ID :
93364
Sat, 12/05/2009 - 16:32
Auther :
Shortlink :
http://m.oananews.org//node/93364
The shortlink copeid
New US strategy on Afghanistan, ambiguous : Analyst
Islamabad, Dec 5, IRNA - Pakistani political and defence analyst, Maj Gen. (Retd.) Jamshed Ayaz Khan, has termed the new US strategy on Afghanistan as ambiguous.
Talking to IRNA, Khan endorsed the statement of Pakistan’s Foreign Office which said that ‘there is certainly a need for clarity and coordination on all aspects of the implementation of this strategy’.
US President Barack Obama in a recent address said that 30,000 more troops would be sent to Afghanistan to “seize the initiative” to end the unpopular war and start a pullout in July 2011.
Obama spoke of three core elements of the US strategy: a military effort to create conditions for a transition; a civilian surge that reinforces positive action; and an effective partnership with Pakistan.
Pakistan has said that it would closely engage with the United States to ensure that there was no adverse fallout on Pakistan of its new Afghan strategy.
“Pakistan looks forward to engaging closely with the US in understanding the full import of the new strategy and to ensure that there would be no fallout for Pakistan”, the statement said.
Foreign Office has said that “while going forward, the Pakistan people must know America will remain a strong supporter of Pakistan’s security and prosperity long after the guns have fallen silent so that the great potential of its people can be exploited”.
Khan commenting on the new US strategy for Afghanistan said it is not clear in the strategy that what type of troops are being added to the existing ones on the ground and exactly in which areas they would be deployed. “What kind of duties would they be assigned”, he asked.
The analyst opined that if these troops are sent to Helmand province bordering Pakistan then it would have a direct implication on the country and would mean an increase in cross-border infiltration.
“There would certainly be a problem for Pakistan as Afghan Taliban could cross the border and enter in Pakistani tribal area”, he feared.
He was of the view that there is lot of pressure on US administration to send more troops to Afghanistan.
“We don’t know whether these troops would take part in anti-terror war or they would just train the Afghan army”, Ayaz Khan added.
“I am failed to understand that what extraordinary these 30,000 soldiers could do in defeating the terrorists”, he said. “I think the US wants a safe exit from Afghanistan”, he viewed.
He viewed that the next 18 months are very crucial for Afghanistan and US.
He said that US administration has been saying that there are safe heavens for militants in Pakistan but never points out the specific area.
“We are their allies and US should share complete information with us”, said the analyst. He added Pakistan army is very capable army and can counter terrorism courageously.
He said Pakistan and the US need to closely coordinate their efforts to achieve the shared objectives.
Ayaz Khan, a retired Major General, is a member of the International Institute for Strategic Studies, London, the Asia Society, New York and the Rotary Club International./end
Talking to IRNA, Khan endorsed the statement of Pakistan’s Foreign Office which said that ‘there is certainly a need for clarity and coordination on all aspects of the implementation of this strategy’.
US President Barack Obama in a recent address said that 30,000 more troops would be sent to Afghanistan to “seize the initiative” to end the unpopular war and start a pullout in July 2011.
Obama spoke of three core elements of the US strategy: a military effort to create conditions for a transition; a civilian surge that reinforces positive action; and an effective partnership with Pakistan.
Pakistan has said that it would closely engage with the United States to ensure that there was no adverse fallout on Pakistan of its new Afghan strategy.
“Pakistan looks forward to engaging closely with the US in understanding the full import of the new strategy and to ensure that there would be no fallout for Pakistan”, the statement said.
Foreign Office has said that “while going forward, the Pakistan people must know America will remain a strong supporter of Pakistan’s security and prosperity long after the guns have fallen silent so that the great potential of its people can be exploited”.
Khan commenting on the new US strategy for Afghanistan said it is not clear in the strategy that what type of troops are being added to the existing ones on the ground and exactly in which areas they would be deployed. “What kind of duties would they be assigned”, he asked.
The analyst opined that if these troops are sent to Helmand province bordering Pakistan then it would have a direct implication on the country and would mean an increase in cross-border infiltration.
“There would certainly be a problem for Pakistan as Afghan Taliban could cross the border and enter in Pakistani tribal area”, he feared.
He was of the view that there is lot of pressure on US administration to send more troops to Afghanistan.
“We don’t know whether these troops would take part in anti-terror war or they would just train the Afghan army”, Ayaz Khan added.
“I am failed to understand that what extraordinary these 30,000 soldiers could do in defeating the terrorists”, he said. “I think the US wants a safe exit from Afghanistan”, he viewed.
He viewed that the next 18 months are very crucial for Afghanistan and US.
He said that US administration has been saying that there are safe heavens for militants in Pakistan but never points out the specific area.
“We are their allies and US should share complete information with us”, said the analyst. He added Pakistan army is very capable army and can counter terrorism courageously.
He said Pakistan and the US need to closely coordinate their efforts to achieve the shared objectives.
Ayaz Khan, a retired Major General, is a member of the International Institute for Strategic Studies, London, the Asia Society, New York and the Rotary Club International./end
