News Analysis |
Secretary of Defense, General James Mattis has desired to work with Pakistan to defeat the menace of terrorism in the region, an effort in trying to arrest a fractured relationship with Islamabad. He expressed this while signing the additional troop-deployment in Afghanistan in-line with the new South Asia policy which was unveiled by President Trump on 21st August.
“We intend to work with Pakistan in order to take the terrorists down. I think that’s what a responsible nation does,” said Secretary Mattis. This comes amid tensions between both countries following Trump’s tirade against Pakistan in his speech, where he berated that country for its alleged support to terrorists.
Mr. Mattis stressed the need for continuing the relationship with Pakistan while responding to these questions.
Pakistan, while taking serious exceptions has outrightly rejected the allegations; it has also asked the US to do more. Besides, the civilian and military leaders have decided to devise new rules of engagements with the US commensurate with the country’s national interests.
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Talks and bilateral visits have also been postponed until Islamabad promulgates a new policy with regards to the US.After open threats have been brazenly confronted by Pakistan, the US has toned down its rhetoric.Mr. Mattis stressed the need for continuing the relationship with Pakistan while responding to these questions.
The US retreats
The diatribes and threats have been responded to in unison by Islamabad. The Pakistani officials feel that US leverage over them is reducing and hence they have options to pull the plug on that country. By engaging allies in China and Russia, Pakistan has stressed upon the need to eke-out a political settlement in Afghanistan. A concerted response will permeate into an effective policy for Pakistan against US onslaught. The US’ leverage over Pakistan is ever-reducing but this must compel both countries to iron out their differences. Healthy Pak-US ties are indispensable for the region.
A confident-looking Pakistan coupled with the relentless attacks of the Taliban in Afghanistan have compelled the US to arrest the fraying relationship between the two countries, which many believe is central to peace in the region.
The lawmakers have suggested the government to deny land and air lines of communication; the US military still needs them for timely supply.
Earlier, the State Department announced that it was placing $255 million of military assistance for Pakistan into an escrow account, conditioning its ratification to effective measures by Islamabad in targeting alleged sanctuaries inside the country.
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The lawmakers have suggested the government to deny land and air lines of communication; the US military still needs them for timely supply. If anything, a fighting-heavy policy has made the supply routes all the more important.
Both countries have to partner each other if the Afghan conundrum has to be brought to an amicable, acceptable, and peaceful end.
Commentators have raised concerns that Pakistan will become more unbridled if Indian role is actualized in Afghanistan. Pakistan has raised concerns regarding Trump’s offering India a lead role in Afghanistan. US envoy to Islamabad has clarified that India is not being given a military role in Afghanistan. He made these remarks in a damage control meeting with Pakistan’s National Security Advisor, Lt Gen Nasir Janjua. He also iterated that the US didn’t blame Pakistan for the failure in Afghanistan.”The additional US troops in Afghanistan will also act against Pakistan’s enemies,” said Hale while adding that Pakistan has an important role to play in the Afghan peace process.
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Both countries have to partner each other if the Afghan conundrum has to be brought to an amicable, acceptable, and peaceful end. Afghanistan in particular and the region, in general, can ill-afford a US-Pak breakup.