U.S. Vice President-elect Joe Biden held talks in Pakistan as part of a regional tour expected to focus on terrorism and tensions between Pakistan and India following the Mumbai attacks.
Before he left the United States, Biden, travelling in his capacity as outgoing chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, told reporters that “What I hope to accomplish is to get sort of a baseline. This will be my God knows how many trips, I guess my 10th or 11th trip into Iraq and I don’t know how many times in Afghanistan and Pakistan,” Politico quoted him as saying.
Pakistan’s Dawn newspaper said on its website that President Asif Ali Zardari “apprised Biden of Pakistan’s commitment and the measures being taken by the government in the war against militancy, extremism and terrorism”. Biden in turn described Pakistan as “an incredibly valued U.S. ally”, according to the Associated Press of Pakistan.
But what about those attacks by U.S. Predator drones on targets on Pakistan’s border with Afghanistan which have fuelled anti-American anger and been condemned by Islamabad as a violation of its sovereignty? President-elect Barack Obama has been a strong advocate of unilateral U.S. attacks, saying during his election campaign that “If we have actionable intelligence about high-level al Qaeda targets in Pakistan’s border region, we must act if Pakistan will not or cannot.”
Not only did the controversy over drone missile strikes seem to be given little attention - at least in the Pakistani media - but shortly before Biden arrived in Pakistan, a U.S. counterterrorism official announced that al Qaeda’s operations chief in Pakistan and a top aide were believed to have been killed in South Waziristan. The official declined to discuss how or when the men died, but a suspected U.S. drone strike in South Waziristan killed three foreign fighters on New Year’s Day, intelligence agents in Pakistan said at the time. U.S. forces in Afghanistan carried out about 30 missile strikes in Pakistan in 2008, according to a Reuters tally, mostly since the beginning of September.
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Vijay:
I’m glad to see that you are back. Yours is a truly refreshing voice.
- Posted by AlethiaMyra,
You ask, “So where is the baseline Biden said he was looking for in Pakistan?”
For the next few years, the Obama-Biden administration will adopt any strategy - cash, weapons & playing big brother for Pakistan - that will keep the Paki army on Pakistan’s western border. All this without disturbing the charade of civilian democracy in Pakistan will be the baseline, according to me, that Biden will be looking for in next few years. No wonder, it is often said that the ISI wags the dog (the US) by its tail.
You ask, “A tacit understanding that the drone attacks can continue while being publicly condemned?”
Despite public condemnation, the Pakistani government wants to establish its writ on the country’s western border; something which it has failed in doing for over 60 years. If the US, the great Satan in the eyes of the Pashtuns, is doing it by itself, it is all good. In addition, if the US is doling out cash to the ISI/army to keep quiet, the merrier!
You ask, “Was there a deliberate choice to avoid controversy before the Obama administration has even taken office and at a time when Pakistan faces pressure from both the United States and India to crack down on Islamist militants?”
May be there was an attempt to avoid controversy. But India, or South Asia, is not going to benefit from the ongoing pest control on Pakistan’s western border. The ISI - which crafts Pak’s foreign policy - sees terrorist outfits such as LeT/JuD as assets. They will not be touched. It’s here where the US policy is at odds with the India.
- Posted by NikhilThe Obama-Biden administration will indirectly strengthen the ISI and the military in its efforts to find normalcy in Afghanistan. If that happens, it’ll be déjà vu; back to the 1980’s. It also means the terror groups like LeT, JuD and others will derive more strength to carry deeper terrorist strikes into India.
Ali:
I am glad that you have apologized for the abusive language you used toward the Indian commenters. Thank you.
- Posted by AlethiaI see that the off-topic posts are still going on. I gave up posting here a few weeks ago, but came back to see how things were. On many other blogs that talk of India (on our economy, Chinese rivalry, politics, religious tensions, etc), it was pretty sad to see that my fellow-Indians were not just off-topic but embarrassingly childish. But at some level I’m happy to see this blog if only for the reason that the Pakistani posters make us look rather good in comparison. For that reason alone, viva il Pakistan!
I wonder if Myra ever gets the urge to close this circus down and write on something else.
- Posted by Vijaialethia…..
How can you have a logical debate when most of the indians are sorry idiots are brainwashed, spoon fed by STARNEWS and do not have a capacity to think outside the box.
I wonder why arnt they asking why their government failed to protect the civilians?
Why didnt the Indian government take action even though they were warned of theses attacks?
Why dont they ask r go n see what is hapening in kashmir instead of installing pro delhi puppet regimes?
Why dont they ask their leaders why havnt the perpatators of Gujrat massacre NOT been brought to justice? is because they were Muslims n muslims life dont have any value of their life?
Why did the head of anti terrorism specialy the guy who was investigating the case of the x indian military coward who attacked inncoent civilains on the samjuta trains?
Sort your own house out first then start finger wagging because Pakistanis can take criticism and yes everything is not rosy on this side as on their side. I also understand due to 60years of both countries n wars there is lot of mistrust but that does NOT mean we can sit intabel and solve our problems. That will only happen once India neogciates on equal terms becaause bullying is NOT going to get them anywhere.
My apologies for the re-marks but if you read the idiots re-marks, I think they are the answers or agument they are loooking for! war mongers!!!
- Posted by AliAlethia,
- Posted by VictorAre you moderating this blog? Why are you not allowing my previous post but you are responding with a different fake name “Truth”.Is this your Pakistani style democracy?- Victor
Comments offered here by both sides is indicative of why south Asia is what it is today. Poverty, huger, discrimination, hatred, lack of common sense and above all just foolish attitude. Bring some sanity in your behavior and look for and present realistic solutions. You all are in the same boat and will sink together if you keep up this ….
- Posted by TruthGlobal Watcher:
I beieve in forgiveness and reconciliation among people of different religions, ethnic groups and national origins.
Perhaps I am naive, as you mentioned. But if naive means Trust, means Vishwas, means Iman, means Love, then that’s where I want to be.
- Posted by AlethiaTo Ali:
I will advise to stop saying rude things to the Indian commenters here.
It’s very incorrect to use such rude language so I am requsting that you stop.
- Posted by AlethiaI can imagine a Taliban with RPG up an indians arse lol.
You should be thankfull that
- Posted by AliGlobal watcher - I think you should become Gujrat watcher or even Kashmir or even Orrisa watcher and keep your government informed on what is hapening. But then there are already enough hindus fanatics doing that.
Pakistan is there to stay and the dream of every hindu who want to see Greater India go to HELL!!! or simply cross the border and we will send you free of charge!!!
If your countries security is in the hands of people that are incompetent, would not even taken notice from even the amerricans who even warned indian that a attck was being planed… Why no action were taken?
Now for the indian government to get away with anything just start finger poining…seems easier way out especilay with elcetion so close. Your leaders can only make you fools not us so go to hell and elect few that care for you just like cross the border.
I see all this barking by senless idiots I say to you and all indians — DOGS BARK N CARRY ON BARKING N CARAVANS MOVE ON — So all DIOTS go to HELL!!!
All the idiots who think Pakistan will fonish off the map or be a Somalia. We I dont know why that makes you idiots happy becuaes once if ever your wildest dream do come true– I personaly feel sorry for the kos the same Taliban will turn their attention to you.
- Posted by AliVictor n Anup and few other idiots sorry idnians that seem to have lot of time to write their Anti Pakistan/Islam views (I wonder if any call center has closed down) these idiots have so much time to Paki bash!
“Gujarat was a law & order problem, triggered by a similiar act of violence, albeit unjustifiable, yet justice is being done & the law of the land taking it’s rightful course”
This is what you wrote victor, no one has been brought to justice bal thakray or the home minister of Gujrat or any securty or plice for being mere soectators whilst hindus were raping, burning n murdering innocent indian (Muslim) civilians?
What about your indian military man who planned the bombing of pakistani civilians on samjuta train? No idea oh sorry the land of the law is taking care lol…. what law of the land where murderers walk freely in the street like the perperators of hidious crime of killing mulsims in Gujrat.
What secular India? The rubbish you talk about “KAFIR” you are one! and I am a “MUSLIM” nad PROUD to be. Not like some people always complaining oh the Muslim want to rule us oh they want to kill us. If we did Anup/Victor all the Muslim rulers who ruled India and I dont need to mention any ask your dad or your grandparent they will tell u.
If they wanted to could have converted all you idol worshippers but Islam is not to be imposed. Infact Islam spread in the continent through sufism and even to this day hindus/sikhs go to Ajhmeri sharif in India to ask for their wishes and vise versa.
But people like you I think run the hindu fanatic schools, personlay I think you have a internet cafe where all Pak bashers get a chance to put their point of view cross. But carry on it simply shows how stupid, inhuman, biased and useless idiots sorry indians are.
By the way land of law, what you have in Indian we have in Pakistan too so the guy who attcxaked bombay if he is a pakistani which he is pass him over. We will try him in the land of pakistan lol..
You ignorant fools sorry idiots na indians!!!
- Posted by AliAlethia
- Posted by Anup— Gujarat was a law & order problem, triggered by a similiar act of violence, albeit unjustifiable, yet justice is being done & the law of the land taking it’s rightful course, — but America & Pakistan are built on the blood of innocents (Americans have conveniently forgotten the genocide of 90 million innocent natives, a massacre of a complete highly advanced, peaceful, progressive race, perpetrated by their barbaric European inquisionists forefathers,& the leftovers who still live converted , yet in pathetic human conditions)
Pakistan on the bodies of a million innocent mostly children & women,, do both these qualify as ‘civilizations’ is this the foundation of these two ‘cultures’ if they can be termed so, finally, Is there something called the’ Law of Nature’?
Biden’s baseline is likely as follows:
Despite all the aid/bribes and soft-approach, US has not persuaded Pakistan to stop using terrorism as a policy tool
The next 9/11 is likely to come from Pakistan
Pakistan’s Generals say anything to satisfy the US but their actions are always to preserve the terror option
Pakistan’s civilian government has only provided cover for Generals to get back to their old games.
- Posted by RajatAlethia, I have worked with dozens of Pakistanis. When it comes to religion, pakistan politics and India, they are not rational people. They believe that they have an entitlement to re-rule India once again and that is a fact my latte liberal dear. Starbucks will not let you see the reality here, for some reason.
You defend those who had a reprehensible past and currently a reprehensible present. You do not understand lying and duping kaffirs like you is justified in the Qu’ran to further any cause.
They generally view Hindus, their religion, their culture, history and country as far inferior to Islam, not to mention that they despise the Hindu religion and wish it extinction. I don’t think any Pak or Hindu here would disagree with that point of view, as the mosque is equally a place of politics and religion.
That is the fact, we are kaffirs and they have a superiority complex.
Your kind and gentle naive welcome will be the undoing as well as yours one day. Be careful from those who you so easily defend and trust.
Some people are either at your feet or at your throat.
- Posted by Global WatcherBy the way Victor:
I certainly do give India credit for, among other things, that it has a secular democracy where anyone from any religion can hold the highest office. I have previously stated that in one of these columns on Reuters.
And yes, it would be better if Pakistan were to become just as secular.
But to paint everyone in Pakistan with such a broad brush is not correct.
Have you ever spoken to any Pakistanis in person?
- Posted by AlethiaVictor:
There are good and bad people in India and Pakistan as there are in every other country of the world.
I denounce terrorism wherever it may occur including against innocent civilians of Hindu, Muslim, Sikh, Christian or Jewish people.
I am not a walking encyclopedia that I can point to all terrorist attacks with all statistics on all incidents. I was just giving some examples.
Your sole aim apppears to be to show that all Pakistanis are evil.
That is simply a ludacris postion to take. The good and evil in a society is always a mixed bag.
You can’t expect rational people to take you seriously.
The only thing that stands out about your position is that you are rabidly anti-Pakistani no matter what.
- Posted by AlethiaAlethia,
You ARE funny. ?
Some one from Pakistan- a religious exclusivist country, a country which is global source for religion based terrorism criticizing the failures of a largely successful secular democracy is a non-starter. You and Pakistan haven’t convinced anyone in the world.
Overwhelming majority of Indians reject people belonging to one religion inflicting physical violence and death on ppl of other religion, whether it happened in Gujarat or Kashmir. One doesn’t justify another. Any such violence undermines/d the very concept of India.
Having said that, I see you have a headcount of Indian citizens who died in Gujarat, but I bet you wouldn’t bother to do headcounts on Christian, Sikh, Hindu and Muslim Indians killed by Pakistani terrorists in Mumbai, Delhi, Ahmedabad, Kashmir, Varanasi, Jaipur……..
Here is a verbatim quote from the “constituition” of “Pakistan” : “Only a Muslim could be qualified for election as President (male only) and Prime Minister (male or female).”
Your (feeble) attempts to project India and Pakistan are aboout the same would convince any one in the world if the following were the case:
(1) Pakistan had stayed a secular republic and not the “Islamic Republic” as it is with constitution which declares only a muslim can become president.(and only a man ?)
(2) Pakistan has a 15% Hindu population in its current territory and India pretends to be a defender and champion for the Pakistani Hindus
(3) If only there are Hindu missile scientists in Pakistan, if only Pakistan had Hindu Commander-in-chief of its armed forces, if only Pakistan had a Christian defence minister, if only the most popular movie stars in Pakistan happen to be Hindus, if only Pakistan had a Hindu cricket captain, if only 3 out of 11 members in its cricket team are Hindus, the list is long
Since none of the above applies, UR CASE DISMISSED.?
p.s interacting with you is futile. If Pakis had been in touch with reality, Pakistan wouldn’t be here today. I’m only posting the above for the benefit of any neutral visitors.
- Posted by VictorI think people in both India & Pakistan are great, but both are victims of some very bad and corrupt governance. Now in India, political leaders are realising that, what people need is a good, responsible and accountable governance, that’s the reason India is gradually emerging as a global power. Pakistani people are hard working and brilliant, but democracy has always been throttled by power hungry military dictators. Zia ul Haq’s & Musharraf’s have done an irreparable damage to a country, which otherwise had a great future.
- Posted by Vinu NamLashkar-e-Taiba is 100,000 percent under the control of Pakistan army.
The latest spin, feeble attempt from Pak army/ ISI and their propagandists is that Lashkar-e-Taiba is a pan-Islamist terrorist outfit. THIS IS A JOKE!!!! People in the know are not going to buy this nonsense. LET is the jihadi terrorist wing of Pakistan army. During Kargil war in 1999, LET terrorists maintained combat positions until Pakistan army can replace them with “regular” troops.
Pakistan army has ensured the failure of Pakistan as a state. India’s progress has been a tremendous source of envy for Pak army/ISI establishment. This is the reason behind attacks on Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, attacking India’s financial capital and so on.
Seeking out and killing American, British and other westerners in Mumbai, executing Jewish people in Mumbai are all part of this DRAMA to create an illusion this is Pan-Islamist Al-Qaeda operation and NOT an operation by Pakistan army/ ISI.
- Posted by Victor