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For Pakistan, Taliban Leader Outranks US

Islamabad backs off Haqqani, a crucial link to Afghanistan

By Nick McMaster, Newser Staff

Posted Dec 14, 2009 4:55 PM CST

(Newser) – Pakistani officials are balking at pursuing a Taliban leader who poses a major threat to US forces in Afghanistan, underscoring their lack of faith in the Obama surge. Pakistan has made a separate peace with Siraj Haqqani, allowing him the use of North Waziristan as a base of operations after the Tablian's collapse in 2001. The country sees Haqqani as crucial to maintaining influence in Afghanistan after the US pulls out in 2011.

That Pakistan sees Afghanistan 2011 as a free-for-all in which India, China, Iran, and Russia will vie for influence shows lack of faith in the ability of the US military to enact lasting change, the New York Times reports. Ashfaq Kayani, the head of the Pakistani military, has argued the nation has its hands full with Taliban militants attacking inside Pakistan—unlike Haqqani, who fights in Afghanistan. But Kayani also concedes his Afghan operations are the single most dangerous threat to coalition troops.

[Images (1)]

[Quotes (1)]

In this Aug. 22, 1998 file photo, Jalaluddin Haqqani, then Taliban Army Supreme Commander, speaks during an interview in Miram Shah, Pakistan. (AP Photo/Mohammed Riaz, file)

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If American walks away, Pakistan is very worried that it will have India on its eastern border and India on its western border in Afghanistan.
- Tariq Fatemi, former Pakistani ambassador to the US

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COMMENTS

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Showing 3 of 19 comments

USAHomeofthebrave

Dec 15, 2009 12:52 PM CST

Hey Shann---- Your comments are so destorted. For one thing, I'm black,my wife is black,my kids are black, my parents are black, aunts- uncles are black. Second, wtf on your last comment? I'm not catholic. Third- deport asians? WHAT??? You are high!!! Buddists, hindus, mormons, christians,jews are not threatening to blow-up the world. It is muslim terrorists you simple minded bigot. And yes not all muslims blow-up people but at the same time they do not rat out and condemn the ones who do!! You really need open your eyes & mind and stop with the talking points! And the hitler comment, well, you look like a dumbass with that.

Spudsy

Dec 15, 2009 12:09 PM CST

Read my post. It says if Bush had gone in to win at the start.....

Spudsy

Dec 15, 2009 12:08 PM CST

Eating spuds? That is just so wrong, hombre.

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New York Times (Source Grid »)

Politics • US • World

Afghanistan • Taliban • Pakistan • Quetta • Afghanistan war • Afghanistan exit strategy • Sirajuddin Haqqani

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For Pakistan, Taliban Leader Outranks US