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"This is the central front in our enduring struggle against terrorism and extremism," Obama said reiterating that the Afghan-Pak problem can't be resolved in isolation.
There has to be regional approach to it, he argued.
Addressing the officials of the State Department after Richard Holbrooke was appointed Special US Representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan, Obama said, "There, as in the Middle East, we must understand that we cannot deal with our problems in isolation."
Obama said his administration is committed to refocusing attention and resources on Afghanistan and Pakistan and to spending those resources wisely. "That's why we are pursuing a careful review of our policy," he said.
Terming it as an international challenge of the "highest order", he said, "There is no answer in Afghanistan that does not confront the Al-Qaeda and Taliban bases along the border, and there will be no lasting peace unless we expand spheres of opportunity for the people of Afghanistan and Pakistan."
However, Obama said the situation can't be resolved so quickly in the region.
"The American people and the international community must understand that the situation is perilous and progress will take time. Violence is up dramatically in Afghanistan. A deadly insurgency has taken deep root. The opium trade is far and away the largest in the world," he observed.
Obama alleged that the Afghan government had been unable to deliver basic services. "Al-Qaeda and the Taliban strike from bases embedded in rugged tribal terrain along the
Pakistani border. And while we have yet to see another attack on our soil since 9/11, Al-Qaeda terrorists remain at large and remain plotting," he said.
Giving an inkling of his yet to be Afghan policy, Obama said, "We will seek stronger partnerships with the governments of the region, sustain cooperation with our NATO allies, deeper engagement with the Afghan and Pakistani people, and a comprehensive strategy to combat terror and extremism."
He said, "We will provide the strategic guidance to meet our objectives, and we pledge to support the extraordinary Americans serving in Afghanistan, both military and civilian, with the resources that they need."
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If the drug business in Pakistan - Afghanistan is not stamped out, there will always be enough money to finance terrorism.
If Obama truly believes that about Pak, all he has to do is to knock out Pak's nukes, invade the country and finish off all the terrorist training camps and terrorists. What peace the US will have after that!
The best solution to fight terrorism with minimum damage to India is the following.(1) Completely seal the international border between India/Pak and India/Bangladesh (2) Stop all kinds of interaction with Pakistan trade/culture/tourism and completely ban visits to that country like USA did in case of Cuba.(3) Completely ban all madrasas in India or monitor very strictly with non-muslim representatives monitoring all activities of each and every madrasa. Let Govt. decide curriculum based on NCERT syllabus. Ban madrasas preaching any kind of hatred or projecting other religions in bad light.(4) Blacklist any Country/company doing business with Pakistan in defense other than anti- terrorism fight.(5) Spend money/resources to make three homogeneous countries Baluchistan, Pakutinistan and west-punjab and free all from the yoak of wahabi-punjabi hegemony.(6) Strategically plan with Israel, USA, Japan, Australia, EU and Russia to defang pak nukes.(7)End vote bank politics.
this is totally unexpected from Obama. Everyone knows that Pak is responsible for terrorism. He is not fighting against terror but supporting it. India has to help himself only. nobody is going to support India.Better is to destroy the terrorist camp in POK, but with this attitude of Obama i think US will also create problem in this action of India. But whwn will India awake.....
hello be aware he is talking that the problem cannot be solved in isolation and needs a regional approach. can assue you kashmir will crop up
Old adages continue to apply :A stitch in time saves nine. If my memory serves me right, Clinton had tried in vain to eliminate Osama during his presidency, with an unsuccessful Cruise missile strike. Bush did not continue the effort, until after 9/11 happened. The South Asian problem, that Obama is focussing on now, has come about solely due to the geo-political games played by the US and the USSR. The US created their Frankenstein, the Taliban, that, coupled with the Al Qaida, has come back to haunt them. Further, to try to maintain a balance between Pakistan and India, the US turned a blind eye to the nuclear aspirations of Pakistan, until Pak conducted their nuclear tests in 1998. Similarly, the new-found warmth between the US India has more to do with a balancing act between China
obama has shown that he would be following only the policy of his predecessors and not anything different. india should attack pakistan once and for all and finish of the jehadi training camps.at least now, the indian government should open their eyes. america is not interested in peace in the world but only their own selfish interests.the hope that obama would bring a change in this world is belied at the outset only.after all, obama is muslim by birth and cannot be expected to take action against a muslim country.
This is an opportunity for India to offer its assistance in this initiative. India needs to work hard to achieve the respect of world community before asking for a permanent seat in security council.
Who used Pakistan as an instrument? Now this Pakistan is not only challenge for India but for HUMANITY.
Obama's angle: problems aplenty here for India...he thinks by bolstering the failed Pakistani state he will resolve things...till he finds downline that the Pak state is like dry sand slipping through his fingers
Americans seem to understand Indian psyche very nicely. A few sound bytes is all that is needed to titilate the Indian media and the upper class Indian masses. So, that's what they do as it doesn't cost money. Lying, spinning and backtracking has anyway been an acceptable standard from American govt lingo. India's job is to ensure that the Western border of Pakistan is always kept busy for all the warmongers to go play their games there. Remember, trouble in Pakistan's western border is the only PASSPORT to India's safety.
We need a American President who can tie noose to pakistan's neck which is running errant.I think this time has come.