Predator is a drone. Unmanned. It's nothing to slap a PAF decal on the craft and launch. Yeah, the attack was probably U.S. directed, if by Predator but-
"...pakistan can claim that it was a part of the joint effort..."
1.) Even w/ Predator able to put eyes on the grid coordinate, that doesn't necessarily mean it would. Isn't this story the fallout from the reputed Predator strike the other day up in N. Waziristan?
It's not flying around 24-7 over that location. It was sent by somebody who KNEW that this guy was present. SOF staking the location? If so, near a town as I recall? That's P.A. SOF then, not ours.
2.) This mission might be flown remotely from the states. If so, don't be surprised if PAF didn't have a "mission coordinator" in the chair next to the "pilot".
U.S. SOF wouldn't operate anywhere in Pakistan except right along the border. As much true wilderness as possible. Ain't hanging out at the tea-shops in town, that's for damn sure. Even then, there's little point in working just across the border unless in "hot pursuit" or an op that's directed on a specific target.
We can interdict trails w/ conventional infantry easier inside the Afghani border for the same gains and far less political risk. If bad guys are dyin' on your turf, you guys are doing the trigger-pulling ninety-nine times out of one hundred.
"Pakistan needs to step up its efforts a couple of notches. Uptil now, they have only been playing catch up game---always behind---always too late."
Not any more. I think this op has you guys all over it. It's obvious since November that your army is actively engaged in the west. Now you need to sustain and take the next step-one that America has had IMMENSE difficulty doing herself-
That's mobilizing all the elements of your nat'l power. For America in Iraq and Afghanistan, we've had GREAT difficulty getting our civilian bureaucracies at State, Commerce, Justice, Ag, Energy, etc. to see the obvious role that their expertise would fill in these nations. So too Pakistan.
It's all about delivering services. Services that truly enhance their lives and prospects for their children's future is the quid pro quo for their unbridled allegiance. Just now I'd have to think that it's somewhat qualified.
Services can't largely be delivered until security is established and maintained. But, with risk, it can begin concurrently in limited fashion. This is urgently needed. It's not efficient and, without follow-through of some meaning, can even be counter-productive by promoting an image of window-dressing. With determination to undertake a long-term, comprehensive change to the public health, education, and commerce of these regions, though, a rapid start quickly communicates that message through the community.
To do so, the GoP must decide that it'll finally and fully assert it's direct control over any autonomous territories of Pakistan. Pashtuns retaining their autonomy have created one of the most ungoverned areas in this world. They need full integration into the Pakistani mainstream.
It may well take twenty years but it also may well be the most important nat'l objective of Pakistan. I think that Pakistan, if determined to do so, would find a LOT of friends throughout the world who'd be willing to assist if the proposed plan was sincere, transparent, and thoughtful.
My apologies for my long-windedness.
Forgive me.
