Adding fuel to an already serious diplomatic fire, US Ambassador to Pakistan Anne Patterson discussed the contents of an angry letter she wrote to the Jang Group, Pakistan’s largest media conglomerate. Ambassador Patterson accused Jang of spreading “wildly incorrect” information and said the group had “compromised the security of Americans.”
Patterson’s very public clash with Jang was brought to the attention of much of Pakistan late last week, when she managed to get Jang’s “The News International” newspaper to pull the weekly column of top analyst Dr. Shireen Mazari over the article’s reference to Blackwater contractors operating in Pakistan on the behalf of the US government. The article was made available on the paper’s website, but was not published.
The pulling of the article caused a major stir in Pakistan’s blogosphere, with many seeing the US embassy’s ability to block coverage of a story as an ominous sign of America’s growing influence in the impoverished, war-ridden nation. Ambassador Patterson made it clear, however, that her problems with Jang did not begin and end with the article, and said she objected to the content of two popular talk shows on the group’s Geo TV station, which she accused to spreading “conspiracy theories.”
Last month, a poll conducted by Gallup showed that a majority of Pakistanis had identified the United States as the biggest threat to the nation, and there is a growing sense among Pakistanis that the nation’s recent military offensives are more for America’s benefit than for their own.
And while Ambassador Patterson has denied that any Blackwater employees are in Pakistan, former CIA officials had conceded only a few weeks ago that Blackwater was responsible for all the security on Pakistan’s Shamsi Air Base, from which US drones are launched.
As the US continues to expand its embassy in Islamabad and its war in Afghanistan, the conspicuous US presence is only going to fuel more unrest. Whether this will mean a growing clash with Pakistan’s private media over reporting on its activities, however, remains to be seen.
Bikaryoun aor ghulamon ke munh se yeh baat achhi nahin lagti. Uncle Sam military ko saalon se paal rahain hain. Have you ever heard this? Beggars are not chosers.
Jab pakis bheek lena bandh kar den, unlce Sam ki ghulam se aazad ho jaaian, phir tumhari baat mein kuch wazan hoga.
warna Khao pyo aor chalay jao. This song is continuing since 1947.
Islamabad: No Blackwater in Pakistan
*
“Blackwater is not operating in Pakistan, we have our own system, rules and regulations and will not allow any body to operate from here," Interior Minister Rehman Malik said on Friday, Press TV’s correspondent reported from Islamabad. *
This is inspite of CIA admitting Blackwater presence for security in Pakistan.
Here are a couple of questions for you guys about the specific point Anne is making.
Q1- Do ordinary Americans feel safe visiting Pakistan’s large cities like Karachi (compared to visiting other countries in the region such as China, India, or Philippines cities like Shanghai, Manila, or Bangalore)?
Q2- Is Pak media and especially Jang is help to improve the safety of Americans in Pak?
A2. Jang group has always been champion of sensationalism and blackmail but it is not an organisation responsible for protection of foreigners in the country. Why expect them to be?
Q3. Has american media done anything to improve the safety of Americans in Pakistan?
The professors running this Blog ( Three Trillion Dollar War ) still have their job in universities and are not threatened in any way voicing their opinions. Chomsky says what he wants to. Nobody bothers. Why have curbs on Pakistani media then?
Here are a couple of questions for you guys about the specific point Anne is making.
Q1- Do ordinary Americans feel safe visiting Pakistan's large cities like Karachi (compared to visiting other countries in the region such as China, India, or Philippines cities like Shanghai, Manila, or Bangalore)?
Q2- Is Pak media and especially Jang is help to improve the safety of Americans in Pak?
I think its going too far on part of US ambassador now to block news stories. Jang is not reporting about the whereabouts of americans, if it merely reports on presence of a company that has not even been allowed to keep its contract in a place like Iraq, then i see nothing wrong in it.
Jang is not inciting anyone. Its also very insensitive of americans to utilize blackwater in Pakistan.
A1. No, they [American an European visitors to Pak] dont feel safe.
...
True
A2. Jang group has always been champion of sensationalism and blackmail but it is not an organisation responsible for protection of foreigners in the country. Why expect them to be?
...
Sadly true!
Newspapers have important responsibility to provide unbiased info to the Paks, so that our country is a stable and peaceful place for locals as well as for the visitors.
......
Q3. Has american media done anything to improve the safety of Americans in Pakistan?
...
hain! Are you serious?
American media doing something to improve the safety of AMERICANS in Pakistan? You must be joking.
So Americans are safe in Manila, because NYT prints daily stories about Manila asking them pl. be nice to our visitors?
Or
Americans are safe in Shanghai, because Washington Post prints daily stories about China begging them to be nice to Americans?
Or
Americans are safe in Bangalore, because LA times sends "Bhatta" money to the Bangolri mafia?
Wah bhai Wah. What kind of logic is that?
Oh Bhai Jaan.
Safety of a VISITOR in Pakistan is the responsibility of Pakistanis (people, police, media etc. etc. ).
I guess this is what happens when we forget that we are Pakistanis first, and protection of anyone visiting our country is OUR responsibility (and not American's).
Has blackwater done anything wrong in Pakistan? Care to explain? And while doing so, focus on Pakistan! OK (no need to bring in Middle eastern stuff).
merey bhai
will you oppose blackwater only when it does someting bad in Pakistan? We should learn from its history and modus ope***** and how it has treated un-armed civilians in the past. Revelations of some its employees in US courts are frightening. I am sure US can find other US companies or its own military to do protective work, rather than this company.
Pakistanis should be worried about those who harm Pakistanis.
Pakistanis should read the news before jumping to conclusions.
Pakistanis should quit believing in leftist conspiracy theories. These stories are not brought to earth by Gibrael Alaihe Salaam.
DD bhai, read the news from Jang and read the red fonted area, and cry a bit, as you became one more link in the long chain of lies.
It will also help an otherwise good poster like Shamraz not to post the Leftist liars like antiwar.com. They twist the news to harm Pakistani interests.
US envoy denies huge deployment of marines
US envoy denies huge deployment of marines
Friday, August 28, 2009
ISLAMABAD: The US envoy in Pakistan Ms Anne Wood Patterson has conceded that the impression about her country in Pakistan is ‘very bad’ and it is because of the poor public relations and the undue US bashing by Washington’s critics here.
She said, “We all are responsible for this bad image and are making efforts to remove this perception.” There is a need to promote people-to-people contact to improve the trust between the two countries.
She revealed that about one thousand US Marines are providing internal security to 150 US embassies and consulates across the globe but certain people are insisting that hundreds of marines are being deployed in Islamabad in the wake of the expansion of the embassy complex.
She was talking to a group of senior journalists in the embassy compound on Thursday to explain her country’s position vis-a-vis the expansion of the embassy building and the posting of marines in Pakistan. Patterson who is about to complete her third year here despite its being a non-family station said that the expansion project of the US embassy in Islamabad is needed due to an increase in the financial assistance being given by America to Pakistan and it requires expansion in the embassy infrastructure. But the number of US marines will be less than 20 even after the completion of the expansion project six to seven years down the line. She emphatically denied the reports of a frightening increase in the number of US marines in Pakistan’s capital.
The ambassador clarified that marines are not authorised to be responsible for security or combat duty outside the embassy and their sole responsibility was to protect the internal security of the embassy. They are not supposed to leave the mission building and hence cannot move out of the premises of the embassy. They do not mingle with the embassy officials as they arrange their food and other needs separately on their own. Patterson said Pakistan will receive about $4 billion in the next 18 months that also includes $1.5 billion under the Kerry-Lugar Bill, $1 billion in military and other economic assistance. For that reason the US embassy needs more staff to handle the increased assistance.
The ambassador said presently the embassy has 250 permanent American staff. Over 1,000 are Pakistani staff working in different sections while 200 are temporary staff. She said after the expansion of the building, the embassy will enhance its strength from 300 to 500 according to the needs and requirements and 60 per cent of them will be Pakistanis.
The US ambassador made it clear that the expansion work of the embassy was being initiated with the consent of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Capital Development Authority (CDA). She said the present embassy is situated on 38 acres of land and it has purchased 18 acres more land from the CDA. She said the embassy is in contact with the CDA through the ministry of foreign affairs and added that CDA officials can inspect the construction at any stage if they have any question. The expanded embassy will be constructed according to an authorised plan and design. The whole structure of the present embassy would be demolished, she added.
Clarifying the allocation of $112 million for the construction of marine houses inside the embassy, the ambassador said that it will not be for more than 20 marines and the actual cost for these marine houses will be just $5-9 million and most of the funds would be utilised for the facilities for the marines.
Regarding construction, the ambassador said, the entire labour would be from Pakistan and even a Turkish contractor given the task for construction at one of the sections hired Pakistani staff where only one Turk works.
Commenting on the propaganda from Pakistani politicians and religious parties regarding the number of marines, the ambassador said, the embassy would interact with them to explain the actual facts.She also denied any secret deal with former President Pervez Musharraf for the purpose of expansion of the embassy building.
Replying to a question, the ambassador confirmed that as there are over 250 US permanent staff in Islamabad therefore, the embassy has hired about 200 houses here for its staff. The houses would be vacated as soon the expanded embassy building is completed, she said.
The ambassador said the US embassy is also looking for property for the construction of its new consulate in Peshawar and added that there will be expansion in the US consulate in Karachi also. She said in the expansion project, the embassy is making arrangements to build its own houses for its permanent staff so that they could live with their families.
**
About the stories of hiring the officials of Blackwater, she denied any such deal and said there is no agreement between the embassy and Blackwater for security in Islamabad. She said Blackwater was not working with thw State Department.
**
The ambassador said the US has been providing air support to the Ministry of Interior. She did not elaborate on this. To a question about allegations of spying on Pakistan through the expansion of the embassy, the ambassador denied such reports. She said, “We do not need a big embassy if we want to spy on Pakistan.” She said, “We do not need to spy on Pakistan.” The ambassador said the charges of spying on Pakistan are ridiculous.
Answering a question about helping Pakistan in the energy sector, the ambassador said the US is interested in providing financial assistance for hydel projects to resolve the energy crisis. She said there are five American engineers presently in Pakistan for looking into the possibility of helping Pakistan in the hydel sector.
Replying to a question, the ambassador said following the military action against the militants in Swat and other areas, the security situation has improved. She eulogised the operation carried out by Pakistani troops in Malakand and Swat. She said US is also satisfied with the security of the nuclear system and arsenals of Pakistan.
According to the figures provided by the embassy $736.5 million would fund a major upgrade of facilities in Islamabad to meet the security and building infrastructure needs. This includes: $111 million for the construction in Islamabad of a new annexe to accommodate approximately 330 personnel; $405 million for the renovation or replacement of the existing chancery to accommodate approximately 645 personnel; $108 million for permanent New Embassy Compound (NEC) housing (156 units); $112.5 million for construction of US Marine Corps security guard quarters, and general office facilities. In addition, $29.6 million would support site acquisition for future construction of new consulate facilities in Lahore, and $40.1 million would support diplomatic facilities in Peshawar.
It’s important to note that the amount of $112.5 million is for marine security guard quarters and general office facilities. Of the $112.5 million $5 million would be for the marine security guard quarters the rest would be for other offices and facilities. The Office Management and Budget (OMB) document is very general. Here is the breakdown: MSGQ $5M, Housing Infrastructure $53.5M, GSO Area Improvements $18M, TDY quarters/community support facilities $36M. The new compound will also have a hotel in the middle of it that would be used for the stay of the guests of the embassy, she added.
Re: US Ambassador Accuses Pakistan’s Jang Media Group of Endangering Americans
If Americans are feelin endagered ( after killing millions in Iraq and Afghanistan) in Pakistan, then there is simple solution... don't come to Pakistan. Leave our country on its own... get the hell out of here and there will be no danger to you, these A** holes thinks that they can invade/threat any country and yet then countrymen will show hospitality to them and treat them with honey and milk...
Message to all Americans, if you don't feel safe, please leave, we don't want you, we don't want your dollars as it only goes in the pocket corrupt politicians and no benefit to any Pakistani, please get out of Pakistan... get things straight with Iran and use that way for transportation or negotiate with Russia and use there roads and infrastructure... please leave us alone
Re: US Ambassador Accuses Pakistan’s Jang Media Group of Endangering Americans
Just for making money 'Jang' has been involved in many activeties. They are only money makers now.No truth any time from them.Have you ever heard a word from them against MQM?
This time Americans are little right.
But we can never forget what they did with Pakistan in past.
...... then there is simple solution... don't come to Pakistan. Leave our country on its own... get the hell out of here ...
Simple solutions belong to simple times, when people used to drink from nullahs, defecate in the open fields, and commute using donkeys.
These however are not "simple" times except for those who want to go back to the nullah drinking, open defecation, and donkey rides.
Modern societies are now living in "complicated" times, where nations are dependent on each other.
These are times when you protect the visitors of other nations even when you disagree with their policies.
These are the times of global trade and global economics. So anyone making life miserable for the visitors from the developed world will very quickly turn into an African hellhole where nothing works and people live and die on trees.
So the choice is out there for us the Pakistanis.
And oh by the way read Jang news and hit your head in shame. Here is what Anne said.
"ISLAMABAD: The US envoy in Pakistan Ms Anne Wood Patterson has conceded that the impression about her country in Pakistan is ‘very bad’ and it is because of the poor public relations and the undue US bashing by Washington’s critics here.
She said,** “We all are responsible for this bad image and are making efforts to remove this perception.” There is a need to promote people-to-people contact to improve the trust between the two countries."**
Re: US Ambassador Accuses Pakistan’s Jang Media Group of Endangering Americans
if the pakistani govt readily buckles over its not surprising that the honourable ambassador desires similar response from media. american ambassadors have a history of snotty attitude in pakistan.
American media doing something to improve the safety of AMERICANS in Pakistan? You must be joking.........
No, I am not joking. The irresponsibility of American media misguiding policy makers and public opinion is as much to blame for things going wrong.
If USA does not trust Pakistani forces for providing safety to US 'military', it no longer is our responsibility. Hiring a private organisation to protect military personnel is itself a joke.
Simple solutions belong to simple times, when people used to drink from nullahs, defecate in the open fields, and commute using donkeys.
These however are not "simple" times except for those who want to go back to the nullah drinking, open defecation, and donkey rides.
Modern societies are now living in "complicated" times, where nations are dependent on each other.
These are times when you protect the visitors of other nations even when you disagree with their policies.
These are the times of global trade and global economics. So anyone making life miserable for the visitors from the developed world will very quickly turn into an African hellhole where nothing works and people live and die on trees.
So the choice is out there for us the Pakistanis.
And oh by the way read Jang news and hit your head in shame. Here is what Anne said.
"ISLAMABAD: The US envoy in Pakistan Ms Anne Wood Patterson has conceded that the impression about her country in Pakistan is ‘very bad’ and it is because of the poor public relations and the undue US bashing by Washington’s critics here.
She said,** “We all are responsible for this bad image and are making efforts to remove this perception.” There is a need to promote people-to-people contact to improve the trust between the two countries."**
Jang News did anything or not, it is some thing of to us to see and not Americans, again if Americans don't feel save they can leave and anyone who thinks that we will die without America should leave with Americans too.. it is indeed simple world, look at the map, all govts/countries have relationship with America ( the kind we have) are considered as security risk, whereas before the honeymoon/marriage they were somewhat better countries,.. simple solutions are the best, often there is dead rotten rat in complicated solution...
The Americans visiting Pakistan are not ordinary citizens/visitors who are visiting for sight seeing purpose…& no self respecting country would allow this kind of shenanigans from foreign mercenary army protecting another nation’s interest. The GoP simply needs to tell the US that Blackwater isn’t welcomed in Pakistan, if not than the people of Pakistan should.
Was 2007 Blackwater Massacre Revenge for 9/11?
Court Documents Assert One Guard Routinely Bragged About Disregard for Iraqi Civilians
by Jason Ditz, September 08, 2009
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According to court documents from a trial related to the 2007 Baghdad massacre, in which Blackwater contractors killed 17 Iraqi civilians, at least one of the contractors involved had bragged about his disregard for Iraqi civilian life and said he wanted revenge for September 11.
The contractors’ defense was that they decided that a slow moving Kia sedan was probably a car bomb, and opened fire on a crowd of civilians in a “pure and simple case of self-defense.” The documents were part of prosectors’ efforts to prove that the contractors had motives for the attack.
The attack was a key part of Iraq’s decision to revoke the license of Blackwater to operate as contractors in the nation, and the company later renamed itself “Xe” in hopes of escaping the infamy it had gained over its Iraq escapades.
Despite the ban, Blackwater has continued to operate in Iraq as contractors for the State Department, much to the chagrin of Iraqi officials. The State Department insists Blackwater’s planned replacement simply isn’t ready to take over for them.