73
The meeting between United States Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and Afghan President Ashraf Ghani at the Bagram airbase tells a story of American failures, Foreign Minister Khawaja Asif informed the National Assembly Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs on Thursday.
"Despite the US being present in Afghanistan for the past 16 years, their secretary of state could not go out of their airbase in Afghanistan and had to meet the Afghan president inside it," Asif observed.
"This situation explains the complete story of American failures in Afghanistan," he informed the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs. "The Afghan president became a stranger in his own country after meeting Tillerson at the Bagram Airbase," he said.
While briefing the committee on United States' new South Asia policy, Asif said that the US still feels Pakistan is using the Taliban against it in Afghanistan.
However, he was quite to say that Pakistan's influence on the Afghan Taliban has waned, which has led to them changing their bases.
Tillerson's tour
Tillerson had visited Afghanistan, Pakistan and India to discuss US President Donald Trump's new South Asia policy.
His message in Pakistan appeared significantly toned down as compared to the usual American rhetoric on alleged terrorist sanctuaries on Pakistani soil, although in essence there was little difference in the messaging.
The secretary had just a day earlier told reporters at Afghanistan’s Bagram airbase that Islamabad needed to have “a clear-eyed view” of terror safe havens on its territory and cautioned that bilateral ties would be conditions-based in terms of whether or not its leaders take the “specific” actions that were being required of them.
During Secretary Tillerson’s visit it was impressed upon the US side that Washington’s policy in the region had been hammered out by generals who had failed in Afghanistan, but were not ready to admit to the ground realities, Asif had told the Senate on Wednesday.
"We will cooperate with the US but will not accept being held responsible for anyone's failures," Asif said on Thursday, vowing to take the parliament into confidence regarding foreign policy. "Keeping the parliament out of relations (with other nations) is disastrous."
India collaborating with NDS to destabilise western borders
Asif also alleged during his address that India is trying to destabilise the western borders of Pakistan by collaborating with Afghan intelligence.
He said that the collaboration between India's Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) and Afghanistan's National Directorate of Security (NDS) is working against Pakistan.
He also claimed that the Afghan Taliban and the militant Islamic State (IS) group are fighting among themselves in Afghanistan.
Read more
On DawnNews
Comments (73) Closed
Oct 26, 2017 07:53pm
We are so obsessed with the neighbors meeting that we couldnt hold our anger for not being part of it. If we invest this anger to improve situation at home is worth to bring peace.
Recommend
0
Oct 26, 2017 08:18pm
Factual analysis by Pakistan.
Recommend
0
Oct 26, 2017 08:39pm
@Farhan you should read complete story behind this. If u were well aware about current political scnario then u would not make this statement
Recommend
0
Oct 26, 2017 08:40pm
Pakistan has guts. Good show Kh Asif. You are a brave man :)
Recommend
0
Oct 26, 2017 09:00pm
and Pakistan is so secured that its sports teams have to play home games in England or in UAE and the leaders have their residences in London. Better to make Pakistan safe first and than criticize others.
Recommend
0
Oct 26, 2017 09:11pm
Actually proud of the balanced and logical way Pakistan is handling the situation!
Recommend
0
Oct 26, 2017 09:26pm
Keep talking Mr. FM and I doubt if someone will seriously listen to the complaints
Recommend
0
Oct 26, 2017 09:29pm
Till yesterday we were asking US to accept the defeat. Today our bodylanguage very much shows we have lost the battle in reality. Words spoken by our leaders is the helplessness as we are approaching steadfastly to a void.
Recommend
0
Oct 26, 2017 09:52pm
Asif is spinning a fairy tale! It doesn't matter HOW Tillerson said WHERE. The body language of the entire Pakistani team during the 200-minute meeting was tense, apprehensive and fearful. Good reasons because I believe there will be consequences.
Recommend
0
Oct 26, 2017 10:11pm
@Qureshi (USA) It is not insecurity,but a cowardice on part of the other teams that they are scared to come because of a incident which took place a very long time back.
Recommend
0
Oct 26, 2017 10:28pm
@Adnan, Spot on.
Recommend
0
Oct 26, 2017 11:05pm
In a Country, unfortunately, so deeply plagued by terrorists attacks that sometimes even the Aghan uniformed staff having killed foreign armed personnel, this was a wiser decision to hold the meeting, between the two VIPS at Airbase. Nevertheless, the boldness of FM Asif is worth appreciating who always loudly speaks out the voice of his conscience irrespective of its repercussions.
Recommend
0
Oct 26, 2017 11:07pm
Why would a Foreign Minister who has the nations task of maintaining and establishing and keeping good relations with foreign countries and specially a super power say something like this and antagonise a country that is very important in every world affair. It really is absurd. How come to feed the domestic audience America needs to be criticised and humiliated? Pakistan keeps saying America is pushing the blame of its failures on Pakistan. Frankly to anyone with sense will actually think the reverse is true. Pakistan and its corrupt governments have actually been blaming US for their failures.
Recommend
0
Oct 26, 2017 11:08pm
@Qureshi (USA) Come back from USA qnd make Pakistan great. Do something practical instead talking.
Recommend
0
Oct 26, 2017 11:25pm
Very accurate analysis and thorough response by asif
Recommend
0
Oct 26, 2017 11:32pm
@M.Sethi
Cowards are those who can't protect their guests and expect a visit from them.
Recommend
0
Oct 26, 2017 11:40pm
@M.Sethi very brave and bold statement. If all countries are acting in same manner it needs a lot of introspection. Sport men are not soldiers to display bravery. It is always safety first.
Recommend
0
Oct 26, 2017 11:43pm
@Farhan
Nice try mate.
Recommend
0
Oct 27, 2017 12:19am
USA u please your audience we will please ours
Recommend
0
Oct 27, 2017 12:20am
Afghanistan government (not people, I hope) is so ungrateful. Pakistan fought their war against Russia. Pakistan hosted millions of Afghan refugees. And I can go on and on! Seeing Afghanistan as a bedfellow with India hurts! I guess I don't understand Afghan's unfaithfulness.
Recommend
0
Oct 27, 2017 12:27am
@Farhan I disagree. America has lost to Pakistan as well and that after 60+ years of honeymoon. America keeps losing everywhere but still keeps its status as world's only superpower. Pakistan, after being divorced, can start a new honeymoon with China and enjoy that for a while. The only perpetual honeymoon that Pakistan really needs, and currently lacking, is with her people-- providing better quality food, healthcare, and family planning to the citizens of Pakistan so they can bring prosperity at home and respect abroad..
Recommend
0
Oct 27, 2017 12:40am
Kh Asif, despite the prediction of all dooms day people, is largely, a better foreign minister than his predecessors. America was always surrounded by generals, during Vietnam, in Iraq , Syria and now in Afghanistan. They almost shrouded better judgments of its political leadership, never spoke the truth and called a spade a spade. They pushed Obama to increase the numbers of soldiers contrary to his commitments. They had a chance to finish early in Korea and Vietnam and save lots of their cohorts but vindictive and revengeful they were, always blinded by narrow patriotism.
Recommend
0
Oct 27, 2017 12:46am
@IamAmazed Fully agree with you.
Recommend
0
Oct 27, 2017 12:57am
Main problem is CPEC passing through Pakistan occupied Kashmir and Afghanistan. Why Pakistan is not closing these routes of CPEC and defuse the tension for few years ?
Recommend
0
Oct 27, 2017 01:03am
@Qureshi (USA) And yet we still beat India in Engkand!!!
Recommend
0
Oct 27, 2017 01:06am
Tillerson might have felt more secure, if the meeting was held in New Delhi, and the Afghan President would have been called there in the Red Fort, along with his cronies and American Generals in Afghanistan, and given a sound beating/berating.
Recommend
0
Oct 27, 2017 01:08am
And what about Tillersons stay in Pakistan for only 4 hours. Can we say that the security situation is so bad that he could not stay longer.
Recommend
0
Oct 27, 2017 01:11am
Good show of assertive statementship by our FM. It is a rude wakeup call for America to plan an exit strategy as the visit by US highest official at a military bases tells volumes about Afghan leadership helplessness and incomptency to reign in on insurgency that is clearly home grown and supported by Afghan people none who live in their midst other wise how could these people mount such devastating attacks at will?
Recommend
0
Oct 27, 2017 01:16am
Mr. Asif should not worry about the security of Afghanistan, secure Pakistan from outside intruders. Success or no success in Afghanistan, let US & Afghan decide what to do. You should concentrate about Pakistan only. Your government have to earn respect so start working on it and quit talking about others, because you can not take place of India at this time. Clean your house and do the right things for the country.
Recommend
0
Oct 27, 2017 01:46am
@Qureshi (USA) That is not the point.
Recommend
0
Oct 27, 2017 01:48am
If our neighbor is week, it does not mean we are strong. We need to work together to be good and reliable neighbors. We have both paid a very high price since 1978. Let's work for the betterment of both Pakistani and Afghani people. This should not be a popularity contest. We are taking people.
Recommend
0
Oct 27, 2017 01:52am
Wisdom should prevail and not anger - Angry statements serve no purpose
Recommend
0
Oct 27, 2017 02:15am
Foreign Ministers are meant for improving relations with countries and not to completely ruin it. Hope Pakistan understand!!
Recommend
0
Oct 27, 2017 02:27am
@Farhan Which world you are living, open your eyes and brain and grow up to love your motherland.
Recommend
0
Oct 27, 2017 02:44am
Don't worry. India's bravery and new partnership will fix everything..... in a next Bollywood movie.
Recommend
0
Oct 27, 2017 03:25am
USA is on delicate ground as a world influence & can not afford to lose the war and lose face.
TRUMP is egotistical megalomaniac & does not wish to go down in history as the man who lost America's longest war.
USA is concerned about rising economic powers regional & across the globe & has been so since the 1990s predicting this and now it has happened.
USA has made a huge mistake & is assuming the year is soon post 1948 and the world is seeking alliances to fight a new cold war with China.
Wrong! Secretly the world acknowledges China as a force for good & a natural contender based on natural growth without the need of hegemony like the US to become the most powerful economic power in the world.
Afghanistan is a mess the Pakistanis have been telling the US for years & now the defacto bankrupt corrupt government of ex Northern Alliance war lords led by Ashraf Ghani is exactly where the pro Soviet government was just before the ending of Soviet occupation of Afghanistan.
.....
Recommend
0
Oct 27, 2017 03:30am
@Farhan looks like you are not aware what you are talking about. Its about a super-duper arrogant power's failure that is now blaming everything for it on Pak. Why should Pak not point it out. Most Afghans feel humiliated by this event.
Recommend
0
Oct 27, 2017 03:32am
Continuing on ....
The Indians have always had imperial designs when led by a particularly right wing government and even Indira Gandhi to me was very right wing.
So while the Russians, Turks, Arabs, Chinese and Pakistani seek a reconciliation and a real Pashtun represenation the Meglomaniacs in Washington, India and within the Afghan government circling Ghani try at another surge.
BUT all the kings horses and men can not put numpty together again.
China's rise has been a natural rise and was inevitable & there is nothing the US can do to stop it not contain it and certainly not through India.
India is the oil to a burning fire in the region that will consume American tax payers money & young men into a prolonged war that is destined to fail.
US gains more networking with China not against it. A prolonged Afghan war is a gain for India & the corrupt Thank government acting as an extra sed lifeline but defeat is inevitable at the expense of US money and life.
WAKE up USA pls!
Recommend
0
Oct 27, 2017 03:39am
@Farhan
Are you naive or plain stupid.
40% of Afghanistan is not under Afghan government control and an extra 10k soldiers will not be able to do nothing.
Afghan Soldiers fight for money and know how corrupt the government is and when a soldier fights for.momey alone then the war has been lost before it begins.
Indian investment no longer exists but is money buying corrupt Afghan leaders namely the ex Northern Alliance leaders and while does not wish to commit boots on the ground seeks US soldiers to continue its life line in Afghanistan.
India historically, culturally, geographically and in every way has never had a place in Afghanistan and the current war is its only way to access.
It is in India's interest to prolong the war or push for sectarianism in Afghanistan and have US soldiers dying so she can keep her foothold in Afghanistan.
USA lost the war a long time ago and are prolonging the inevitable and making the choice of a graceful exit very hard at India's beenfit.
Recommend
0
Oct 27, 2017 03:39am
Keeping Parliament on board is the key. We failed and suffered because deep state was running the foreign and interior policies on its own. Positive signs for Pakistan and democracy.
Recommend
0
Oct 27, 2017 03:55am
USA my message to you & I know you read this.
We loved you as a brother, we respected you and we made you stronger during the cold war. We made you look good throughout the cold war & we were instrumental in your greatest victory.
Unfortunately you never treated us equally neither with integrity not with respect. In Pakistan she saw nothing more than a proxy & you made it a transactional relationship.
Today Pakistan's sovereignty & security is at stake by a belligerent neighbour you seek to make your new proxy & as friends we conveyed to you all of the nefarious operations conducted by our neighbour but you did not care nor appreciate our sacrifices because you had other agendas and strategic interests that outweighed sacrificing Pakistan's stability and security.
This was a fatally wrong decision you have made rather than work with China you seek to destroy it's economic might at high cost. Such actions only benefit The Indians not the Americans or Pakistanis.
Good luck USA!
Recommend
0
Oct 27, 2017 04:05am
@Qureshi (USA)
Removing itself from the destructive illegal war is securing the nation.
Removing ourselves from the treachery & deceit and focussing ALL efforts to secure our Western and Eastern border is the right step.
There are always consequences where the US is concerned because it believes in partnerships not friendships with non Western nations with the exception of Israel.
Focus all our efforts on the border & then secure every city & increase security.
Pakistan will continue to have a bumpy ride for another few years but rule number 1 know your friends and your foes. Rule no 2 close yourself inwards, secure all routes in & out. Increase surveillance at the border but equally within cities & airports and ports.
Increase intelligence funding & operations to cleanse the agents of terror within Pakistan seeking to destabilise Pakistan from within.
Leave Afghanistan to it's own vices the government is on life support machine as is Indian presence in Afghanistan.
Recommend
0
Oct 27, 2017 04:15am
Pakistan should cut off all contact with the USA. Our true friend is China, and we should maintain future relations only with them.China will help transform our nation, and together we can rule the world.
Recommend
0
Oct 27, 2017 04:49am
Since we have no idea why the US has prolonged the war for so long there is no way to tell whether they are winning or losing. They actually won the war in 2002 and could have left Afghanistan after pushing the Taliban out and dismantling Al-Qaeda.
Recommend
0
Oct 27, 2017 05:29am
Even when you scared show a brave face to save face.
Recommend
0
Oct 27, 2017 06:32am
@hamza
I would advise to do an introspect.
If everything Pakistan doing is right, why is then every nation (bar China and Turkey) is against it ?
Think about it rationally - not emotionally, not patriotically. I'm sure you will find the answer.
Recommend
0
Oct 27, 2017 06:40am
@Farhan
Read the article again!
Recommend
0
Oct 27, 2017 06:47am
@IamAmazed
So you are a body language expert?
I think Pakistanis are taking the correct stand and it is a fact that we have been defeated in Afghanistan. It is also true that our policy is being formed by the generals and it is also true that India is a trouble maker for Pakistan.
Recommend
0
Oct 27, 2017 07:01am
I am really amazed.
Most countries in the world dont want us, Pakistanis, to come. It is their fault.
Most countries, visitors, players and investment, dont want to come to Pakistan. It's their fault.
And most readers here seem to agree to this narrative.
Recommend
0
Oct 27, 2017 07:02am
So now lawmakers are mocking at American failure in Afghanistan. I thought Pakistan was an ally of US for last 16 years but terming it as an American failure doesn’t reflect that and that’s the exact point US is trying to make I think.
Recommend
0
Oct 27, 2017 07:04am
@Farhan man, do some study before you make such absurd comment.
Recommend
0
Oct 27, 2017 07:40am
Lets see how long India will act on the desire and wishes of America.
Recommend
0
Oct 27, 2017 07:41am
As a matter of fact that no one ever succeeded in controlling Afghanistan historically. It is true what Mr Asif said in the assembly and Senate. What we need now a good governance. The government should know that the society goes down if there is no justice. I plead all to abandon corrupt practices. The people too abide the laws of land. The civil and military bureaucracy and judges should learn to live on their salaries. If you people are 70 per cent right then no one can stop us to be a land of peace.
Recommend
0
Oct 27, 2017 07:48am
Instead of paying too much attention to what USA is doing with India, Pakistan must set out its priorities for developing industries, securing borders and promoting employment.
There is no free lunches any where.
Recommend
0
Oct 27, 2017 08:06am
Does US bashing helps Pakistan in any manner ? Wait for US response now.
Recommend
0
Oct 27, 2017 08:13am
@Last Word He sounds angry!
Recommend
0
Oct 27, 2017 08:17am
@Muhammad Waqas You are right I should be there but I am not sure truth and goodness is welcomed in Pakistan.
Recommend
0
Oct 27, 2017 08:30am
It also shows the long reach of Pakistan
Recommend
0
Oct 27, 2017 08:55am
this guy seem to play a double game just like the US !
says something else in front of the US and then comes in the parliament and hammers the US!
Recommend
0
Oct 27, 2017 09:17am
Pakistan needs to do honest retrospection on two pertinent and important questions. Has US committed a cardinal sin asking Pakistan to take action against the so called assets to invite such an over-reaction ? Do keeping these assets serve Pakistan's national interests which has resulted in spoiling of relations severely with neighbours, US and stoppage of much needed aid ?
Recommend
0
Oct 27, 2017 09:17am
Pakistan is recovering his self steam
Recommend
0
Oct 27, 2017 09:22am
@Qureshi (USA)
You can't even understand that their are different security protocols for US Secretary if State and a Sports team.
Recommend
0
Oct 27, 2017 10:02am
Whether he is boasting about success of Pakistan's strategic assets in Afghanistan?
Recommend
0
Oct 27, 2017 10:03am
@Vikas the problem starts when u blame others for ur inefficiency of16 years
Recommend
0
Oct 27, 2017 10:16am
@Bin Adam foreign policy is not about being bold, it's about being smart.
Recommend
0
Oct 27, 2017 10:19am
@M.Sethi oh yes there is bravery required to visit a country like visiting a jungle with wild animals
Recommend
0
Oct 27, 2017 10:32am
@Qureshi (USA) i guess you have not heard of Imran Khan. come and join the PTI
Recommend
0
Oct 27, 2017 10:34am
A Foreign minister is expected to pacify even a hot situation and bring it under control to improve relationships with other states. Here we have a FM hell bent upon pleasing internal audience, rather then sticking to his true expectations out of his post.
If this language continues, he would be asked by same country to shift to another portfolio.
Recommend
0
Oct 27, 2017 10:47am
If only making wise policies would be as easy as making bold statements!
Recommend
0
Oct 27, 2017 11:21am
@Qureshi (USA)
Good to see big USA with your name Mr Qureshi . Hope you will put your physical contribution in a making Pakistan safe rather then a verbal one.
Recommend
0
Oct 27, 2017 11:31am
Whats the volume in speak terms of the fact that even a cricket match cannot be staged without shutting down the biggest city in Pakistan?
Recommend
0
Oct 27, 2017 05:49pm
I find it very amusing when Pakistanis are quick at pointing at the failures of other and let me remind Pakistanis, these failures of others are Pakstani's own imagination in their fertile minds. US and supported force are sitting in Kabul and Taliban is on the run and is being hunted. How is that US failure? Isn't it Taliban failure that they could not take back Kabul after all these years? US is now looking to cut down their supply line to flush them out. US knows that Pakistan is the supply line for Taliban hence pressure on Pakistan to deliver for the billions it took. Pakistan being Pakistan, is ready for sanctions rather than mending it's ways.
Recommend
0
Oct 28, 2017 01:08am
@Kulbhushan Yadav ...Blah Blah your choice of name explains where you are coming from,a place of ignorance and hate.!!
Recommend
0
