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There were many visionaries in the Subcontinent who saw he dangers of majoritarianism. A few had the foresight who actually came up with plans to resolve the rights of the minorities in the Subcontinent. His Cabinet Mission Plan was a stroke of genious and would have bridged the gap between Hindu and Muslim, Sikh and Dalit. It was torpedoed by the right wing of the Indian National Congress which shunned not only Jinnah but also Ambedkar and Bose. Thus began the politics of race, religion and creed.

"The Indian society does not consist of individuals. It consists of innumerable collection of castes, which are exclusive in their life and have no common experience to share and have no bond of sympathy. The existence of caste system is a standing denial of the existence of those ideals of society and therefore of democracy. An Indian cannot eat or marry with an Indian simply because he or she does not belong to his or her caste. An Indian simply can not touch an Indian because he or she does belong to his or her caste." Ambedkar

Can the current leaders of Jamat Islami Hind, the Indian Union Muslim League, the communist party of India and the Dalits resurrect the Jinnah-Ambadekar-Bose dream of crating a center left coalition among all the minorities in India today. Jinnah came close to building the powerful coalition . Today Mayawati is busy as a beaver building this new coalition which is working to defeat the BJP-VHP in the next elections.

Dr Ambedkar when pressed for separate electorate for the depressed classes, feared that in the Parliamentary form of government, the voices of dissent would always be decried. It is a majority vote but majority can not always be right. Secondly, he feared that those who will represent the oppressed community might not be the 'well-wishers' of the community as they will be more bothered about getting votes of other communities, particularly if they are fighting from so called reserve constituencies, their worry would be more on focusing on other communities rather than their own. This will only create a leadership which would be corrupt and could easily be co-opted. Hence there was upper caste leadership of a majority of parties giving the Dalits 'symbolic' presence in their parties A no confidence in current form of Parliamentary  democracy Vidya Bhushan Rawat
vbrawat@gmail.com

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There are some unspoken rules of engagement. Let us try to enumerate them so that they make Dollars and Sense to some.

Lesson Number One: Africa is not a country. South Africa is a country. Noruth America includes Canada, US and Mexico. These were the lessons that the Republicans failed to grasp and lost an election.

Lesson Number Two: Afghanistan is a landlocked country. Karachi is the Pakistan port throught which 80% of the arms and food itemsto Afghanistan flow. All supply lines to Afghanistan run through Pakistan.

Lesson Number Three: Blaming Pakistan won’t help the war on terror.. If you continue to kill Pakistanis, the nation cannot support the US war in Afghanistan. Pakistan Assembly: War not in its interest-Want it stopped!

Lesson Number Four: No pay. No Play.

There has been a big spike in US attacks on Pakistan. This creates huge problems for Pakistan and peace loving peoples of the region. Most of the drone attacks are proverbially inaccurate and have bombed innocent civilians. US attacks on Pakistan since 2004 fueled Afghan insurgency

According to the DOD, Pakistan suffered a loss of $20 Billion per annum as a result of the US attack on Afghanistan. Afghanistan received $15 Billion in aid in the past few years--most of is wasted on arms. Pakistan wanted a Free Trade Agreement with the US which would have propelled its exports to America to $15 Billion. Pakistan wanted Reconstruction Opportunity Zones (ROZs) in FATA, NWFP and Baluchistan.

The $650 million per annum never quite made it to Pakistan. None of these materialized. By law half of the US is spent in America. 25% of the rest is "spent" on administrative and logistical expenses. The remaining 25% is given to the US Ambassador's favorite US based NGO deposited back to the States. Almost none makes it to the poor Pakistanis. Pakistan has been caught in the midst of the global financial crisis and spiraling inflation fueled by rising gasoline prices. The US had promised

Obama advisor Weinbaum predicts total Afghan policy review: Sees focus on talks & Reconciliation  

What about the $10 Billion mentioned over and over again by the "Drive By Media"? About $5 Billion is actually reimbursement for the use of four bases in Pakistan and logistical support--fuel, bullets, Humvees,everything needed for the war in Afghanistan.

Pakistan is in a pinch right now. The US is witholding funds! AND the US has increased the number of attacks on Paksitan. When US troops landed in FATA, Pakistan shut of the spigot. The raids stopped--at least the announced one. The drones attacks continued. These attacks create a blowback for Paksitan--like the attack on the Marriott Hotel (often called Pakistan's 911).

• While Pakistan struggles to pick up the pennies to cope with a global financial crisis, $1 Billion in reimbursement (not aid) is held in the GAO accounting La Lal land.
• Pakistan has lodged protests at the highest level to stop bombing sovereign Pakistani territory
• "Afghanistan is a landlocked country. Everything we want to use to eat, drink and to shoot has to come in from outside," said Bruce Riedel, a former CIA agent and a senior fellow at the Brookings Institute.
• "The Taliban and al Qaeda recognize completely this is a vulnerability and a place where it's easier for them to operate inside Pakistan than it is for us, and the way to really turn the screws on the NATO forces in Afghanistan is to go after the logistics pipeline."
• "The majority public sentiment must be behind Pakistan's participation on war on terror. That cannot be compromised. If the people turn against it, it will be very difficult for the government to ensure this [supply] line," Owais Ahmed Ghani, the governor of the Northwest Frontier Province, told ABC News in Peshawar. "Because it has to come all the way through the entire Pakistan, from the sea to this place."
• "The American military and NATO military officials are well aware of their vulnerability here and have been looking for long time for alternatives to develop so we don't have to rely on Pakistan," Riedel said. "But the problem is the geography doesn't change
• There is no other way to bring in supplies." If the attacks cripple the supply line, Riedel said, U.S. troops are "not going to have the equipment they need, they're not going to have the food they need, and you're going to have an American and NATO force which is literally cut off and dependent on whatever can be brought in by air, which is incredibly expensive and very, very difficult."
• US carried out secret raids into Pakistan’ * Operations against Qaeda conducted under 2004 mandate by Bush * NYT says Navy Seals raided Taiban compound in Bajaur in 2006  By Khalid Hasan. WASHINGTON: US commandos have carried out in secret around a dozen attacks against Al Qaeda and other militant outfits in Pakistan, Syria and elsewhere, the New York Times reported on Monday. The recent ‘American boots on the ground’ September 3 raid in Bajaur Agency, therefore, was not the first one in Pakistan.
• President Zardari about the military operation in the Bajur tribal region. “We feel that the strikes are an intrusion on our sovereignty, which are not appreciated by the people at large, and the first aspect of this war is to win the hearts and mind of the people,” Zardari said.
• Zardari said that he expected US President-elect Barack Obama to take a “new look” at Pakistan’s objections to the missile attacks on suspected al-Qaeda and Taliban targets. He was not sure that if Obama would halt them.Geo TV
• "This is the most traditional, most used land route to connect Afghanistan and Pakistan," says Talat Masood, a security expert and retired general of the Pakistani Army. The same supply route was used to support the mujahideen in their fight against the Soviet Union, he says. Christian Science Monitor
• "There were some U.S. military materials that were taken — Humvees and water tank trailers," said Maj. John Redfield Associated Press

Peek into Obama’s brains: Bruce Reidel on Pakistan

Islamabad, Pakistan - Pakistani Taliban militants hijacked a convoy carrying wheat and military vehicles headed for Afghanistan Monday, underscoring for NATO forces the vulnerability of their only practical supply route into landlocked Afghanistan.

In a brazen attack in Jamrud, near the capital of Pakistan's Northwest Frontier Province, 60 masked militants held up a convoy of 13 trucks, according to official reports. The trucks, 12 of which were carrying wheat and one carrying two Humvees for Western forces in Afghanistan, were hijacked without the militants having to fire a single shot. Taliban hijacking threatens key NATO supply route By Shahan Mufti | Correspondent of The Christian Science Monitor from the November 12, 2008 edition

 Pakistan Assembly: War not in its interest-Want it stopped!

Pakistan first: The devastating effects of appeasing India and kowtowing to the USA

Mr. Kissinger still living in the 70s should learn the new realities. Waving goodbye to US Hegemony.

An American Humvee races across a desert, a flag waving from the side, a gunman in the turret taking sight.

But there is something wrong with this picture. The flag is not American, and the gunman is not wearing a U.S. uniform.

The Humvee had just been stolen by the Taliban movement in Pakistan, which is led by one of the most wanted men in Pakistan: Baitullah Mehsud. His men were taking a joy ride, Mehsud's flag waving from the side of the Humvee, a masked, armed man sitting on top waving at a camera.

Today in Pakistan's Khyber Agency, which borders eastern Afghanistan, Mehsud's Taliban fighters hijacked 13 trucks filled with U.S. and NATO supplies destined for Afghanistan. It is the latest sign that the U.S. supply line for the Afghan war -- 80 percent of which goes through Pakistan -- is as vulnerable as ever.

"About 60 masked gunmen popped up on the road and took away the trucks with their drivers," Bakhtiar Mohmand, a local government administrator, told Reuters. "Not a single shot was fired anywhere."

Earlier this year dozens of trucks were burned to a crisp in the same area. Over the summer, a truckful of Humvees was destroyed by a mob in Karachi.

Truck operators told Reuters today that about two dozen trucks and oil tankers have been attacked in the past month near the Afghan border.

"The government is a silent spectator. [Militants] attack our trucks, loot them and kill our drivers in broad daylight, even near security checkposts, but [the government] can't do anything," Eshtiar Mohmand, who owns a trucking company, told Reuters.

Every day hundreds of trucks make the 1,100-mile journey from Karachi to Kabul, rumbling along some of the least-hospitable territory in the world. These "jingle trucks," as they're known here, may not look like much, but they contain the lifeblood of the American army in Afghanistan.

"Afghanistan is a landlocked country. Everything we want to use to eat, drink and to shoot has to come in from outside," said Bruce Riedel, a former CIA agent and a senior fellow at the Brookings Institute. "The Taliban and al Qaeda recognize completely this is a vulnerability and a place where it's easier for them to operate inside Pakistan than it is for us, and the way to really turn the screws on the NATO forces in Afghanistan is to go after the logistics pipeline."  U.S. Supply Lines at Risk along Pakistan Border. The U.S. Supply Line for the Afghan War Remains as Vulnerable as Ever By NICK SCHIFRIN and HABIBULLAH KHAN PESHAWAR, Pakistan, Nov. 10, 2008 —

The idea of becoming subservient to India is abhorrent. Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto

Events on the ground have overtaken the election rhetoric of the tow major US presidential candidates.

A series of interlocking “grand bargains” backed by the relevant regional players as well as major global powers - aimed at pacifying Afghanistan; integrating Iran into a new regional security structure; promoting reconciliation in Iraq; and launching a credible process to negotiate a comprehensive peace between Israel and the Arab world - must offer a very tempting, if extremely challenging, prospect to any new resident at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. Two, three, many ‘grand bargains’? Jim Lobe Asia Times

Taliban Targets U.S.Supplies in Khyber Agency

The Pakistani military launched an operation in the Khyber Agency in June and declared the area free of militants. But the Pakistani Taliban, Afghan Taliban and al Qaeda continue to use the tribal areas along the border as a safe haven and training space. It is those militants who have virtually free rein to do what they want when they want.

If the attacks cripple the supply line, Riedel said, U.S. troops are "not going to have the equipment they need, they're not going to have the food they need, and you're going to have an American and NATO force which is literally cut off and dependent on whatever can be brought in by air, which is incredibly expensive and very, very difficult."

The threat to the supply line is also political.

The Pakistani government and military, which received some $13 billion from the United States since 9/11, have mostly helped the supply line since the war in Afghanistan began.

But in September, immediately after the United States acknowledged that American special forces conducted a raid inside Pakistani territory, government officials began threatening to end their support of the supply line. The United States was becoming so unpopular in Paksitan that, they warned, they could no longer guarantee the supply trucks' safety.

"The majority public sentiment must be behind Pakistan's participation on war on terror. That cannot be compromised. If the people turn against it, it will be very difficult for the government to ensure this [supply] line," Owais Ahmed Ghani, the governor of the Northwest Frontier Province, told ABC News in Peshawar. "Because it has to come all the way through the entire Pakistan, from the sea to this place."

Laj Akbar knows all too well how vulnerable the supply line is. He sits gingerly on a day bed near the Afghan border, leaning against his cane. His leg is wrapped in white gauze, and when he lifts his shirt, he reveals a deep scar that runs from his back around his side and finishes near his stomach.

Akbar, a Pakistani truck driver, was shot by members of the Taliban in Afghanistan as he drove a NATO fuel truck toward Kabul. The U.S. Supply Line for the Afghan War Remains as Vulnerable as Ever By NICK SCHIFRIN and HABIBULLAH KHAN PESHAWAR, Pakistan, Nov. 10, 2008 —

• Obama challenge: A vision for peace? Strike Grand Bargains?
• No more ground Attacks in Pakistan: Why did Bush back off & change US policy?

U.S. Supplies End Up in Pakistani Market

"They came after us. They were in a white station wagon," he said in Pashto, his face resigned. "The Taliban came out from the side. They started firing at us. One bullet came through the door and hit me."

Long before many of the trucks get even close to the border with Afghanistan, they get looted. The booty ends up in Sitara Market in Peshawar, the largest city in northwest Pakistan.

There, for a few dozen dollars, you can buy poker sets, knives, even family photos that have been stolen from supply trucks and sold to the highest bidder. Also available: American weapons, whose prices have shot up sevenfold in the last year, locals said.

On a recent day, an ABC News camera filmed locals looking through high-tech binoculars destined for the American military. A young boy played with something he didn't quite understand, shaking a baseball glove and, after it made no sound, finally putting his hand inside.

"This is the only road that goes to Afghanistan, there is no other road. So definitely there are some incidents," said the owner of Sitara Market. Boxes of Gatorade are sold for $5-$10. American-made chocolate muffins go for $3 a basket. American army uniforms are sold for close to $100.

Despite the evidence, NATO officials in Kabul insisted that the vast majority of gear is still arriving safely into Afghanistan.

"There are always difficulties, there are always challenges, but so far, our supply line have been well established," Brig. Gen. Richard Blanchette, NATO's chief spokesman in Kabul, told ABC News. "That's their bread and butter," he said of the contractors who oversee the supply line. "That's what they do to support our mission, and so far, it has worked, and [we] certainly hope it will continue like this."

There is no doubt that the majority of supplies destined for Afghanistan makes it all the way from Karachi to Kabul. But the image of a Talib driving an American Humvee with a Baitullah Mehsud flag waving in the air will give the most sanguine American military leader pause. The U.S. Supply Line for the Afghan War Remains as Vulnerable as Ever By NICK SCHIFRIN and HABIBULLAH KHAN PESHAWAR, Pakistan, Nov. 10, 2008 —

Blaming Pakistan won’t help the war on terror.

American Military Aware of Vulnerability

"The American military and NATO military officials are well aware of their vulnerability here and have been looking for long time for alternatives to develop so we don't have to rely on Pakistan," Riedel said. "But the problem is the geography doesn't change. There is no other way to bring in supplies." ABC News Internet Ventures.The U.S. Supply Line for the Afghan War Remains as Vulnerable as Ever By NICK SCHIFRIN and HABIBULLAH KHAN PESHAWAR, Pakistan, Nov. 10, 2008 —

The hijacking took place a week after Pakistani officials lodged strong complaints over cross-border bombings by US drone aircraft with Gen. David Petraeus, during his first trip to Pakistan as chief of US Central Command. General Petraeus had said that the US would take Pakistan's complaints under consideration.

But a few days later another drone attack in northwestern Pakistan killed at least 13 people, signaling that there had been no immediate change in US policy. Since August there have been more than 18 such attacks on Pakistani soil, which the Pakistani government have repeatedly protested.

"I wouldn't be surprised if Pakistan is reluctant to strongly follow up on this incident," says Masood, of the hijacking. The government and military are probably frustrated with America's continued lack of response to Pakistani protests against cross-border strikes, he continues.

"They might be tempted to highlight their leverage over the situation in Afghanistan," he says.CSM

Noticias de Rupia | Nouvelles de Roupie | Rupiennachrichten | новости рупии | 卢比新闻  | Roepienieuws | Rupi Nyheter | ルピーニュース  | Notizie di Rupia |  PAKISTAN LEDGER | پاکستاني کھاتا | Moin Ansari | معین آنصآرّی | DefensebriefsIntellibriefs Translate to: RSS feed: | RUPEE NEWS | October 28th, 2008 | Moin Ansari |  معین آنصآرّی | اخبار روپیہ  |

Rupee News |  Moin Ansari | November 4th, 2008 | The strategic Indo-Iranian relationship, already in turbulent waters has been unable to  avoid the "on the rocks" status. Not only has the relationship hit rock bottom, it  has fatally crashed into several icebergs. Indo-Russian relationship dead? India on wrong side of history? India's relationship with Iran is not the only one--India has got serious problems with Russia too. Russia elides India in Flanker Su-30 development.

Even though this is not the Monsoon season, when it rains it pours. Two weeks before the visit of the Indian Foreign Minister, the Saudis called off the visit.

The timing of the "reschedule" is ominous, coming on the heels of the visit of the Pakistani president to Jeddah.

The world is focusing on South Asia as never before and all conflicts are under a microscope. 

  ....The entry of countries outside of South Asia as observers at the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation might make some waves.... effect on how SAARC redefines itself as a meaningful regional organisation...Regional security problems in South Asia — Afghanistan and Pakistan’s tribal belt; the Tamil insurgency in Sri Lanka; until recently the Maoist insurgency in Nepal and India’s north-eastern states; and the unrest in Kashmir — do not present a comfortable picture to foreign economic and security players. Analysis: Eyes on South Asia —Rasul Bakhsh Rais

Just a few weeks ago, India was on top of the world as if there was no tomorrow. In days gone by India was building a port at Chahbahar in order to find an alternate route to Kabul to hook up Chahbahar to Kabul. India spent hundreds of millions of Dollars to build the 150 kilometer Zarang Delaram highway. Indian built Zarang Delaram Link: Road to Afghan Mad Max hell! That highway along with the Afghan ring road are considered the most dangerous highways in the worlds littered with the carcasses of NATO, ISAF and US MARVs and trucks. With almost all bridges blown up, the highways in Afghanistan are neither safe, nor traversable for any of the occupation forces. After spending several hundred million Dollars, the road now lies in disuse and ultimate ruin.. Afghan Mad Max Highway 1 to nowhere: Ring Roads rise & fall

Goyem: India support for Frankensteins will create blowback

The Indo-Iranian marriage of convenience dreamed up by the Indians to resurrect Lord Curzon's "On to the Oxus policy" into Afghanistan and beyond by avoiding Pakistan has now fizzled out. The Singh Doctrine Fails to achieve Akhand Bharat.

Thus, a series of icebergs has been lately slicing through the hull of the Titanic that used to be the grand old India-Iran "strategic partnership". A disaster was waiting to happen ever since India voted against Iran at the International Atomic Energy Agency three years ago following US President George W Bush's entreaties with Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. India seeks 'velvet divorce' from Iran By M K Bhadrakumar

Several months ago, we covered the relationship's problems when we highlighted the fact that the Indians stabbed the Iranians in the back by not supporting it in the Nuclear field and referring its case to the IAEA. The next major catastrophe that hit the relationship was when India launched the Iran specific satellite for Israel. Now comes the Iranian payback for India--complete and unambiguous endorsement for the Pakistan viewpoint on Kashmir by the official organ of Iran--the Teheran Times.

India continues to defy the world by denying Kashmiris their inalienable right to determine their destiny ... The atmosphere of tension in India-Pakistan relations has engendered instability and insecurity in South Asia. The urgency of the situation and the need to resolve the dispute as soon as possible cannot be over-emphasized ... The world's Muslims will always stand by the Kashmiris until they succeed in their struggle to attain the right to self-determination." Teheran Times: The Black Day of Kashmir - 61 years of pain

As if the officially sanctioned anti-India, pro-Pakistan, for-Kashmir freedom article was not enough, Teheran followed it up by snubbing Pranab Mukherjee the visiting Indian Foreign Minister--President Ahmedinejad refused to see him and the Iranians downgraded the Joint Indo-Iranian commission.

There is also the sense that Mr Obama’s ideas on India have been evolving from his initial opposition of the nuclear deal to his eventual endorsement of the deal and new ties with India. On the other hand, the Indian establishment, very early on, had made no secret of its preference for a McCain administration.  Obama’s change could also involve US policy on J&K, 4 Nov, 2008, 0347 hrs IST, ET Bureau economictimes indiatimes

President Elect Brack Obama's recent comments on Kashmir are part of a well thought out policy created after much deliberation and contact with various think tanks.

Singapore, November 3: As Obamamania grips much of the world, including India, the man who might become the next President of the United States has ideas on Jammu and Kashmir that should cause some concern to New Delhi.

For months now, New Delhi has been assessing Obama’s seeming hard-line towards Pakistan, including a threat to bomb terrorist bases there if Islamabad failed to act against the al-Qaida and the Taliban. India, however, has paid less attention to the carrot Obama was offering Pakistan—American activism on Kashmir in return for credible cooperation in Afghanistan.

Obama’s remarks on Kashmir are by no means off the cuff. They have been remarkably consistent since he launched his presidential campaign. In the first comprehensive articulation of his world view in the journal Foreign Affairs during the summer of 2007, Obama argued, “If Pakistan can look towards the east (India) with confidence, it will be less likely to believe its interests are best advanced through cooperation with the Taliban.”  (C. Raja Mohan is a Professor at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies, Nanyang Technological University and a Contributing Editor of The Indian Express.)

Indian policy makers already stung by the new policy review of General Patraeus, got huge migraine headaches at the prospect of the return of the Taliban. Now the world is breathing down India's neck on Kashmir.

For another, the prospect that the U S might offer incentives on Kashmir is bound to encourage the Pakistan Army to harden its stance against the current peace process with India.

Finally, the sense that an Obama Administration will put Jammu & Kashmir on the front burner would give a fresh boost to militancy in Kashmir and complicate the current sensitive electoral process there. Kashmiri separatist lobbies in Washington have already embraced Obama’s remarks.

(C. Raja Mohan is a Professor at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies, Nanyang Technological University and a Contributing Editor of The Indian Express.)

As India was struggling with the tectonic shift in Washington and West Asia came the news that President Clinton had been assigned as President Barack Obama's special envoy on Kashmir.

India is dragging its feet on the Iran-Pakistani-India pipeline at the behest of the USA. Pakistan-Iran ties: Shifting sands, tectonic shift or Anti-US axis?.

Recent moves by Iran in inviting the GCC and Saudi Arabia are a sign of the times when the Gulf countries want to cooperate with Iran and possibly build the much heralded Gulf Common Market.

Iran may be joining the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and the Black Se Organization. There is some talk of reviving the Regional Cooperation for Development (RCD) between Iran, Turkey and Pakistan--this time without the US sponsorship.

South Asia Red Nepal: Clear and present danger to India

Indian relations with Pakistan have hit a snag are at a low. Pakistan India Summit talks fail-Gilani rejects Indian rhetoric. The Syrians are miffed at India for not even condemning the US attack on Syria.

At the root of it lies unprecedented US-Israeli interference in India's Iran policy. Such interference is nothing new since the early 1990s, when Delhi established diplomatic relations with Israel. Delhi skillfully navigated the relationship with Iran, despite the robust growth of ties with Israel on a parallel track.

However, things began changing three to four years ago as Indian foreign policy in the region began getting more "security-centric" and Israel was elevated as a pivotal relationship. Today, in the  Iranian perception, Delhi's avowal that it is capable of buttressing the India-Iran relationship from the predatorial skill of US and Israeli diplomacy lacks credibility.

Tehran used to respect India's perceived political will to retain its autonomy of action and thinking on regional issues. That confidence seems to have evaporated. Mottaki forcefully pleaded with Mukherjee that the two countries should focus on a relationship that served their "real interests" rather than fall into the "conspiracies of foreign powers" which hatch "mischief aimed at sowing discord" in Iran-India relations. India seeks 'velvet divorce' from Iran  Asia Times (M K Bhadrakumar was a career diplomat in the Indian Foreign Service. His assignments included the Soviet Union, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Germany, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Uzbekistan, Kuwait and Turkey.)

Indian RAW funded Swat terrorists:$650 million to destabilize Pakistan. The problem with the Indian strategy is that it has not worked in the past. India tried to build relations in another Afghan puppet–Babrak Karmal. Amid great rejoicing and platitudes he visited New Delhi to usher in a great Indo-Afghan era which would be used to control all of Central Asia and be a counterweight to China. A few weeks after his much heralded visit to New Delhi Mr. Karmal was riding a Soviet tank out of Kabul–never to be heard again. The New Delhi embassy remained closed for several years, and all Indian were sent packing out of Afghanistan. India’s Afghan policy was as much a debacle as the Lord Curzon’s On to the Oxus policy in yesteryear.

Today’s India’s policy of supporting the puppet regime in Afghanistan against the popular will in Afghanistan and India’s policy or supporting terror groups in Lanka, Nepal, Bangladesh and Pakistan will create a huge backlash against new Delhi. Rupee News has already reported that the Indian analysts are predicting a cacodemon situation for India in Kabul. Nightmare scenario for India in Kabul: The Taliban’s Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan.

The Indian think tanks, Indian Americans and the Indian public at large put all their eggs in the Republican basket. The Hindustan Times public admitted the the Indian government had made its predisposed proclivity for a McCain Administration known to all. Now that may be in jeopardy again. Afghanistan: India packing its bags? Now or Never! With the return of the Taliban a distinct possibility in Kabul, the Singh Doctrine is going up in fumes and giving migraine headaches to Delhi. Yet again, India finds itself on the wrong side of history in Afghanistan.Guess whose coming to dinner in Kabul—they are back!

The Grand Bargain? Pakistan key to Afghan Great Game. President Elect Barack Obama a day before he was elected President in a visionary statement admitted the disputed nature of Kashmir and has probably assigned President Bill Clinton as a special envoy of the US to resolve the Kashmir issue.

Seven years after the war in Afghanistan began…the Europeans are more prone to listening:  NATO Lessons: 1880 UK defeat at Maiwand-Afghanistan

Many are asking the question? Is NATO committing suicide in Afghanistan.

The story of Afghanistan and colonialism begins a long time ago. British tried to take up White Man’s burden in Afghanistan.

Whenever the wind stops howling over the mountains of Tora Bora, a deep, rich chuckle can presumably be heard echoing down the valleys. If he is still alive, nobody will be enjoying the plight of America more than Osama bin Laden. The anarchic carnage in the American financial and political system brings in sight a humiliating withdrawal and defeat in Afghanistan and Iraq. It even raises the possibility of the final collapse of the evil empire which Osama forecast.” British columnist Neil Lyndon

If US stops wagging red flag–the bull may go away

Petraeus gets earful from Zardari, Kiyani, & Minister Mukhtar: US attacks on Pakistan. General Patraeus already has started talks with the Taliban. Obama challenge: A vision for peace? Strike Grand Bargains? The Brits and the Europeans want to get out of Afghanistan now. A major reassessment of the Global War on Terror is inevitable. No more ground Attacks in Pakistan: Why did Bush back off & change US policy? President Barack Obama would clearly withdraw from Afghanistan if he could do it with a trophy--possibly the body of Osama Bin Laden. Obama wants to build long lasting friendship with Pakistanis!

Above all, Delhi will face a new situation if Obama revisits the "war on terror". As well-known Lebanese commentator Rami Khouri thoughtfully wrote, "US-backed governments in half a dozen countries are losing their battles and political confrontations with Islamist-led indigenous oppositions, and have to form national unity governments or explore other means of power ... The American-Afghan tentative move to engage the Taliban politically is ... a welcome sign that Washington is finally learning the value of seeing and resolving conflicts in their wider local and regional context. We may well see something similar happen in Iraq, including American-Iranian-Saudi-Syrian contacts in the near future."  India seeks 'velvet divorce' from Iran By M K Bhadrakumar Asia Times

Saving the Pashtuns of Afghania from Afghanistan. Eradicating the Pashtun plight and ending occupation.

Noticias de Rupia | Nouvelles de Roupie | Rupiennachrichten | новости рупии | 卢比新闻  | Roepienieuws | Rupi Nyheter | ルピーニュース  | Notizie di Rupia |  PAKISTAN LEDGER | پاکستاني کھاتا | Moin Ansari | معین آنصآرّی | DefensebriefsIntellibriefs Translate to: RSS feed: | RUPEE NEWS | October 28th, 2008 | Moin Ansari |  معین آنصآرّی | اخبار روپیہ  | Pakistan is struggling to Establish parameters in the US-Pakistan relationship.  There is much consternation in Islamabad. Zardari backs up request to US by threat: US drone shot down. Madeline Albright talks a good talk, but when the rubber hits the road the Democratic Party's policy towards Pakistan is almost the same as the rupeblican party's platform. Obama’s Afghan Iraq mirror images policies contradict each other

The US election has cost Pakistan a lot. Obama threats kills Pakistani stock market. Billions lost. Foreign capital leaves in response to Obama claptrap

• Bush & Obama both war mongers. Barack wants a different war
• Bruce Riedel: Much of Pakistan’s problems originate in Afghanistan
• Is Bush stealing Obama’s war on Pakistan?

As far as the Pakistanis are concerned the Albright trained Obama is no better than the Korbel trained Condaleeza Rice. Democratic Barak Obama: The US War president. Many analysts recognize that just like George Bush was wrong on Iraq, Senator Obama is wrong on Pakistan. Juan Cole: Obama is Saying the Wrong Things about Afghanistan. Obama is under the influence of Ms. Madeline Albright and Zebignew Brizinski. Threats: Obama’s Kabul indoctrination: Venom against Pakistan

Like father like daughter. Josef Korbel (born Josef Körbel 20 September 1909, Letohrad - 18 July 1977, Denver) was a Czechoslovakian diplomat and U.S. educator, who is now best known as the father of Bill Clinton's Secretary of State, Madeleine Albright, and the mentor of George W. Bush's Secretary of State, Condoleezza Rice.. His daughter learned nothing from history.

Madeline Albright made some derivative remarks about Pakistan. Madeleine Korbel Albright (born Marie Jana Korbelová on May 15, 1937) was the first woman to become United States Secretary of State. She was appointed by President Bill Clinton on December 5, 1996 and was unanimously confirmed by the United States Senate 99-0. She was sworn in on January 23, 1997. She is currently a professor at Georgetown University. Wiki

Risk of another war: How many more American Crusades?

Her book, "Memo to the President: How We Can Restore America's Reputation and Leadership," was the center of attention in the first part of the event and is considered to be a provocative and fascinating blueprint from the former Secretary of State. Albright told the crowd that the book is essentially a gimmick, intended to be read by the president on election night, but is most importantly a "memo for all of you." Madeline Albritght.

Obama is not his own man, he is a persona, the creation of Zbigniew Brzezinski who sold him to the “old guard”, an amalgam of senior Republicans and Democrats - the ruling elite – the self appointed saviors of our nation from the clutches of the neo-conic evil. These guys are out in droves in support of Obama and they are all on message; Obama is what we need to rehabilitate our world image; a Hail Mary of sorts to recapture what George W. Bush squandered. Obama has no choice, he has to win and he has to accept the endorsement of whoever can get him there.

The heavy weights that have come out for Obama are Madeleine Albright, Colin Powell, Ken Adelman, and others will follow. Their tasks in to sway the undecided voters who actually decide who our next president is. The undecided voter making such a decision is the scariest part of our democracy; I say that because their indecision comes not from overwhelming knowledge but from pure ignorance of the candidates, the issues, and our political process. Maher Osserian, Counterpunch

The height of imperial hubris is when a politician from a state tells the people of another state, who the enemies are. Reading from the Democrat "company line", Barack Obama tries to tell the people of Pakistan what is good for them. This is the true depiction of the "Ugly American". Surely it will not go will in Pakistan.

.. Madeleine Albright described Pakistan as ‘migraine’; the ‘old guard’ is setting the agenda for Obama Presidency. He has to prove his mettle in a test - how does he deal with ‘terrorist sanctuary’ and ‘nuclear proliferator’ Pakistan? Pakistan is slowly becoming aware who is the enemy! There are two wars being fought in Afghanistan. One is Pakistan’s War against clandestine operations by India and Afghanistan; the other is America’s War against Al-Qaeda and the Taliban. Neither war can be won, as Pakistan is the lynchpin, which is the target of every force in Afghanistan that it is being asked to supply and assist. Would Obama be able see that the war in Afghanistan is not about terrorism or nuclear proliferation; it is about America fighting India’s war for India’s objective like it has been fighting Israel’s War for Israel’s objectives in the Middle East. +Usman Khalid+

WASHINGTON, Nov 2: The United States should try to resolve the Kashmir dispute, says US presidential front-runner Barack Obama while backing American efforts to promote a better understanding between India and Pakistan.“

We should probably try to facilitate a better understanding between Pakistan and India and try to resolve the Kashmir crisis so that they can stay focussed not on India, but on the situation
with those militants,” said Mr Obama in an interview to MSNBC. After the Sept 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, the Bush administration adopted a new approach towards South Asia, urging Pakistan to review its traditional defence strategy that regards India as the main threat to its interests in the region. US should help resolve Kashmir issue: Obama: ‘Militants, not India, biggest threat to Pakistan’ By Anwar Iqbal

Obama has no choice, he is not his own man, and has to accept the endorsement of a liar who lied to us and the world into war.

Biden warned us of the test Obama is going to face early in his presidency. Biden knows something, and in his usual big mouth Biden way, he let the cat out of the hat but spoke in riddle and his words were intriguing: "Mark my words," Biden told donors at a Seattle fund-raiser Sunday night, "Watch. We're going to have an international crisis, a generated crisis, to test the mettle of this guy [Obama].

The keyword Biden used is “generated”; indicating some kind of certainty, foreknowledge, and premeditation, and none really drilled him on it. Later spun by Obama and other supporters of the democratic ticket spoke of the inevitability of a crisis, after all, international crisis are popping up here and there all the time. Again, the keyword is “generated” and the only potential crisis that fits Biden’s description is a failed state in Pakistan and you cannot imagine the consequences.

The crisis has been brewing awhile; “generated” by the American military activities across Pakistani borders and American intervention in internal Pakistani affairs.

Obama’s first act as president, behind the guise of protecting America, will be to pull the rug from under Pakistan and present us, the American people, with a failed state and formidable repercussions; a test his own puppet masters have created. Khalid Usman is Director of the London Institute of South Asia. Maher Osseiran is an Arab-American, peace activist

Obama's sweet words are rebutted by the Director of London Institute of South Asia, Mr. Usman Khalid.

That support, let us recall, has been expressed most recently through repeated missile attacks in Pakistan's tribal areas, and one ground assault leaving scores dead, including women and children, as well as other civilians. It has been manifested also in Washington's refusal to consider Pakistan's need for nuclear energy on the same pattern as India's, in the call for a "reform" of the ISI to make it more amenable to US objectives in the region and in the demand, renewed at the bilateral strategic dialogue in Washington last month, for interrogating Dr A Q Khan. Dr. Usman Khalid: Director London Institute of South Asia

Instead, the Americans want Pakistan to refocus its attention on fighting the militants operating along the Afghan border. Although initiated by the outgoing Republican administration, Senator Obama, a Democrat, also backs this policy.

“We also have to make the case that the biggest threat to Pakistan now is not India which has been the historical enemy,” he said. “It is actually militants within their borders,” said the senator in a separate interview with CNN. In another interview on Sept 25, Mr Obama had said that if elected president, he would “continue support of ongoing Indian Pakistani efforts to resolve Kashmir problem … to address the political roots of the arms race between India and Pakistan.”

The statements won him an immediate praise from the Kashmiri American Centre whose Executive Director Ghulam Nabi Fai urged India to listen to the international community and resolve the 62-year-old dispute. The Indian-American community, however, reacted angrily, urging Mr Obama to focus on domestic issues.

But the senator’s statements reflect the fear that the dispute over Kashmir would encourage militancy in South Asia and would prevent Pakistan from focusing its attention on fighting terrorists.
The Americans also feel that any militancy involving Muslims ultimately attracts anti-American elements that use it to promote their own agenda, as Al Qaeda did in Afghanistan. In his interview to MSNBC, Mr Obama also noted that the militancy in Afghanistan cannot be defeated without Pakistan’s help. The US has already deployed 26,000 troops and plans to send thousands more.
“The most important thing we’re going to have to do with respect to Afghanistan is actually deal with Pakistan. And we’ve got work with the newly elected government there in a coherent way that says terrorism is now a threat to you. Extremism is a threat to you.” US should help resolve Kashmir issue: Obama: ‘Militants, not India, biggest threat to Pakistan’ By Anwar Iqbal

Disregarding the history of Pakistan and its partition in 1971, Barack Obama like Bill Clinton blames Pakistan first for all evil

US should help resolve Kashmir issue: Obama: ‘Militants, not India, biggest threat to Pakistan’ By Anwar Iqbal. Besides encouraging Pakistan to fight terrorists, the US presidential hopeful also stressed the need to support the new democratic setup in the country. “And, we’ve got to say to the Pakistani people, we’re not just going to fund a dictator in order for us to feel comfortable with who we’re dealing with,” he said. “We’re going to respect democracy. But, we do have expectations in terms of being a partner in its terrorism.” Senator Obama also acknowledged that the Afghan government, and not Pakistan, was responsible for most of the problems the country was facing.Obama: ‘Militants, not India, biggest threat to Pakistan’ By Anwar Iqbal

Dawn Newspaper report that Mr. Zardari has again written to the Indian Prime Minster about not providing Pakistan with its due share of water.

ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari has said he will write a letter to Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to remind him of his promise to resolve the issue of reduced water flow in the Chenab River at the Marala headworks in accordance with the provisions of the Indus Water Treaty (IWT), 1960. Zardari said this during a briefing at the President’s House on the reduced water flow following the construction of Baglihar Dam in Indian-held Kashmir, affecting Pakistan’s agriculture and economy.
Letters: The president said letters should also be written to Muslim countries, ‘Friends of Pakistan’ nations and the UK, drawing attention to the issue and the need to resolve it amicably in accordance with the treaty signed between the two countries. Zardari said Pakistan should pursue its case for compensation in the form of water from India. He said a proactive approach should be adopted to compel India to give Pakistan its rightful share of water.

“We have a combination of a government that is not seen as fully legitimate all throughout Afghanistan. It’s not particularly capable in terms of delivering services right now. You’ve got a very powerful narco-terrorism or intersection of narco-trafficking with terrorism.” The terrain also made it difficult for anti-terrorism forces to move out the Taliban and Al Qaeda from the area, he added. “And then you’ve got Pakistan, and a border that is porous and very difficult. So, it’s not going to be easy, but here’s what I know.” Senator Obama said that if elected, he will pursue a policy that would not allow Osama bin Laden and Al Qaeda to establish safe havens to plot to kill Americans and train troops. “There’s no dispute that that’s taking place right now.”

“And so, we’ve got to make Afghanistan stable enough and focused enough on controlling its own borders, that we’re not seeing the Taliban and Al Qaeda return,” he said. “In the meantime, I think the most important thing that we’re going to have to do in addition to adding more troops, providing alternatives to farmers for the poppy trade is making sure that services are actually being delivered to the Afghan people.” How United States president is elected; Poll highlights religious conflict in US society. US should help resolve Kashmir issue: Obama: ‘Militants, not India, biggest threat to Pakistan’ By Anwar Iqbal

Noticias de Rupia | Nouvelles de Roupie | Rupiennachrichten | новости рупии | 卢比新闻  | Roepienieuws | Rupi Nyheter | ルピーニュース  | Notizie di Rupia |  PAKISTAN LEDGER | پاکستاني کھاتا | Moin Ansari | معین آنصآرّی | DefensebriefsIntellibriefs Translate to: RSS feed: | RUPEE NEWS | October 28th, 2008 | Moin Ansari |  معین آنصآرّی | اخبار روپیہ  |

Noticias de Rupia | Nouvelles de Roupie | Rupiennachrichten | новости рупии | 卢比新闻  | Roepienieuws | Rupi Nyheter | ルピーニュース  | Notizie di Rupia |  PAKISTAN LEDGER | پاکستاني کھاتا | Moin Ansari | معین آنصآرّی | DefensebriefsIntellibriefs Translate to: RSS feed: | RUPEE NEWS | October 15th, 2008 | Moin Ansari |  معین آنصآرّی | اخبار روپیہ  | ^{Indian machinations in Kabul are reminiscent of the Marhatta messing with the Pakhtuns and the Balauch in the 18th century. With dreams of Mughal grandeur, they began to think of themselves as successors to the Mughals. They began harassing the states of the Punjabis, Pathans and the Baluch. By messing with the powers, a grand alliance was formed which inclued  Ahmed Shah Durrani to the West and Ud Daulal to the East. The Marhattas ultimately paid the consequences of the harassment--they were decimated from history.} A grand alliance of Durrani from the West and the Ebngalis from the East defeated the Marhattas

Ahmad Shah Durrani (Ahmad Shah Abdali) angered by the news from his son and his allies was unwilling to allow the Marathas spread go unchecked. In 1759 he raised an army from the Afghan (Pashtun) tribes with help from the Baloch and his Rohilla ally Najib Khan. By the end of the year they had reached Lahore as well as Delhi and defeated the smaller enemy garrisons. Ahmed Shah, at this point, withdrew his army to Anupshahr, on the frontier of the Rohilla country, where he successfully convinced the Nawab of Oudh Shuja-ud-Daula to join his alliance against the Marathas.Wiikipedia

"The lofty and spacious tents, lined with silks and broadcloths, were surmounted by large gilded ornaments, conspicuous at a distance... Vast numbers of elephants, flags of all descriptions, the finest horses, magnificently caparisoned ... seemed to be collected from every quarter ... it was an imitation of the more becoming and tasteful array of the Mughuls in the zenith of their glory." -- Grant Duff, describing the Maratha army^[5]

The Marhatta dreams of conquering Kandhar was not realized. The Marhattas were soundly defeated in 1761 and perished as a political entity.

We have already brought Lahore, Multan, Kashmir and other subahs on this side of Attock under our rule for the most part, and places which have not come under our rule we shall soon bring under us. Ahmad Khan Abdali's son Taimur Sultan and Jahan Khan have been pursued by our troops, and their troops completely looted. Both of them have now reached Peshawar with a few broken troops...we have decided to extend our rule up to Kandahar.  -- Raghoba's letter to the Peshwa, May 4, 1758^[2]

For the past 5000 years the Khyber pass has witnessed invading armies come into South Asia and then become resident in the fertile plains of the Punjab and the Ganges.

The Aryans come down the Khyber, as did the armies of the Ghaznavids, the Abdalis, the Seljuk Turks, and then the Mughals. The British did not come down the path of the invaders. They came as traders through Bengal (today's Bengal, Orissa, and Bihar) the riches part of the Subcontinent under Siraj Ud Daulah.When the British tried to reverse the path of the invaders, they failed miserably and had to retreat back to the Indus when they stayed.

"The wreath of banquet overnight lay withered on the neck,

Our hands and scarfs were saffron-dyed for signal of despair,
When we went forth to Paniput to battle with the ~Mlech~,
Ere we came back from Paniput and left a kingdom there."
-- With Scindia to Delhi by Rudyard Kipling

Somnath and Delhi must have felt the same way as the residents of Islamabad and New Delhi today. Those who define the fault line as the Durand Line forget that in 1526 the fault line was was Panipat not the Hindu Kush.

But 1947 has little or no relevance for a more serious conflagration threatening to engulf the region. I am inclined to look at the turmoil in Afghanistan and its impact on both as rooted in 1526 if not earlier. That year the First Battle of Panipat was fought just north of Delhi between Mughal adventurer Babar and Delhi’s Pathan ruler Ibrahim Lodhi. To my mind the Uzbeks and the Tajiks of Afghanistan’s recent Northern Alliance, and Kabul’s current dominant rulers, form the corner once represented by Babar, who became India’s first Mughal emperor after winning at Panipat.

Incidentally, that battle’s verdict was influenced by a superior technological prowess that came in the form of gunpowder and cannons, which Babar had introduced for the first time in Indian warfare. The challengers, the still ill-equipped but tenacious Pashtuns, seem to closely represent the forces that once belonged to the former fellow Pathan ruler of Delhi.

The venue of the still continuing stand-off between two of South Asia’s most fiercely unrelenting Muslim groups has shifted from Panipat to the regions around an artificially created Durand Line but much of its energy seems to still derive from the historically ingrained fault lines seen in 1526. Add to this the element of the colonial Great Game in a new, more lacerating avatar, predicated on a bizarre if elusive hunt for a few subversives, and we can grasp the genesis of the ferocious confrontation that the NSAs seem to have agreed to face jointly.  The writer is Dawn’s correspondent in Delhi.jawednaqvi@gmail.com

There were three battles of Panipat.

• The First Battle of Panipat (1526), between the Mughal Babur against the Delhi Sultan Ibrahim Lodi
• The Second Battle of Panipat (1556), between the Mughal Akbar the Great against Adil Shah Suri and Hemu
• The Third Battle of Panipat (1761), between the Afghans against the Marathas Wiki

The decline of the Mughal Empire had led to territorial gains for the Maratha Confederacy. Ahmad Shah Abdali, amongst others, was unwilling to allow the Marathas' gains to go unchecked. In 1759, he raised an army from the Pashtun tribes with help from the Baloch people and made several gains against the smaller garrisons. The Marathas, under the command of Sadashivrao Bhau, responded by gathering an army of 100,000 people with which they ransacked the Mughal capital of Delhi. There followed a series of skirmishes along the banks of the river Yamuna at Karnal and Kunjpura which eventually turned into a two-month-long siege led by Abdali against the Marathas. Wiki

The impact of the invasions from Farghana, Samarkand, Bokhara and Ghazni had long term impacts on the Subcontinent as we see it today. These invasions to much extent destroyed the power of the Brahmins and at the very least liberated 450 million souls who would have been in total bondage of the caste system. The 450 million Muslims (in Pakistan, India and Bangaldesh) today enjoy a decent life whereas the 250 million Dalits (leftover0 are still struggling to find humanity in their souls and their destiny.

Noticias de Rupia | Nouvelles de Roupie | Rupiennachrichten | новости рупии | 卢比新闻  | Roepienieuws | Rupi Nyheter | ルピーニュース  | Notizie di Rupia |  PAKISTAN LEDGER | پاکستاني کھاتا | Moin Ansari | معین آنصآرّی | DefensebriefsIntellibriefs Translate to: RSS feed: | RUPEE NEWS | October 28th, 2008 | Moin Ansari |  معین آنصآرّی | اخبار روپیہ  | The Bush Administration in a policy decision in July 2008 authorized the US forces in Afghanistan to cross the internationally recognized boundary of its ally and conduct a raid without the permission of the Pakistani government. The decision to go into Pakistan was probably based on several domestic and international factors.

US gives up ground raids into Pakistan * NYT report says White House now relying on CIA Predator airstrikes in Tribal Areas. LAHORE: The United States is refraining from using its special forces on Pakistani territory following a raid nearly two months ago that resulted in civilian casualties and vehement protests from Islamabad, The New York Times (NYT) reported on its website late Sunday.

“The White House has backed away from using American commandoes for further ground raids into Pakistan after furious complaints from its government, relying instead on an intensifying campaign of airstrikes by the Central Intelligence Agency against militants in the Pakistani mountains,” the report said.There were at least 18 Predator strikes since the beginning of August, some deep inside Pakistan’s tribal areas, compared with five strikes during the first seven months of 2008, the report noted. Many of the Predator strikes were taking place as deep as 25 miles into Pakistani territory, not just along the border.

The report said US officials had complained that relying on airstrikes alone, the US would be unable to weaken Al Qaeda’s grip in the Tribal Areas. It said that following a US attack on September 3, National Security Adviser Mahmud Ali Durrani made an unannounced visit to Washington and expressed Pakistan’s anger in person to top White House officials, including his counterpart Stephen Hadley. It said Pentagon officials had publicly praised the Pakistan Army’s aggressive campaign against the Taliban in Bajaur Agency. However, some US officials were ‘wincing’ at a full-scale military operation taking a heavy toll on civilians.  “They don’t have a concept of counter-insurgency operations,” one senior US official said. “It’s generally a heavy punch and then they leave.” daily times monitor

After the February elections Islamabad had a new fragile and fractious coalition government in place which was learning the ropes. Additionally the new government was busy in some domestic issues which did not allow it to focus on Afghanistan immediately. Things were not going well in the Afghan war. ISAF, NATO and US forces had briefed the US Administration that they were unable to win the war against the 38 insurgent groups fighting in Afghanistan. They anti-occupation forces are lumped together by the media as "the Taliban". However they are not the Taliban. The Taliban were Talibs (students) who were raised in refugee camps in Pakistan. The Talibs/Taliban were recruited by the CIA and the Pakistani intelligence services to go back into Afghanistan and try to bring peace to the war torn region--still caught up in a fratricidal civil war after the departure of the Soviet forces. The birth of the Talibs is usually lumped into the basket of Pakistan. The other parent is seldom mentioned. Congressman Rohrabaker in a s Senate briefing said "let me repeat, the CIA created the Taliban". Congressman Rohrabacker was as active in recruiting, arming, training the Talibs/Taliban as Congressman Charlie Wilson was in arming their predecessors the Afghan Mujahideen. Both groups were highly valued by the US politicians and were invited to the corridors of power in Washington. Unable to bring about an Afghan surge, President Bush sensing an opportunity decided to escalate the war and expand the the theater of war to put pressure on Islamabad.

One reason for the attack could have been the expropriation of the hawkish stance of Senator Barack Obama who had on multiple occasions declared that "in the presence of actionable intelligence, if high value targets had been identified, and if the Pakistanis will not or cannot cooperate, I will go into Pakistan to pick up Osama Bin Laden". President Bush wanted to pull the rug from under Senator Obama's bluster and prove that the Bush bravado was bigger than the Democratic aggressive statements. The attack failed to achieve any purpose other than to really piss off the Pakistanis

The US was taken aback by the ferocity of the Pakistani response to President Bush's push into Pakistan. The response included the following actions by the Pakistan Army. 

1) The US Ambassador was summoned and an unusually strong damarche (diplomatic rebuff) was handed to him.

Zardari's tour de force on his visit to New York was not his flirtation with Sarah Palin. His masterpiece was not even his speech at the UN General Assembly at which he proclaimed to the world the "Bhutto Doctrine of Reconciliation" as the silver bullet to defeat terrorism, the Western world's current bugbear. The real jewel, because it was not a personal peccadillo but reflected the policy of President Zardari's government, was his remark on Sept 26, during a brief appearance before the media alongside Condoleezza Rice, that he looked upon US support as a "blessing." A blessing we can do without Wednesday, October 15, 2008, Asif Ezdi

2) Pakistan's National Security Advisor to the USA (he is the Security "Ambassador" to America) made a special trip to Washington and lodged a formal protest.

NEW YORK, Oct 27: Following “furious complaints” by Islamabad, Washington has backed away from using American commandos for further ground raids into Pakistan, relying instead on an intensifying campaign of airstrikes by the CIA against militants in the mountains, the New York Times reported on Monday. However, the newspaper quoted American and Pakistani officials as saying that the attacks by remotely piloted Predator aircraft had increased sharply in frequency and scope over the past three months.

Through Sunday, there were at least 18 Predator strikes since the beginning of August, some deep inside tribal areas, compared with five strikes during the first seven months of this year. At the same time, however, officials told the newspaper that relying on airstrikes alone, the United States would be unable to weaken Al Qaeda’s grip in the tribal areas permanently. Within the government, advocates of the ground raids have argued that only by sending Special Operations forces into Pakistan can the United States successfully capture suspected operatives and interrogate them for information about top Qaeda leaders.

The decision to focus on an intensified Predator campaign using Hellfire missiles appears to reflect dwindling options on the part of the White House for striking a blow against Al Qaeda in the Bush administration’s waning days. After months of debate within the administration and mounting frustration over Pakistan’s reluctance to carry out more aggressive operations, President Bush finally gave his approval in July for ground missions inside Pakistan.

But the only American ground mission known to have taken place was a Special Operations raid on Sept 3, in which the roughly two dozen people killed included some civilians. American officials say there has not been another commando operation since. American officials acknowledge that following the Sept 3 raid they were surprised by the intensity of the Pakistani response, which included an unannounced visit to Washington, three weeks after the incursion, by National Security Adviser Mahmud Ali Durrani. He registered his anger in person with top White House officials.

But the newspaper quoted a senior administration official as saying that no tacit agreement had been reached to allow increased Predator strikes in exchange for a backing off from additional American ground raids, an option the officials said remained on the table. Protests led US to stop ground attacks: paper By Masood Haider

3) The invading US forces were fired upon and some forces had to retreat back across the Durand Line into Afghanistan

4) Unconfirmed reports say that one US helicopter was shot down. This was denied by the US commanders who claimed that the chopper had mechanical failure

5) Pakistani jets forced some of the drones back to Afghanistan.

6) Perhaps the most important and most potent response was the cutoff of supplies to the American forces in Afghanistan. More than 70% of the US logistics goes through Pakistan. This includes water, oil, food all the basic ingredients for survival and for fighting a war. The US has about a weeks supply of water and essentials. If the embargo on supplies had been halted, the war in Afghanistan would have come to a screeching halt. The other routes to land locked Afghanistan are not economically or logistically feasible. Pakistan has charged $5 Billion for the logistical support provided to ISAF, NATO and US forces. In a three trillion Dollar war $5 billion as reimbursement is a good deal for the countries fighting a war in Kabul. The US DOD in 2001 calculated that Pakistan suffers a loss of $20 Billion per year (2001 Dollars). The $5 Billion in US Aid to Pakistan is no favor to Pakistan, it is to compensate for the huge loss to Pakistani business and machinery.

7) The Pakistani National Assembly (Majlis e Shoora) and the Aiwan e Bala (Senate) passed a resolution condemning the U S intrusion.

* Resolution says attacks in Pakistan unfortunate, gross violation of sovereignty
* Kamil Agha says no need for new resolution, government should implement joint parliamentary resolution

ISLAMABAD: The Senate on Monday strongly condemned missile attacks by US drones in Pakistani territory amidst parliamentarians' demands for implementation of the resolution unanimously passed at the conclusion of the in-camera parliamentary session last week.

Leader of the House in Senate Raza Rabbani tabled a resolution in the House to condemn US drone attacks, which was endorsed unanimously. He assured the House that the US ambassador would be summoned to register Pakistan's protest. He said the National Assembly speaker would constitute a committee to oversee the implementation of the unanimous resolution against terrorism passed by the in-camera session.

Unfortunate: The Senate resolution against drone attacks said strikes inside Pakistan were unfortunate and a gross violation of Pakistan’s sovereignty. The resolution underlined that continued incursions were harming the government's efforts to seek a political solution through dialogue.

The House said such strikes were an effort to undermine parliament. It called on the government to ensure such attacks did not recur. The House called on the government to protest with the US as well as NATO and ISAF authorities, and to seek assurances for full respect of Pakistan's sovereignty.

The senators urged the government to implement parliament’s earlier resolution against US drone attacks inside Pakistani territory, rather than merely passing resolutions. Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz Senator Ishaq Dar asked the government to ensure implementation of Monday’s resolution, which guarantees sanctity of the Pakistani territory. He demanded the government should inform the House of any action taken to stop such violations.

Jamaat-e-Islami Senator Khursheed Ahmad said foreign forces should know parliament was warning them through a unanimous resolution. He wondered if parliament was capable in checking such attacks. He said the government was ignoring parliament’s verdict and demanded implementation of the parliamentary resolution in letter and spirit. Senator Azam Swati said, "Let us call an enemy an enemy now."

No need: Leader of the Opposition Kamil Ali Agha argued there was no need to move a resolution after parliament had already passed a joint resolution on the issue reflecting the support of the whole nation for the government on the issue. He said the government should ensure implementation of the parliamentary resolution passed at the conclusion of the joint in-camera session instead of repeating such resolutions.

Agha said the government should talk in clear terms with those responsible for such violations of national sovereignty. He demanded the government take notice of what he called trampling of the sentiments and verdict of the people of Pakistan in the form of a joint resolution. Unanimous Senate resolution blasts US attacks By Tahir Niaz. The News

The US continues to bomb targets in Pakistan with increasing frequency. This has created great hardship for the Pakistanis living in FATA. 30,000 have been killed , most of them innocent civilians, women and children. 300,000 have been displaced. Just like the 2 million who died fighting the USSR, these brave Pakhtuns have gotten no recognition, and no help from America or any of the other forces that are fighting in Afghanistan.

The US continues to attack Pakistani territory via drones, even though it knows that the strikes are counterproductive and extremely inaccurate. The bombs on the drones have actually never hit any target and usually rain down on civilian homes, schools and hospitals. As the number of drone attacks increases, the Pakistan Government, Senate and National Assembly is now reacting in a more robust manner.

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan (CNN) -- Pakistan's foreign ministry said Wednesday that it has lodged a "strong" protest with the U.S. ambassador over missile attacks conducted on Pakistani soil by unmanned drones.

The aftermath of a suspected U.S. drone attack on a building in North Waziristan.

The ministry said it summoned Ambassador Anne Patterson to underscore that such attacks violate Pakistan's sovereignty and should be stopped immediately.A statement from the ministry said Patterson was also told that the attacks have cost lives and undermined public support for Pakistan's counter terrorism efforts.

The ministry lodged its protests three days after a missile strike from a suspected U.S. drone on a compound in South Waziristan killed 20 people. Pakistan has repeatedly raised objections to foreign nations violating its sovereignty to pursue terrorists. A U.S. ground operation in September that left several civilians dead rankled relations between the two countries. Last week, Pakistan's parliament passed a resolution that condemned any incursion on Pakistani soil by foreign forces.

The resolution called for a review of the country's national security strategy and said the government needs to safeguard its sovereignty and territorial integrity. The ministry said it handed Patterson a copy of the resolution.

The U.S. and NATO, which have troops in Afghanistan, have been seeking a way to effectively battle militants who launch attacks from Pakistan's swath of tribal areas along the border. They have become frustrated with Islamabad over the years, saying it is not being proactive enough against militants -- a claim Pakistan denies. The United States is the only country operating in the region known to have the capability to launch missiles from drones, which are controlled remotely.

Don't Miss

• Death toll from two attacks in Pakistan rises
• U.S. military training Pakistanis to fight militants

Syria has also responded very strongly to US attacks inside its territory. Neither the Laosification of the Iraqi war into Syria nor the Cambodiazation of the Afghan war into Pakistan will change the realities on the ground-defeat:

The U.S. embassy in Syria's capital has issued a warning to Americans in the country to be alert following a raid on eastern Syria that Damascus blames on U.S. forces. The embassy says "unforeseen events" could prompt officials to close the embassy to the public indefinitely.

Syrians carry coffins of their realtives who were killed yesterday in a US military raid on the village of Sukkiraya, on the Syria-Iraq border, 27 Oct 2008

Syria has protested to the United Nations about Sunday's deadly helicopter raid. In a letter to U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon released Tuesday, Syria urged U.N. member states to prevent a repeat of the attack, calling it a serious violation of Syria's sovereignty. Syria's letter also says the U.N. Security Council should take action against those responsible for the raid, saying it killed eight Syrian civilians, including children. The identity of the casualties has not been independently verified. Syria Warns it May Close US Embassy By VOA News 29 October 2008

Maleeha Lodhi, the current Pakistani Ambassador to the UK, and the former Pakistani Ambassador to the USA says the following:

For most Pakistanis however, the litmus test of the next American administration will be whether it is prepared to treat Pakistan with respect. In the final analysis this intangible may count for as much as finding the right mix of trade and aid that goes beyond advancing America's own interest. If there is a consensus in Pakistan about future dealings with the US, it is that the advent of a new Administration will offer a window of opportunity for Islamabad to recalibrate relations with Washington on the basis of national honour, respect and reciprocity. If the new American president could understand that, it would be a major step forward for such a critical relationship.

The Afghan war was considered unwinnable by the USA and talks were initiated by the US in Saudi Arabia.

Western officials, led by Britain, have pushed for negotiations with the Taliban in recent weeks after the violence in Afghanistan has reached a seven-year high. Some officials claim Mullah Omar and the Taliban have split from al Qaeda, but US military and intelligence officials told The Long War Journal they see no evidence of such a split.

Brigadier Mark Carleton-Smith, the outgoing commander of British forces in Afghanistan, said winning the war was "neither feasible nor supportable" and the West should work to reduce the level of violence in the country.

Over the last week, several senior Western officials have said the International Security Assistance Forces could not win the war militarily and that negotiations with the Taliban were necessary to secure the peace. Brigadier Richard Blanchette, a British general who serves as the spokesman for the International Security Assistance Force, advocated negotiations with the Taliban and said no military solution was possible in Afghanistan.

Kai Eide, the United Nation's Special Representative in Afghanistan, echoed Blanchette's statements. "I've always said to those that talk about the military surge ... what we need most of all is a political surge, more political energy," Eide said on Oct. 6. "We all know that we cannot win it militarily. It has to be won through political means. That means political engagement." Taliban mock West for calling Afghanistan unwinnable

By Bill RoggioOctober 14, 2008 4:00 PM

This is how the Taliban have been responding.

"The Islamic Emirate wants to make it clear that the only solution and the most successful path for resolving the Afghanistan problem is for the foreign forces to leave Afghanistan unconditionally and to respect Afghanistan's national independence and Islamic faith," the statement, issued in English, read. "Surely it is only then that peace, stability and prosperity would return to Afghanistan, otherwise all hue and cry and slogans will be empty, fruitless and ineffective."

"If the Americans, British, and at their behest the United Nations wish to keep the invading forces of 38 countries in Afghanistan, and at the same time ensure peace and reconciliation to their liking, they are dreaming an immature and empty fantasy."

The Taliban said the al Qaeda-linked group is "on the verge of victory" while the West is engaged in "a series of artificial gestures and a hue and cry about talks." Taliban mock West for calling Afghanistan unwinnable By Bill RoggioOctober 14, 2008 4:00 PM

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The height of imperial hubris is when a politician from a state tells the people of another state, who the enemies are. Reading from the Democrat "company line", Barack Obama tries to tell the people of Pakistan what is good for them. This is the true depiction of the "Ugly American". Surely it will not go will in Pakistan.

WASHINGTON, Nov 2: The United States should try to resolve the Kashmir dispute, says US presidential front-runner Barack Obama while backing American efforts to promote a better understanding between India and Pakistan.“

We should probably try to facilitate a better understanding between Pakistan and India and try to resolve the Kashmir crisis so that they can stay focussed not on India, but on the situation
with those militants,” said Mr Obama in an interview to MSNBC. After the Sept 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, the Bush administration adopted a new approach towards South Asia, urging Pakistan to review its traditional defence strategy that regards India as the main threat to its interests in the region. US should help resolve Kashmir issue: Obama: ‘Militants, not India, biggest threat to Pakistan’ By Anwar Iqbal

Obama's sweet words are rebutted by the Director of London Institute of South Asia, Mr. Usman Khalid.

That support, let us recall, has been expressed most recently through repeated missile attacks in Pakistan's tribal areas, and one ground assault leaving scores dead, including women and children, as well as other civilians. It has been manifested also in Washington's refusal to consider Pakistan's need for nuclear energy on the same pattern as India's, in the call for a "reform" of the ISI to make it more amenable to US objectives in the region and in the demand, renewed at the bilateral strategic dialogue in Washington last month, for interrogating Dr A Q Khan. Dr. Usman Khalid: Director London Institue of South Asia

Instead, the Americans want Pakistan to refocus its attention on fighting the militants operating along the Afghan border. Although initiated by the outgoing Republican administration, Senator Obama, a Democrat, also backs this policy.

“We also have to make the case that the biggest threat to Pakistan now is not India which has been the historical enemy,” he said. “It is actually militants within their borders,” said the senator in a separate interview with CNN. In another interview on Sept 25, Mr Obama had said that if elected president, he would “continue support of ongoing Indian Pakistani efforts to resolve Kashmir problem … to address the political roots of the arms race between India and Pakistan.”

The statements won him an immediate praise from the Kashmiri American Centre whose Executive Director Ghulam Nabi Fai urged India to listen to the international community and resolve the 62-year-old dispute. The Indian-American community, however, reacted angrily, urging Mr Obama to focus on domestic issues.

But the senator’s statements reflect the fear that the dispute over Kashmir would encourage militancy in South Asia and would prevent Pakistan from focusing its attention on fighting terrorists.
The Americans also feel that any militancy involving Muslims ultimately attracts anti-American elements that use it to promote their own agenda, as Al Qaeda did in Afghanistan. In his interview to MSNBC, Mr Obama also noted that the militancy in Afghanistan cannot be defeated without Pakistan’s help. The US has already deployed 26,000 troops and plans to send thousands more.
“The most important thing we’re going to have to do with respect to Afghanistan is actually deal with Pakistan. And we’ve got work with the newly elected government there in a coherent way that says terrorism is now a threat to you. Extremism is a threat to you.” US should help resolve Kashmir issue: Obama: ‘Militants, not India, biggest threat to Pakistan’ By Anwar Iqbal

Disregarding the history of Pakistan and its partition in 1971, Barack Obama like Bill Clinton blames Pakistan first for all evil

US should help resolve Kashmir issue: Obama: ‘Militants, not India, biggest threat to Pakistan’ By Anwar Iqbal. Besides encouraging Pakistan to fight terrorists, the US presidential hopeful also stressed the need to support the new democratic setup in the country. “And, we’ve got to say to the Pakistani people, we’re not just going to fund a dictator in order for us to feel comfortable with who we’re dealing with,” he said. “We’re going to respect democracy. But, we do have expectations in terms of being a partner in its terrorism.” Senator Obama also acknowledged that the Afghan government, and not Pakistan, was responsible for most of the problems the country was facing.Obama: ‘Militants, not India, biggest threat to Pakistan’ By Anwar Iqbal

Dawn Newspaper report that Mr. Zardari has again written to the Indian Prime Minster about not providing Pakistan with its due share of water.

ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari has said he will write a letter to Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to remind him of his promise to resolve the issue of reduced water flow in the Chenab River at the Marala headworks in accordance with the provisions of the Indus Water Treaty (IWT), 1960. Zardari said this during a briefing at the President’s House on the reduced water flow following the construction of Baglihar Dam in Indian-held Kashmir, affecting Pakistan’s agriculture and economy.
Letters: The president said letters should also be written to Muslim countries, ‘Friends of Pakistan’ nations and the UK, drawing attention to the issue and the need to resolve it amicably in accordance with the treaty signed between the two countries. Zardari said Pakistan should pursue its case for compensation in the form of water from India. He said a proactive approach should be adopted to compel India to give Pakistan its rightful share of water.

“We have a combination of a government that is not seen as fully legitimate all throughout Afghanistan. It’s not particularly capable in terms of delivering services right now. You’ve got a very powerful narco-terrorism or intersection of narco-trafficking with terrorism.” The terrain also made it difficult for anti-terrorism forces to move out the Taliban and Al Qaeda from the area, he added. “And then you’ve got Pakistan, and a border that is porous and very difficult. So, it’s not going to be easy, but here’s what I know.” Senator Obama said that if elected, he will pursue a policy that would not allow Osama bin Laden and Al Qaeda to establish safe havens to plot to kill Americans and train troops. “There’s no dispute that that’s taking place right now.”

“And so, we’ve got to make Afghanistan stable enough and focused enough on controlling its own borders, that we’re not seeing the Taliban and Al Qaeda return,” he said. “In the meantime, I think the most important thing that we’re going to have to do in addition to adding more troops, providing alternatives to farmers for the poppy trade is making sure that services are actually being delivered to the Afghan people.” How United States president is elected; Poll highlights religious conflict in US society. US should help resolve Kashmir issue: Obama: ‘Militants, not India, biggest threat to Pakistan’ By Anwar Iqbal

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The height of imperial hubris is when a politician from a state tells the people of another state, who the enemies are. Reading from the Democrat "company line", Barack Obama tries to tell the people of Pakistan what is good for them. This is the true depiction of the "Ugly American". Surely it will not go will in Pakistan.

WASHINGTON, Nov 2: The United States should try to resolve the Kashmir dispute, says US presidential front-runner Barack Obama while backing American efforts to promote a better understanding between India and Pakistan.“

We should probably try to facilitate a better understanding between Pakistan and India and try to resolve the Kashmir crisis so that they can stay focussed not on India, but on the situation
with those militants,” said Mr Obama in an interview to MSNBC. After the Sept 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, the Bush administration adopted a new approach towards South Asia, urging Pakistan to review its traditional defence strategy that regards India as the main threat to its interests in the region. US should help resolve Kashmir issue: Obama: ‘Militants, not India, biggest threat to Pakistan’ By Anwar Iqbal

Obama's sweet words are rebutted by the Director of London Institute of South Asia, Mr. Usman Khalid.

That support, let us recall, has been expressed most recently through repeated missile attacks in Pakistan's tribal areas, and one ground assault leaving scores dead, including women and children, as well as other civilians. It has been manifested also in Washington's refusal to consider Pakistan's need for nuclear energy on the same pattern as India's, in the call for a "reform" of the ISI to make it more amenable to US objectives in the region and in the demand, renewed at the bilateral strategic dialogue in Washington last month, for interrogating Dr A Q Khan. Dr. Usman Khalid: Director London Institue of South Asia

Instead, the Americans want Pakistan to refocus its attention on fighting the militants operating along the Afghan border. Although initiated by the outgoing Republican administration, Senator Obama, a Democrat, also backs this policy.

“We also have to make the case that the biggest threat to Pakistan now is not India which has been the historical enemy,” he said. “It is actually militants within their borders,” said the senator in a separate interview with CNN. In another interview on Sept 25, Mr Obama had said that if elected president, he would “continue support of ongoing Indian Pakistani efforts to resolve Kashmir problem … to address the political roots of the arms race between India and Pakistan.”

The statements won him an immediate praise from the Kashmiri American Centre whose Executive Director Ghulam Nabi Fai urged India to listen to the international community and resolve the 62-year-old dispute. The Indian-American community, however, reacted angrily, urging Mr Obama to focus on domestic issues.

But the senator’s statements reflect the fear that the dispute over Kashmir would encourage militancy in South Asia and would prevent Pakistan from focusing its attention on fighting terrorists.
The Americans also feel that any militancy involving Muslims ultimately attracts anti-American elements that use it to promote their own agenda, as Al Qaeda did in Afghanistan. In his interview to MSNBC, Mr Obama also noted that the militancy in Afghanistan cannot be defeated without Pakistan’s help. The US has already deployed 26,000 troops and plans to send thousands more.
“The most important thing we’re going to have to do with respect to Afghanistan is actually deal with Pakistan. And we’ve got work with the newly elected government there in a coherent way that says terrorism is now a threat to you. Extremism is a threat to you.” US should help resolve Kashmir issue: Obama: ‘Militants, not India, biggest threat to Pakistan’ By Anwar Iqbal

Disregarding the history of Pakistan and its partition in 1971, Barack Obama like Bill Clinton blames Pakistan first for all evil

US should help resolve Kashmir issue: Obama: ‘Militants, not India, biggest threat to Pakistan’ By Anwar Iqbal. Besides encouraging Pakistan to fight terrorists, the US presidential hopeful also stressed the need to support the new democratic setup in the country. “And, we’ve got to say to the Pakistani people, we’re not just going to fund a dictator in order for us to feel comfortable with who we’re dealing with,” he said. “We’re going to respect democracy. But, we do have expectations in terms of being a partner in its terrorism.” Senator Obama also acknowledged that the Afghan government, and not Pakistan, was responsible for most of the problems the country was facing.Obama: ‘Militants, not India, biggest threat to Pakistan’ By Anwar Iqbal

Dawn Newspaper report that Mr. Zardari has again written to the Indian Prime Minster about not providing Pakistan with its due share of water.

ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari has said he will write a letter to Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to remind him of his promise to resolve the issue of reduced water flow in the Chenab River at the Marala headworks in accordance with the provisions of the Indus Water Treaty (IWT), 1960. Zardari said this during a briefing at the President’s House on the reduced water flow following the construction of Baglihar Dam in Indian-held Kashmir, affecting Pakistan’s agriculture and economy.
Letters: The president said letters should also be written to Muslim countries, ‘Friends of Pakistan’ nations and the UK, drawing attention to the issue and the need to resolve it amicably in accordance with the treaty signed between the two countries. Zardari said Pakistan should pursue its case for compensation in the form of water from India. He said a proactive approach should be adopted to compel India to give Pakistan its rightful share of water.

“We have a combination of a government that is not seen as fully legitimate all throughout Afghanistan. It’s not particularly capable in terms of delivering services right now. You’ve got a very powerful narco-terrorism or intersection of narco-trafficking with terrorism.” The terrain also made it difficult for anti-terrorism forces to move out the Taliban and Al Qaeda from the area, he added. “And then you’ve got Pakistan, and a border that is porous and very difficult. So, it’s not going to be easy, but here’s what I know.” Senator Obama said that if elected, he will pursue a policy that would not allow Osama bin Laden and Al Qaeda to establish safe havens to plot to kill Americans and train troops. “There’s no dispute that that’s taking place right now.”

“And so, we’ve got to make Afghanistan stable enough and focused enough on controlling its own borders, that we’re not seeing the Taliban and Al Qaeda return,” he said. “In the meantime, I think the most important thing that we’re going to have to do in addition to adding more troops, providing alternatives to farmers for the poppy trade is making sure that services are actually being delivered to the Afghan people.” How United States president is elected; Poll highlights religious conflict in US society. US should help resolve Kashmir issue: Obama: ‘Militants, not India, biggest threat to Pakistan’ By Anwar Iqbal

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Just The Tip Won't Do: Expose The Whole Iceberg

By Kavita Krishnan 29 October, 2008, Countercurrents.org, http://www.countercurrents.org/krishna291008.htm

"Most importantly, are we really to believe that the Governments at State and Centre did not know all along about the activities of the Bhonsala Military Academy, and the fact that it was openly holding arms training camps for Bajrang Dal goons from all over the country? Blasts aside, how come such training camps for communal outfits were not deemed illegal and banned even as Bajrang Dal brigades repeatedly conducted anti-Muslim and anti-Christian violence?"

"We demand a thoroughgoing investigation into the involvement of Sangh outfits and so-called god-men and god-women, the Army connection, and the BJP in terrorism. And we demand a ban on the Bajrang Dal, VHP and other Sangh outfits against whom there is prima facie evidence of involvement in terrorism and communal violence (including activities like abduction ('rescue') of women who have eloped)."

No longer can the Sangh Parivar and BJP ever disown its role in terrorism.

A former firebrand ABVP leader and so-called 'sadhvi', Pragya Singh Thakur, has been arrested for her role in the Malegaon blasts of September 2006 as well as in the more recent Modasa blasts. Even more ominously, two ex-Army officers are implicated in the blasts, and it has come to light that an institution called the 'Bhonsala Military Academy' in Nagpur has been imparting arms training to the Bajrang Dal.

The Sangh Parivar has reacted by disclaiming its links with 'sadhvi' on the one hand, and on the other, by suggesting that it is inconceivable that a 'sadhvi' could be a terrorist. BJP spokesperson Venkaiyya Naidu has reminded us that according to the rule of law, the sadhvi is innocent till proven guilty, and the BJP has objected strongly to the term 'Hindutva terrorism.'

For a minute, imagine if the story were the same – with just one detail changed: replace the 'sadhvi' with a 'maulvi.' Then imagine the righteous roars that would be voiced by the BJP, demanding blood. In the Jamia Nagar blasts case, the BJP would not allow teenage boys the benefit of 'rule of law;' they castigated the Jamia VC for arranging legal aid, and in UP, Sangh cadre have beaten up lawyers taking up cases of blast-accused. Muslims accused of terrorism, it seems, are guilty even if proven innocent, and are certainly not entitled to the opportunity to prove themselves innocent!

There is ample proof that the sadhvi has campaigned for the BJP in elections, and has appeared in public gatherings with BJP President Rajnath Singh and MP CM Shivraj Singh Chauhan. Under POTA, as under the Chhattisgarh Special Security Act, those who are associated with or have known the accused can be prosecuted as 'conspirators.' Will the BJP tell us why Rajnath and Shivraj should not be prosecuted as 'conspirators' according to the principles espoused by the BJP itself? Surely there is more ground to prosecute Rajnath or Shivraj of conspiring with saffron terrorists than there is to prosecute Dr.Binayak Sen for links with Maoists?

What were Pragya Thakur's known activities? Her role in the communal pogrom in Gujarat 2002 is indicated: in fact, she campaigned for the BJP in Surat in 2002 and again in 2007. Her father, defending her, offers proof of some of the noble work she was known for: "Pragya and her organisation Jai Vande Matram would rescue girls who eloped with boys of another community, sometimes bring them back to their parents." So, like the notorious Babu Bajrangi, Pragya was involved in terrorising, kidnapping and coercing women who had married of their own accord outside their community. Pragya is proof positive of the fact that the same forces who openly indulge in communal pogroms and obscurantism violence against women could in fact be secretly involved in terrorism.

This said, it is also important to ask why the above facts were kept hidden from us for the past two years. Soon after the Malegaon blasts, in nearby Nanded, Bajrang Dal activists were accidentally killed by their own bombs, and investigation had revealed fake beards and 'Muslim-looking' clothing in their home. In other parts of Maharashtra and the country – Parbhani, tenkasi, Kanpur, Faizabad – there have been leads linking saffron forces to bomb blasts. Had these leads been pursued, is it not possible that some subsequent terrorist incidents could have been avoided? The state and ruling establishment is criminally guilty of ignoring these vital leads.

We are everyday asked to believe as gospel whatever is peddled as 'fact' by the police via the media in a terror investigation: to question is to be branded 'anti-national.' It is worth recalling that on November 26, 2007, less than two months after the Malegaon blasts, Director General of Police P S Pasricha had claimed to have 'solved' the case. Several Muslims were arrested and paraded, the names SIMI and Lashkar were bandied about, involvement of Pakistan and training received by the 'masterminds' in Pakistan pointed to. The police over the next two years have confidently given us detailed 'facts' about how the 8 arrested conceived of and executed the blasts. Those arrested were also linked with the Mumbai train blasts, according to the police. The ATS has prima facie "ruled out the involvement of Hindu fundamentalist groups in the Malegaon blasts" claiming that "RDX is only available to Islamic terrorist outfits." (TOI, 12 September 2006) Three of the accused were said to have "confessed" to the crime.

Now, we are told that the motorbike used in the September 29 Malegaon bomb blasts was registered in Pragya's name, and this led to her arrest. Are we to believe that the police took two years to find out the registration details of a bike involved in the blasts? The same police that just have to take one look at a bomb site to tell us confidently the exact nationality and organisational affiliation of the perpetrators? Is there any material at all – including RDX – that ex-Army men cannot easily have access to? Will the police explain to us how the 'confessions' of three Muslim men were secured (will they admit to torture)? Who will restore freedom, and apologise for character assassination and torture, to those who for the past two years have been blamed for blasts they did not do? Most importantly, are we really to believe that the Governments at State and Centre did not know all along about the activities of the Bhonsala Military Academy, and the fact that it was openly holding arms training camps for Bajrang Dal goons from all over the country? Blasts aside, how come such training camps for communal outfits were not deemed illegal and banned even as Bajrang Dal brigades repeatedly conducted anti-Muslim and anti-Christian violence?

The recent revelations in the Malegaon blasts put every ongoing blast investigation under a cloud and a question mark. Clearly, the police suppressed all the trails that led to Sangh outfits and BJP leaders – allowing these terrorists to roam free and contest and campaign in elections – while misleading the nation by framing innocents of a minority community. Is it not all too possible that this is happening in every single blast investigation?

It is not just BJP leaders, however, who are linked with the terrorist sadhvi. Pragya is a disciple of Swami Avadheshanand Giri: and her fellow disciples include Union HRD Minister and celebrated 'secular' figure Arjun Singh and his son Ajay. Ajay, head of the Congress campaign panel for the upcoming state polls in MP, rushed to deny Avadheshanand's links with Pragya.

The Congress and UPA Government is hoping to let the state machinery 'leak' out a tiny part of the truth about the involvement of Sangh outfits in terror, in order to get the upper hand in the elections. But we won't be satisfied with such scraps. We demand a thoroughgoing investigation into the involvement of Sangh outfits and so-called god-men and god-women, the Army connection, and the BJP in terrorism. And we demand a ban on the Bajrang Dal, VHP and other Sangh outfits against whom there is prima facie evidence of involvement in terrorism and communal violence (including activities like abduction ('rescue') of women who have eloped).

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The Directorate for Inter-Services Intelligence (also Inter-Services Intelligence or ISI) is the largest and most powerful intelligence service in Pakistan. It is one of the three main branches of Pakistan's intelligence agencies.

After the poor performance of Pakistan's Military Intelligence during Indo-Pakistani War of 1947 the need for a separate intelligence body was keenly felt. Inter-Services Intelligence was therefore created as an independent unit in 1948 from the Intelligence Bureau (IB), which handled intelligence sharing between the different branches of the military as well as external intelligence gathering. Its headquarters was initially located in Rawalpindi but later it was moved to the newly built capital, Islamabad. The current director of the organization is Lieutenant General Ahmad Shuja Pasha, who took over in September 2008. Wiki

The ISI is the first line of defense.

The objectives of ISI are:^[4]

1. Safeguard Pakistani interests and national security inside and outside the country.
2. Monitor the political and military developments in adjoining countries, which have direct bearing on Pakistan's national security and in the formulation of its foreign policy and to collect foreign and domestic intelligence in such cases.
3. Co-ordination of intelligence functions of the three military services.
4. Keep vigilant surveillance over its cadre, foreigners, the media, politically active segments of Pakistani society, diplomats of other countries accredited to Pakistan and Pakistani diplomats serving outside the country.

Departments

• Joint Intelligence X: JIX is the coordinator of all the other departments in the ISI. Intelligence and information gathered from the other departments are sent to JIX which prepares and processes the information and from which prepares reports which are presented.^[6]
• Joint Intelligence Bureau: JIB is the largest part of the ISI and was perhaps the most powerful component of the ISI in the late 1980s. Its main area of work is to gather intelligence on political parties. It also has three sub-sections which include operations in India, conducting anti-terrorism operations and providing security to VIPs.^[6]
• Joint Counter Intelligence Bureau: JCIB is Pakistan's version of the NOC's of the CIA. Pakistani diplomats who conduct intelligence gathering operations report directly to this department. The area in which most of this kind of operations are conducted are in the Middle East, South Asia, China, Afghanistan and the Central Asian republics. It is alleged that the ISI has expanded the range of the diplomats to conduct intelligence gathering operations in Europe, Africa and South America as well.^[6]
• Joint Intelligence North: JIN is exclusively responsible for the Jammu and Kashmir region and in particular the Indian troop movement along the LOC (Line of Control). However, due to recent peace overtures between India and Pakistan, the size of this department is being reduced.^[6]
• Joint Intelligence Miscellaneous: JIM is responsible for conducting espionage, offensive spy missions, surveillance and any other activities during war time.^[6]
• Joint Signal Intelligence Bureau: JSIB has three Deputy Directors who are each charged with wireless communication intercepts, Monitoring enemy agents and other assets and conducting reconnaissance operations such as photographs. Most of the work force in this department are recruited from the Military College of Signals Academy and others come from the Army Signal Corps.^[6]
• Joint Intelligence Technical: JIT is responsible for developing gadgets, monitoring equipment, explosives and even has known to have a chemical warfare section. Other than that, not much is known about this department.^[6]

Pakistani intelligence agencies were best friends from 1947 all the way to 1990s. The CIA and the ISI were the best of buddies in the 80s. The ISI cooperated with the CIA in the aftermath of 911. However there mutual suspicion and mistrust between the tow agencies

Efforts to construct this week a working relationship between America's Central Intelligence Agency and Pakistan's Directorate of Inter-Service Intelligence (ISI) will be eased by what appear to be significant battlefield victories against the Taliban and al-Qaida.

General Ahmed Shuja Pasha, the new head of Pakistan's intelligence and security service, ISI, is in Washington to meet his CIA counterpart Michael Hayden in an attempt to bury the mutual suspicion and mistrust that has undermined joint operations against al-Qaida and Taliban forces holed up in Pakistan's lawless border region with Afghanistan.

The spy chiefs' meeting to set out terms for strategic cooperation comes as America's highly regarded General David Petraeus takes over as the new United States strategic commander in both Iraq and Afghanistan.

Petraeus assumes command on Friday amid high expectations he can turn around what many see as a failing strategy among North Atlantic Treaty Organization forces, including Canadians, to quell the Taliban insurgency in Afghanistan and impose enough security to allow accelerated economic development.

The meetings between Pasha and Hayden will be buoyed by reports from Pakistan's border region that recent attacks by missiles fired from American unmanned, radio-controlled Predator aircraft have killed at least four senior al-Qaida and Taliban leaders.

The Americans have dramatically increased their use of the unmanned drones for attacks against militants in recent weeks after a raid from Afghanistan by U.S. special forces on September 3 drew public outrage in Pakistan. More important, Washington was publicly rebuked by the head of the Pakistani army, Gen. Ashfaq Parvez Kayani whose help NATO forces in Afghanistan need to eradicate the militants' safe havens.

On October 16 a Predator drone attack in Pakistan's South Waziristan tribal area killed Khalid Habib, reputedly appointed by Osama bin Laden in January as chief of al-Qaida in Pakistan and listed by the CIA as fourth in the organization's hierarchy.

Khalid's mandate was to cement ties between al-Qaida, the Taliban and the increasingly important domestic insurgency in Pakistan that has grown in reaction to government assaults on militant strongholds in the tribal border regions.

On Sunday there appears to have been an even more successful Predator drone attack on another compound in South Waziristan.

Reports from different sources, each with their own links in the region, indicate that three local militant leaders were killed.

One set of reports says Sunday's attack on a compound near the territorial capital Wana killed 20 people including Eida Khan and Wahweed Ullah, both with records of leading attacks against NATO forces in Afghanistan.

Khan and Ullah were linked to Jalaluddin Haqqani, a senior Taliban leader associated with al-Qaida and near the top of the CIA's list of targets. Several attempts have been made to kill Haqqani using drone-fired missiles, but without success though several members of his family and some of his leading followers have died. CIA, Pakistan set to bury the hatchet: Published: Wednesday, October 29, 2008: Mutual suspicion and mistrust may be forgotten with recent victories over Taliban and al-Qaida Jonathan Manthorpe, Vancouver Sun

The ISI has taken the brunt of the most vicious campaign to destroy Pakistan's premier intelligence agency

Other reports from the area say another victim of Sunday's attack was Mohammad Omar, a top Taliban commander closely linked to Nek Mohammed, another Taliban leader, killed in a U.S. Predator strike four years ago.

Washington identified Pakistan as an essential ally very soon after the September 2001 terrorist attacks on America and confirmation that al-Qaida's sanctuary was in Afghanistan. But despite pledges of loyalty and assistance form the Pakistani government, Washington and its allies saw clear evidence that ISI was protecting and assisting the Taliban.

NATO resentment at the duplicity of ISI boiled over in July when it was clear the Pakistani spy agency had a hand in the terror bombing of India's embassy in the Afghan capital Kabul.

Army commander Kayani immediately replaced the ISI chief with Pasha and four generals with prior knowledge of the embassy bombing were removed.

The events of this week and the last few days thus appear to represent a fresh start in a conflict that has already lasted over seven years. jmanthorpe@vancouversun.com Published: Wednesday, October 29, 2008: Mutual suspicion and mistrust may be forgotten with recent victories over Taliban and al-Qaida Jonathan Manthorpe, Vancouver Sun

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Noticias de Rupia | Nouvelles de Roupie | Rupiennachrichten | новости рупии | 卢比新闻  | Roepienieuws | Rupi Nyheter | ルピーニュース  | Notizie di Rupia |  PAKISTAN LEDGER | پاکستاني کھاتا | Moin Ansari | معین آنصآرّی | DefensebriefsIntellibriefs Translate to: RSS feed: | RUPEE NEWS | October 28th, 2008 | Moin Ansari |  معین آنصآرّی | اخبار روپیہ  |

Nov. 3 (Bloomberg) -- Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari told the head of the U.S. Central Command, General David Petraeus, and Assistant Secretary of State Richard Boucher that attacks on his country by American drone aircraft are ``counterproductive'' and must stop.  Pakistan's Zardari Tells U.S. Officials Drone Raids Must Stop. By Farhan Sharif

in an unusually frank statement, a senior Foreign Ministry official in Islamabad warned that relations between the two nominally close allies in the war on terror were extremely strained "politically and diplomatically".  Launching an appeal to world leaders to help persuade the new US president to reverse the policy, Mr Gilani said he would raise the matter with US ambassador Anne Patterson, who has twice in the past month been castigated by Pakistani officials. Bruce Loudon, South Asia correspondent | November 03, 2008. Pakistan to pressure next US leader to end missile strikes

The US officials coming to Pakistan are not used to talked to in a "frank" manner. The diplomatic euphemism dressing down is "frank". General Paraeus got an earful from the President of Pakistan, Mr. Asif Zardari and Defense Minister Ahmad Mukhtar.

Zardari told him that Pakistan’s tolerance for US airstrikes had run out. The language, talking of “frustration”, was something short of an ultimatum. Zardari, in his few months in office, has made clear his support for the US.

It is now clear that the strikes are enormously inflaming extremist sentiments. All that the US offers is unproven claims that it has caught or hit many militants.

One of the first decisions to confront the new US president will be whether to continue with this policy. It cannot seem sensible to do so. Instead, the US needs to make an energetic effort to help Pakistan to solve its huge array of other problems.  The Guardian

Pakistan warns US general against missile strikes By STEPHEN GRAHAM –

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan (AP) — Pakistan on Monday urged the American general taking charge of the war in Afghanistan to halt missile attacks on militants in its border badlands to avert a backlash against the U.S. in this vital ally in the war on terrorism.

Gen. David Petraeus met President Asif Ali Zardari, army chief Gen. Ashfaq Parvez Kayani and other officials on his first international trip since taking over U.S. Central Command three days earlier.

Petraeus, who now oversees the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, told CNN he had heard criticism over the U.S. attacks on militant targets on the Pakistani side of the border with Afghanistan.

"In fact, we got certain messages with each of those we talked today and some of those were very clear and we have to take those on board," CNN quoted Petraeus as saying. "The tone of the conversation was very frank and very forthright, as it should be," he added later.

There is growing U.S. concern about how Islamic militants are using pockets of Pakistan's northwest region as sanctuaries to support the escalating insurgency in Afghanistan.

Complaints from U.S. commanders about Pakistan's efforts to counter the insurgents have been accompanied by a surge of missile strikes on suspected Taliban and al-Qaida targets, despite condemnation in Pakistan. Pakistan warns US general against missile strikes By STEPHEN GRAHAM –

The Pakistanis are furious with the US attacks.  

On Oct. 29, Pakistan summoned Patterson to demand a halt to air strikes on its soil by American forces, saying the operations weaken the ability of the government to fight terrorism.

Pakistani lawmakers on Oct. 23 called for an urgent review of the nation's counterterrorism strategy, saying dialogue with militants must be given the ``highest priority.'' Parliament also urged the coalition government to prevent any ``invasions of the homeland'' in reference to the U.S. raids. Bllomberg. Pakistan's Zardari Tells U.S. Officials Drone Raids Must Stop. By Farhan Sharif

According to state-run APP news agency, Zardari told Petraeus and Assistant Secretary of State Richard Boucher that the attacks from unmanned drones should be stopped. Washington is suspected of launching at least 17 such missile strikes on Pakistan since August.

"Continuing drone attacks on our territory, which result in loss of precious lives and property, are counterproductive and difficult to explain by a democratically elected government," Zardari was quoted as saying.

He said the government was "under pressure to react more aggressively" to the strikes.

In September, a U.S. ground assault in a tribal region in Pakistan's northwest spurred particular outrage. Days later, Pakistani troops fired on or sent flares at two American helicopters operating near the border and U.S. and Pakistani ground forces in the area exchanged fire.

There have been no reports of additional ground assaults since and Petraeus has given few hints about what strategy he will follow.

Without confirming the subject of Petraeus' discussions in Pakistan, White House press secretary Dana Perino said it is normal for allies such as the U.S. and Pakistan to exchange views frankly.

"There's a lot of tension in Pakistan right now," Perino said. "They have a lot of issues on their plate, from terrorists to their economy to the concerns about their future security and their political situation, as they have a new administration that's trying to get settled."

Pakistan's government is mindful of widespread opposition at home to its ties with Washington. However, it has acknowledged its dependence on Western aid in the face of economic problems and taken a tough public stance against terrorism and extremism.

Defense Minister Ahmad Mukhtar said in a statement after his meeting with Petraeus that missile strikes could "create outrage and uproar among the people." But his statement also noted that both sides "stressed the need for enhanced cooperation to eliminate the scourge of terrorism."

It was unclear whether Petraeus addressed vows from Pakistani and Afghan leaders to seek talks with elements of the Taliban. Petraeus, previously the top U.S. commander in Iraq, has indicated support for efforts to reach out to members of the Taliban considered moderate enough to cooperate with the Afghan government.

Petraeus' visit came on the eve of U.S. presidential elections. Democratic candidate Barack Obama has said if he is elected, he could launch unilateral attacks on high-value terrorist targets in Pakistan as they become exposed and "if Pakistan cannot or will not act" against them. Republican rival John McCain says engaging Pakistanis is vital to defeating extremists, and that cross-border strikes shouldn't be discussed "out lou.  Pakistan warns US general against missile strikes By STEPHEN GRAHAM – d

Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari says continued US missile strikes on targets in Pakistan are counterproductive and detrimental to the war on terror. Pakistan's Government is warning of outrage and anti-US sentiment if the raids continue. Mr Muktar is calling on the US to respect Pakistan's sovereignty and territorial integrity.  He delivered the warning during the meeting with General Petraeus in the capital, Islamabad. The US has conducted continued raids on insurgent targets in Pakistan's north-west border region. ABC news. Petraeus warned to end US-led strikes on Pakistan. By South Asia correspondent Sally Sara

Noticias de Rupia | Nouvelles de Roupie | Rupiennachrichten | новости рупии | 卢比新闻  | Roepienieuws | Rupi Nyheter | ルピーニュース  | Notizie di Rupia |  PAKISTAN LEDGER | پاکستاني کھاتا | Moin Ansari | معین آنصآرّی | DefensebriefsIntellibriefs Translate to: RSS feed: | RUPEE NEWS | October 28th, 2008 | Moin Ansari |  معین آنصآرّی | اخبار روپیہ  |