Afghanistan strains US, Pak ties

[UpInArms]

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/634984.cms

Despite Washington giving Pakistan a major ally status all is not well between the sole super power and the beleaguered Islamic state.

The main reason why Washington has been cosying up to the military regime in Pakistan was that its help is crucial in catching Osama bin-Laden and flushing out al-Qaeda and Taliban forces from the tribal areas of Pakistan. However, America is clearly not happy with Pakistan’s efforts.

The US ambassador to Islamabad, Afghanistan born Zalmay Khalilzad has accused Pakistan three times in the last month alone of not doing enough to stop al-Qaeda and Taliban remnants. In his latest tirade against Pakistan on Sunday, Mr Khalilzad told a group of visiting Pakistani journalist that Pakistan was "a sanctuary for the Taliban, al-Qaeda and Hekmatyar's men to plan and to get trained and come back with weapons to attack" US and Afghan forces in Afghanistan.

Khalilzad remarks are significant because as of today he is a key American player in Afghanistan. The New York Times says that while Hamid Karzai might be the president, the "ambitious" Khalilzad seems like a "chief executive"(of Afghanistan).

...more...

[54anickel]

1. Seems India's got our number. Great article! Just have to wonder

if India is somehow also playing Shrub for the fool that he is. Making nice with both Afghanistan and the US - smart move.

[Chicago Democrat]

3. Indian journalism and newspapers are the best in the world. IMO

I live in a South Asian American area and I love having access to their World weeklies. They write much better and research stories just like in the old days.

[bemildred]

2. Pakistan does seem to be less subservient lately.

Last few weeks. I've been assuming it's a effect of the
insurrection in Iraq and the Spring offensive in Afghanistan.
But the general appearance of weakness and mediocrity emanating
from the US occupation in Iraq is having consequences all over
the place.