Pakistani Army and 'defusing tensions'
I liked this comment by the Pakistani Army spokesman, Maj-Gen Athar Abbas:
Quote:
Gen Abbas acknowledged that army’s Directorate of Inter-Services Intelligence maintained contacts with the Haqqani network, but said that didn’t mean it supported it. (My emphasis) No intelligence agency can afford to shut the last door of contact. Maintaining contact doesn’t mean that you are endorsing or supporting that terrorist organisation.
Link:http://www.dawn.com/2011/09/26/comma...ensions-2.html
Not exactly what I'd say in the midst of a repeated crisis; I am mindful the UK during 'The Troubles' via SIS (MI6) maintained links with the Provisional IRA and the UK government repeatedly denied the government was talking to them.
Pakistan warns US over unilateral military action
A BBC story, based on a Pakistani MP talking about a briefing to the parliamentary defence committee:
Quote:
Pakistan's army chief Ashfaq Kayani has warned the US that it will have to think "10 times" before taking any unilateral action in North Waziristan...
(Slightly edited) General Kayani is quoted saying "If someone convinced me that all problems will be solved by taking action in North Waziristan, I'd do it tomorrow...If we need to take action, we will do it on our schedule and according to our capacity."
Link:http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-south-asia-15364956
I fully accept this is Pakistani "spin" and may reflect more on Pakistani politics than any prospect of a US military incursion across the Durand Line.
Pakistan warns US over unilateral military action Part 2
I really must study the geography of the lands on either side of the Durand Line, this report in The Guardian puzzles me; it is headlined: 'US troop withdrawal leaves Pakistan vulnerable to attack by insurgents' and sub-titled: 'Taliban exploiting a security vacuum in the wake of American forces departing from eastern Afghanistan'.
Link:http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011...tan-vulnerable
So in one place Pakistan fears a US incursion in North Waziristan and in Kunar & Nuristan the USA has withdrawn, so the Pakistanis are shelling across the border.