U.S. defence chief urges action on Pakistan militants

[Turborama]

Source: Reuters

By David Morgan

CAMP LEJEUNE, North Carolina (Reuters) - U.S. Defence Secretary Robert Gates urged the leaders of Pakistan to act against the spread of Taliban militancy, saying failure to confront the threat could affect U.S.-Pakistani relations.

In a visit on Thursday to a military installation where Marines are preparing for deployment to Afghanistan, Gates said some Pakistani leaders recognise the "existential threat" facing the country's democratic government from the Taliban. "But it is important that they not only recognise it but take appropriate actions to deal with it," he told reporters at an outdoor briefing, as small-arms fire from a nearby training range crackled in the distance.

The Taliban's growing influence in northern Pakistan and the loss of ground of the Pakistani government has raised concerns about the stability of the nuclear-armed nation.

"The stability and longevity of democratic government in Pakistan is central to the efforts of the coalition in Afghanistan and it is also central to our future partnership with the government in Islamabad," Gates added. "We want to support them. We want to help them in any way we can. But it is important that they recognise the real threats to their country."

Read more: http://www.reuters.com/article/worldNews/idUKTRE53M4MD20090423

[boomerbust]

1. Where the hell is India

In all of this. It seems that they should have a little skin in this game as well.

[Tempest]

2. In one way India wins if the Pakistani government falls

India is no fan of the current government in Pakistan and may be willing to work with an Islamic government as long as it's expedient.

There's also the issue of foreign aid. Money that is being shoveled into Pakistan by various groups, including the U.S. government, would then go to India as a deterrent. India would see a huge increase in aid.

Right now, India is in the catbird's seat.

[Hugabear]

3. No way in hell.

India might not like the current Pakistani government - but do you really think they'd like an even more radical, more extreme Islamic government in place, one practically controlled by the Taliban? One with access to nuclear weapons?

[cosmicone]

5. Not quite

a) India would rather deal with a civilian government and has signed peace accords with Zulfikar Ali Bhutto (Benazir's father) and more recently with Nawaz Sharif. The pakistani military doesn't want peace because peace means fewer generals and fewer weapons systems so the top brass has no way to make billions if there is peace. India is actually concerned about the rise of muslim fanaticism and with a population of some 180 million muslims in India, doesn't want a Talistan next door.

b) India is now a donor country (in case you haven't kept abreast of the news) and does not receive foreign "aid" anymore. Instead, India is a major destination of foreign direct investment which India solicits.


India's goal would be to balkanize Pakistan starting with independence for Balochistan and Sindh which makes the militants landlocked so they are easier targets, being surrounded by enemies on all sides.

[MasonJar]

4. It is time for action in Pakistan, I am very sorry to say. Thanks, Bush, for letting

Osama ride and escape and Omar, of Taliban fame, too. I am sure the women of Afghanistan and Pakistan really thank you, W, you lousy swine. My apologies to all self-respecting swine.

[ohio2007]

6. OBL has been taking a 'dirt nap' for years

even the dead leaders of Pakistan knew that the boogey died years ago.

Thank China for not stepping up. "Somebody" needs to secure the failed state's nuke research,power and production facilities.

Selected Pakistani Nuclear Facilities
http://cns.miis.edu/pubs/reports/pdfs/pakistan.pdf

Taliban already "occupy" the weapon site and dirty weapons manufacturing facilities.

It's simple geography and something the Chinese also had a part of in creating of the nuclear program.


hina should be up to the challenge imo


http://www.liveleak.com/view?i=dd0_1240522956

Rebels could win Pakistan's nuke haven ( birth of a break away republic)
Sat Jul-26-08

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=102x3397932#3410805