NEW DELHI: As Indo-Pak ties take turn for the worse, US presidential hopeful Barack Obama called Pakistan funding of the mujahideen in Kashmir “counterproductive”.
Mr Obama, who had earlier expressed his support for hot pursuit into Pakistan, said that Islamabad has historically helped and funded the mujahideen in the hope that it would help it in Kashmir. “We have to have an honest conversation about how counterproductive that is,” Mr Obama said in an interview to an US newspaper.
The senator from Illinois also linked the security situation in Afghanistan to Pakistan’s attitude towards India. “… We need to think comprehensively about the region. If one of the central concerns of Pakistan is its security posture towards, then we need to put that on the table for discussion as we try to solve the problems in Afghanistan,” he said. US intelligence has long believed that Kashmir-focused groups continue to support the attacks in Afghanistan and that operatives trained by these groups continue to be part of al-Qaeda attack plans Mr Obama’s remarks on the mujahideen, though well-known, assume significance as they come at a time when Pakistani prime minister Raza Gillani is visiting the US.
The tough talk from the US also comes at an opportune time for India, which has accused Pakistan of masterminding the Indian blast in Kabul in which two Indian diplomats were killed, and of aiding cross-border infiltration by militants. The last round of talks between India and Pakistan had ended with New Delhi saying that the composite dialogue process was under stress. National Security Advisor M K Narayanan had accused Pakistan of instigating the Kabul attack.
Though Pakistan remains under attack from many quarters in the US and India, the ground reality is not expected to change anytime soon. Even Mr Obama acknowledged that the inability of US troops to strike at terror safe havens in Pakistan was a big problem. Mr Obama was quoted as saying that Pakistan should increase cooperation to get rid of Taliban and al-Qaeda havens. “They’ve (al-Qaeda and Taliban) got safe havens there (in Pakistan’s tribal areas) that US troops can’t follow — that is a huge problem,” Mr Obama said.
"We’re going to need more troops in Afghanistan. But we’re also going to need more effective cooperation from the Pakistani government in rooting out these safe havens,” the presidential hopeful said.
Mr Obama is among a large number of American politicians and officials calling for more action from Pakistan on curbing terror elements that find shelter and operate freely in various pockets of the country. Other US politicians and top officials have also asked Pakistan to stop cross border infiltration by terrorists into Afghanistan. The US focus is on the FATA areas which continue to be safe havens for Taliban and other terror groups.
Re: Pak funding of mujahideen in J&K counterproductive: Obama
I actually like John McCain over Barak Obama for the presidency but I'd like to know if McCain shares Obama's views in respect to Pakistan and terrorism in general and with respect to the role in Kashmir in particular.
Though this may be a bit away from the topic here, I think it would be very tragic if the break of ceasefire in the LOC as well as the cross-border terrorist activties are resumed. I believe that the decision to move the ISI out of military control and the subsequent back tracking may even have had something to do with this.
Re: Pak funding of mujahideen in J&K counterproductive: Obama
Obama has made only one mistake.Calling Kahmir terrorists `MUJAHIDEENS' :D. ..Its a venerated term,that is suitable only for people like the legendary Ahmed Shah Masood, one of my ever time greatest heroes.
NEW DELHI: Mr Obama is among a large number of American politicians and officials calling for more action from Pakistan on curbing terror elements that find shelter and operate freely in various pockets of the country. Other US politicians and top officials have also asked Pakistan to stop cross border infiltration by terrorists into Afghanistan. The US focus is on the FATA areas which continue to be safe havens for Taliban and other terror groups
Obama is actually demonstrating that he does know what is going on and his knowledge of foreign policy is head and shoulders above that of others, including McGramps.
Re: Pak funding of mujahideen in J&K counterproductive: Obama
^ yeah, bombing Pakistan and turning it another Afghanistan is a really smart idea. I am sure this is exactly what is needed to resolve this issue. Maybe, you need to give all of your money to help humanity crap that he has sponsored....talk about grandeur visions.... what a phony.
who said anything aboug bombing Pakistan? He is advocating PAKISTAN do more - stop providing a haven for terrorists. I think the $6 billion already given to Pakistan (for which US has been taken for a ride) is enough money already - nothing left to help humanity.
Re: Pak funding of mujahideen in J&K counterproductive: Obama
Anyways, nothing any candidate says before getting elected matters. They'll say whatever they believe will get them more votes.
What happens after is what to be seen. Obama has no proof of his capabilities. Therefore I will vote for McCain even though he is not the ideal candidate. I just hope he doesn't make any great mistake in selecting VP
^ yeah, bombing Pakistan and turning it another Afghanistan is a really smart idea. I am sure this is exactly what is needed to resolve this issue. Maybe, you need to give all of your money to help humanity crap that he has sponsored....talk about grandeur visions.... what a phony.
Nobody has to turn Pakistan to another Afghanistan - the Talebans and ISI are doing an admirable job of it. Heard the latest about them wanting INTERNET TO BE SHUT DOWN IN PAKISTANI PUNJAB?
who said anything aboug bombing Pakistan? He is advocating PAKISTAN do more - stop providing a haven for terrorists. I think the $6 billion already given to Pakistan (for which US has been taken for a ride) is enough money already - nothing left to help humanity. 