From Fox News Today:
U.S. Special Operations Forces in western Afghanistan crossed the border into Pakistan early Wednesday to raid a suspected terrorist compound, ABC News reports, citing unnamed U.S. and Pakistani officials.
The raid was described privately as a success but also set off criticisms in Pakistan for what was described as "a grave provocation" and "a gross violation of Pakistan's territory." Pakistan's Foreign Ministry said a strong diplomatic protest was being lodged over the "immense loss of civilian life."
"Such actions are counterproductive and certainly do not help our joint efforts to fight terrorism," the Foreign Ministry said. "On the contrary, they undermine the very basis of cooperation and may fuel the fire of hatred and violence that we are trying to extinguish."
Pakistan is a nominal ally of the United States in the war on terror, though the relationship between the two countries hasn't always been rosy, with Pakistan preferring to conduct its own raids rather then invite U.S. troops across its border.
Well I hate to say this to Pakistan, but what efforts to fight terrorism? Since President Musharraf stepped down a few weeks ago, you haven't been doing much. You had a limited offensive, for about 4-5 days, then you said cease-fire for Ramadan. That sounds just fine, but do you think Al Qaeda is observing the cease-fire for Ramadan in Afghanistan? No, they are not. Basically your act of setting this cease-fire, while empathetic to your own forces, has made life more dangerous for the Afghan and ISAF forces across the border.
But then again some of your past comments have said you understand this, and are OK with this. The same week President Musharraf stepped down, your coalition stated that the problem of Al Qaeda crossing into Afghanistan from Pakistan wasn't your problem, but rather an Afghan and ISAF problem. I take issue with that. If there are insurgents taking refuge in your country, and using your territory to launch attacks from, and your not actively doing anything, what should the other country do? Should they sit back and say oh well, they're over the border and we can't do anything about it?
No, if you refuse to take action, then the forces that they are attacking will hit back. That is exactly what appears to have happened today. I'm with-holding final judgement until all the facts come out, but the way it looks right now, I'm not seeing any issues. Well besides the issue that you should be tracking these guys down yourselves, and destroying them. Especially if you still want to be a partner in the War on Terror.
God Bless America
Bryan
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4 comments:
Isn't the issue the Pakistanis have with this mission is that there were actual American boots on the ground? They have griped about airstrikes - - but were o.k. with them because there were no ISAF on their soil.
Besides the SF operation and airstrikes, what other options do we have to deny the Taliban refuge?
Rangersgirl,
Yes that they are saying but I think your second question is the key.
1. We need to continue growing, training, and equiping the Afghan National Army, Border Police, and Police.
2. When we can we need to increase our force rations there as the rations in Iraq drop.
3. We need to continue the Air Strikes and SF Operations until Pakistan shows that they are serious about policing these border areas.
Bryan
I, for one, see hope in Musharref's ousting. He's been dancing and double-dealing with Taliban, veiling the peril they pose to his own country. WE'VE been dancing with him too, placating in hopes of democracy emerging. With his deceptive double-dealing gone, I hope for clarity. I hope Pakistanis open their eyes to the choice of a "future" under Taliban or Democracy. Sure wish I could be optimistic.
But, hey, How 'bout them boots!!!!
Fly,
Well theres hope, but Im not sure how much. Musharraf for all of his faults was a known player and did try to help out. But the problem is now, what do we get? So far Im not seeing very encouraging signs in the rhetoric. I hope as you were saying that they choose to do their part, but so far Im just not seeing signs of it.
Bryan
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