US general sees no change in Pakistan behaviour despite Trump’s tough line
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WASHINGTON: The top US general in Afghanistan said on Tuesday that he had not seen a change in Pakistan’s support for militants so far, despite President Donald Trump taking a tougher line against Islamabad.
US officials have long been frustrated by what they see as Pakistan’s reluctance to act against groups such as the Afghan Taliban and the Haqqani network that they believe exploit safe haven on Pakistani soil to launch attacks on neighbouring Afghanistan.
In August, Trump outlined a new strategy for the war in Afghanistan, chastising Pakistan over its alleged support for Afghan militants.
US official expressed hope that relations between the two countries could improve after a kidnapped US-Canadian couple and their three children were freed in Pakistan in October, after the couple was abducted in neighbouring Afghanistan.
“We have been very direct and very clear with the Pakistanis... we have not seen those changes implemented yet,” Gen John Nicholson told reporters.
“We are hoping to see those changes, we are hoping to work together with the Pakistanis going forward to eliminate terrorists who are crossing” the border, Nicholson said.
He added that he believed that senior Taliban leaders were based in Pakistan, while the lower level leadership was in Afghanistan. Pakistan says it has done a great deal to help the US in tracking down terrorists.
Published in Dawn, November 29th, 2017
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Comments (48) Closed
Nov 29, 2017 08:13am
Good observation General!
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Nov 29, 2017 08:18am
Those comnercial companies making loses always put up like this to their shareholders "We could not perform as the market was not in our favour"?
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Nov 29, 2017 08:45am
There is no military solution; there is only a political solution; the sooner it is realized the better it would be for all stakeholders!
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Nov 29, 2017 08:51am
You cannot bluff people all the time.
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Nov 29, 2017 08:55am
Changes will never be implimented, till hell freezes over.
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Nov 29, 2017 08:58am
Trump is not President of Pakistan and wait few months till next election there will be lots of changes but all in favor of Pakistan and Pakistani people.
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Nov 29, 2017 09:08am
Repeated US administrations have said the same thing. Sooner or later there will be one US administration that will ultimately act upon its warning to Pakistan. Whether it is the Trump administration or one of the next six to follow it Pakistan is still playing Russian Roulette with its own future. The US warnings are slowly beginning to get dire and more ominous and should be taken very seriously .
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Nov 29, 2017 09:10am
General, your days of ordering Pakistan to either do this or we will do that are over. If you want something to be done, you have to do something in return too. Forget about the past and look at the ground realities of today.
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Nov 29, 2017 09:12am
That’s what u get for being a client state
Still happily accept $700 million from US and make the rhetoric for “honourable sovereign” state
Why did u not show some spine and rejected this $700 million from them when statements were made at the highest level of the Govt / military saying “we don’t need ur money”
So why r the actions not matching the words
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Nov 29, 2017 09:34am
Yes because seems like pakistan has also taken a clear stance to actually "support these elements"..
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Nov 29, 2017 10:25am
Pakistan is not a young, stubborn, spoiled kid. Pakistan is a mature state with its challenges--internal and external, which must be understood and appreciated. And Pakistan will not and should not allow any intervention or dictation from anyone about its internal and other regional matters. Countries that claim to promote democracy across the globe should first fix problems in their own backyard, problems of domestic violence, racism, lack of basic healthcare, etc. And by the way, do answer the question: Who pushed Pakistan into this mess? Perhaps, the answer would be a meaningful silence on which people should reflect.
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Nov 29, 2017 10:25am
Shooting one's own leg...story of Pakistan.
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Nov 29, 2017 10:51am
And how about america a war criminal state supporting terrerism in syria and israel. Its a war criminal state only has war based economy. Incite wars and supplies weapons to both sides. Saudis are the puppets and buying mist weapons as these sheep hearders dont have any brains. Unefucated prince and kings. Live in cadtles and run wars on poor countrues like yemen.......and who is supplying weapons.....america.
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Nov 29, 2017 10:53am
Pakistan is unfortunately ruled by military regime. Democracy is more of novelty. Sad part is people of Pakistan trust their military rulers than democratically elected representative. People do not realize that bad democracy is far better than good dictator. Democracy is slow and evolutionary process wherein bad part is weeded off very slowly.
Democratically elected people have little say in foreign affairs and policy making.Most of the time they are forced to toe the military dictated line of policy. In short its a deep state.
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Nov 29, 2017 10:53am
Pakistan is unfortunately ruled by military regime. Democracy is more of novelty. Sad part is people of Pakistan trust their military rulers than democratically elected representative. People do not realize that bad democracy is far better than good dictator. Democracy is slow and evolutionary process wherein bad part is weeded off very slowly.
Democratically elected people have little say in foreign affairs and policy making.Most of the time they are forced to toe the military dictated line of policy. In short its a deep state.
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Nov 29, 2017 10:58am
Mix signals every week.
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Nov 29, 2017 11:03am
Sir, you need to make change in approach, Pakistan will not change, because of what you very well know.
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Nov 29, 2017 11:07am
I can clearly see very very difficult time for Pakistan ahead. Sometime amputation is must for survival.
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Nov 29, 2017 11:17am
We are not an American colony.
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Nov 29, 2017 11:20am
US general is right.
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Nov 29, 2017 11:32am
Where went your warnings?
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Nov 29, 2017 11:52am
The likelihood of losing the tag of NATO ally now looms large over the head followed by some other sanctions. It is in the fitness of the things that for Pakistan to grow in the civilized world, such elements not only have to be discouraged but to be curbed. The recent Faizabad sit-in is the result of growing extremism and radicalisation in which the Institutions, as big as Establishment (for unknown reasons), also gave in. The present state of affairs in the country need radical changes as the country is not only facing political but economic and credibility issues also.
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Nov 29, 2017 11:54am
@Nancy Why not make it public?? Why denials?
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Nov 29, 2017 12:01pm
Then go home US! No one asked you to come to Afghanistan.
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Nov 29, 2017 12:08pm
Trump & USA both should change their behavior, Pakistan is no more accepting Do More demands. Now USA should Do More to eradicate terrorism from Afghanistan and should stop supporting ISIS. Pakistan is Sovereign state, not a puppet of any one.
Pakistan Zindabad.
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Nov 29, 2017 12:09pm
We may not listen to advices from foreign countries, but we are obliged to think clearly. Pakistani government and authorities (including Military) are sending confusing signals in the fight against terrorism. As a matter of fact, we are confusing in almost all sectors – political and social. Acting in an uncoordinated manner has encouraged violent groups who are dismembering Pakistani society.
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Nov 29, 2017 12:16pm
What does the top General mean , Is US is packing up? Or a war with Pakistan?
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Nov 29, 2017 12:18pm
@Nancy Yes it seems like Pakistan wants Afghanistan as it’s 6th State.
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Nov 29, 2017 12:23pm
He seems frustrated due to Pakistan's failure to disperse the holders of sit-uns in Islamabad.
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Nov 29, 2017 01:28pm
Pakistan is helpless in handling its internal matters, forget AF
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Nov 29, 2017 01:46pm
General.. You can experience periodic flashes of cooperation which can raise your hopes BUT in essence they can't change their behavior permanently. you can always expect them to change their position(overt or covert) perfectly 360 degree.
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Nov 29, 2017 01:56pm
USA needs Pakistan more than vice versa
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Nov 29, 2017 02:00pm
And you're just realising this! Whatever politicians did wrong, full credit for fooling Americans for 40 years
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Nov 29, 2017 02:00pm
Pakistan should come out clean and state clearly that it cannot take any action against these elements in the national interest.
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Nov 29, 2017 02:03pm
US has to stop Pakistani export on a concessional basis. And they should stop all Visas to Pakistanis.
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Nov 29, 2017 02:50pm
What a pity. Americans are getting frustrated with everyone everywhere. It is about time for them to revise their policies.
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Nov 29, 2017 02:51pm
Ye nahi sudharne wale
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Nov 29, 2017 03:31pm
Pakistan must have to keep an eye to the real intentions of U.S. Have to understand US in the larger spectrum. CPEC, nuclear weapons& prosperity of Pakistan, its all irking U.S..
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Nov 29, 2017 03:35pm
US has no option , but to feed Pak. No point in talking and accusing, else leave Afghanistan
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Nov 29, 2017 03:35pm
Goes to show that tough stance does not always work. US needs to adopt a realistic approach.
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Nov 29, 2017 04:23pm
He talked to wrong people. Try TLY instead.
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Nov 29, 2017 04:29pm
Where are the dollars?!?
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Nov 29, 2017 04:40pm
Pakistan has cleaned it's side of the border can America and NATO say the same. America needs to stop dancing and start doing.
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Nov 29, 2017 05:54pm
The terrorists are based in Helmund Usa has to eliminate them before peace can be achieved.
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Nov 29, 2017 05:57pm
haha its so funny
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Nov 29, 2017 07:07pm
It is Pakistan, the general must acknowledge it.
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Nov 29, 2017 08:59pm
The same case goes for US as we have seen no change in their behavior despite fighting with them in war against terrorism for which we are still paying a heavy prices lying down our precious lives.
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Nov 30, 2017 08:04pm
War, invasion andplaying a policeman will not help solve a thing.
Sit down in a civic manner to iron out all difference amongst all concerned general!
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