islam otherwise it will lead more youths towards terroism.
whatever the US military & ISAF is doing in Afghanistan may not lead the region towards peace. The civilian casualities on both side of durand line hurts the sovereignity of the nation & sentiments of people.Here is the point on which mullahs may instigate the youth to do terrorist acts. For promoting peace in the region strong democratic government is the need of the hour.

Pakistan is a victim of US policies, US wants to involve India and Iran which is against the Pakistan’s interest, both these countries are involve in anti Pakistan policy, the best thing is to send all the Afghans back without wasting time, seal the border with Afghanistan and make a proper border with Afghanistan instead of Durand line. Lets stay away from India and Afghanistan and clean our own house.

Pakistan needs to play its card very transparently in close co-operation with the US . Running with the hare & hunting with the hound won’t do in times to come , just like Musharraf did post 2001. Musharraf did a big blunder in letting Al-Qaeda – Taliban have a safe sanctuary inside Pakistan after fall of Kabul , for which innocent Pakistanis r paying these days . Pakistan should aim for dissasociating themselves from Al-Qaeda -Taliban combine & stop thinking it as a strategic weapon . Nor it should repeat the past mistake of deepening influence in Afghanistan with their help which is anyhow the playground of BIG POWERS like US , RUSSIA etc now . It should focus on more & more welfare related projects like schools , hospitals etc in Pakistan . Raise the living standard of its people with the help of US & West .

Bad omen for Pakistan Iam afraid…Last time US made such a strategy 0.5 Million Iraqis died…i guess with the problem much bigger than the iraqi problem a few million pakis will be dead by the time this is done and dusted…

After that may be Pakistanis should ask their smart generals what they achieved with their strategic depth strategy…Population control?

The idea that Pakistan should disband its army would be a great idea if its neighbour to the East ventured down that road first. Oh I forget, there are not 800 million people living in abject poverty.

Instead of being pressurized and dictated by others our goverment should pressurize the USA and NATO for the following

1: Eradicate Opium production.
2: Put soldiers on all routes connecting Pak and afghanistan. it is not only the responsibility of Pak to stop two way movement of militants. It is the responsibility on both sides.
3: Fence the border.

They do it or not depends upon their seriousness about the issue. But it will at least give some points to argument to our goverment and put some pressure back on allies. They keep on dictating to us “Do More” Why we should not ask them “at least stop Opium that is very easy task as the Taliban did it”

people with opinion must bear this in mind that pakistan must be saved from evil forces within and from abroad,and we all must keep this in focus at all cost

Obama’s Afpak policy
Terrorists are enemies of pakistan also.So pak should let the international community deal with the common enemy.
It is critical miscalculation by ISI amd pak military that they can fight proxy with Nato and India with the help of Taliban. This will change the geography of pakistan.
Being a SUPLLICANT nation ,it should feed its people and disband army who is part of the problem of terrorism.

Why should US be making a strategy? Why can’t the initiative be taken by Pakistan? Afterall, who is currently getting affected?
Pakistan should take charge of their country, why handover their control to anyone else? Is this Pakistan’s culture that you let ousiders come and sort out your own family problems? US holds the remote control for anything and everything in Pakistan; be it lawyers rally or drone attacks or who should be the President/PM of Pakistan. Pakistan belongs to everyone but the Pakistanis. When will you wake up?Is the answer clear now atleast, as to what Pakistan should do? Or more spoon feeding is required?

The first thing that Pakistan needs to do is severe links with Terrorists. It has been in bed with Terrorists for long to achieve its goals. Its high time it realizes is mistake and breaks contact with “All” terrorist organizations.