US gives up ground raids into Pakistan

[ejaz007]

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

Daily Times - Leading News Resource of Pakistan

 

[mujahideen]

I say any violation of our country should be treated as an invasion and the action should be taken accordingly.

 

[fatman17]

US Gen. Petraeus faces even tougher job after Iraq

Thu Oct 30, 2008

By Andrew Gray

WASHINGTON, Oct 30 (Reuters) - Hailed as an American hero for his role in pulling Iraq back from the brink of all-out civil war, U.S. Army Gen. David Petraeus takes on an even more challenging job on Friday as the head of U.S. Central Command.

The warrior-scholar with a doctorate in international relations from Princeton University takes responsibility for U.S. military operations in a volatile swathe of the world that includes Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iraq, Iran and the Gulf.

As the top commander in Iraq, Petraeus presided over a surge of 30,000 extra U.S. troops into the country and implemented a strategy focused on protecting the Iraqi population, which contributed to a steep decline in violence.

The turnaround in Iraq was also due to other factors -- including Sunni former insurgents turning against al Qaeda and a cease-fire by radical Shi'ite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr -- but Petraeus has received widespread credit for his leadership.

His work earned lavish praise from President George W. Bush and both candidates to take over in the White House, particularly Republican Sen. John McCain, and a promotion to the post at Central Command, based in Tampa, Florida.

But while Iraq was regarded by many as a lost cause when he took command there in February 2007, Petraeus could at least concentrate on one country and had as many as 170,000 U.S. troops under his direct command.

In his new post, he has responsibility for an area that includes 20 countries and less direct control.

Afghanistan will demand much of his attention. Insurgent violence has risen sharply there this year and both McCain and his Democratic rival Sen. Barack Obama, who leads in the polls, have pledged to send more U.S. troops.

"You have a leader who's become, obviously, well known because of his role in Iraq and the public perception is driven by that," said Peter Singer, a military analyst at the Brookings Institution in Washington.

"Yet I think, with his Centcom hat on, it's going to be Afghanistan that defines it."

But the fight against the Taliban is led by a 50,000-strong NATO force with troops from more than 40 nations that reports to U.S. Army Gen. John Craddock, the Atlantic alliance's top commander, based in Belgium, rather than Petraeus.

Petraeus will only have a direct line to about 19,000 U.S. troops in Afghanistan engaged in missions ranging from training Afghan forces to conducting counterterrorism operations.

PAKISTAN MILITANTS

However, analysts say the authority of his office -- the head of Central Command is one of the top posts in the U.S. military -- and his own personal reputation will give Petraeus substantial influence across the region and in Washington.

In Pakistan, no one is seriously suggesting a large influx of U.S. troops to fight militants there so Petraeus will have to focus largely on persuading and assisting the Pakistani military to carry out effective operations.

Military leaders in Pakistan, where al Qaeda has regrouped in areas bordering Afghanistan, will be keen to learn from Petraeus, said Shuja Nawaz, the author of a book on the Pakistani army called "Crossed Swords."

"The knowledge that he's acquired in fighting ... militancy in Iraq is going to be listened to," Nawaz said.

"Also, Gen. Petraeus' knowledge of political systems and working with politicians is something that would be valuable."

Petraeus always argues that defeating insurgencies requires much more than military force and stresses the importance of political deals and economic development.

With his intellectual air and high media profile, Petraeus is not universally loved in the U.S. military. Some believe he regards himself too highly and nickname him "King David."

But Singer said there was no question that Petraeus was well-suited to the Central Command post.

"He's obviously been proven to be ... besides a distinguished leader, a pretty creative thinker and a great motivator," he said. (Editing by David Wiessler)

 

[S-2]

This is an interesting article that set me thinking somewhat. Afghanistan is a war, pointed out by the article, with the bulk of forces employed under the command of NATO's General Craddock, through the ISAF H.Q. in-country.

Petraeus assumes command of CENTCOM, including 19,000 additional U.S. forces NOT under ISAF's purview. In addition, his role as CENTCOM commander gives him latitude with Pakistan not possessed by Craddock.

It's probably not surprising that there's a training program underway now. I'm certain that Petraeus convinced Kiyani aboard the Roosevelt that we had useful information to share with their F.C. trainers. There's more planned, I suspect.

We've experienced and are continuing to do so, severe difficulties coordinating combat and civil affairs operations in a synergistic manner in both Iraq and Afghanistan. "Best practices" or optimal effect are still distant goals when it comes to creating consistantly visible and meaningful effect by social services where it matters.

But we can learn together. It'll be interesting to see how Petraeus operates in the rarified air of a major regional command. Objectives typically change a tad as do perspectives.

 

[fatman17]

This is an interesting article that set me thinking somewhat. Afghanistan is a war, pointed out by the article, with the bulk of forces employed under the command of NATO's General Craddock, through the ISAF H.Q. in-country.

Petraeus assumes command of CENTCOM, including 19,000 additional U.S. forces NOT under ISAF's purview. In addition, his role as CENTCOM commander gives him latitude with Pakistan not possessed by Craddock.

It's probably not surprising that there's a training program underway now. I'm certain that Petraeus convinced Kiyani aboard the Roosevelt that we had useful information to share with their F.C. trainers. There's more planned, I suspect.

We've experienced and are continuing to do so, severe difficulties coordinating combat and civil affairs operations in a synergistic manner in both Iraq and Afghanistan. "Best practices" or optimal effect are still distant goals when it comes to creating consistantly visible and meaningful effect by social services where it matters.

But we can learn together. It'll be interesting to see how Petraeus operates in the rarified air of a major regional command. Objectives typically change a tad as do perspectives.

i think Petraeus and Kiyani will probably get along because both are intellectual types. PA would certainly like to know more about the "surge" strategy adopted by US forces in Iraq.

 

[JK!]

Kiyani is most coward general i ever seen,dont have courage to say to US mind your own buisness.

We need generals like Akhtar Abdul Rahman and Javed Nasir to defend pakistan.

Problem with PA is that sons of jcos are now become generals

When the US started violating Pakistani territory it was General Kiani who made strong protests to his Nato/Isaf/US counterparts.

So what if his father was a Jnr NCO, it means he has knowledge of what it is like for the common soldier on the ground.

Don't insult the man who is charged with defending your nation were it not for him Pakistan would be overrun and lost.

 

[SatishChandra's Assistant]

http://www.defence.pk/forums/indian...p-defend-its-borders-against-u-s-attacks.html

 

[S-2]

Oh boy!? Do we have a winner here or what? India's manifest destiny would appear to be hegemonistic rule of South Asia with the tacit acquiescence of Iran and Pakistan.

Tasty...

 

[Kasrkin]

waraich66 thank you for your highly thought through and tactically brilliant revelations as always, but since we cant insult our beloved President Zardari...you better watch your bloody language when talking about our chief like that. Express your view but dont cross the line, because it doesn't lend credibility to your views anymore than it helps you make friends on this PAK MILITARY forum.
So what the hell would you have done if you think you are so much better than General Kayani hm? Bombed US Bases in Afghanistan in reply? eh?

 

[A.Rahman]

Kiyani should resign if he could not stop innocent pakistani killing by US coward striks .

I agree, but is there anyone who can stop Predator drones? anyone who can shoot down US aircraft? you are forgetting that our bread & butter is provided by US dollars.

 

[was]

A difficult period
Dawn Editorial
Sunday, 02 Nov, 2008 | 01:42 PM PST |


THE Foreign Office broke no new ground when it said on Friday that Pakistan’s relations with the United States were passing through 'a difficult period'. The FO’s recognition of the strained relationship between the two came the day America launched two more attacks in Waziristan, killing at least 21 people, including an Al Qaeda operative. The raids will continue — let us accept it. The outgoing American president signed a secret order in July authorising attacks in Fata. Until there is a change of policy, Pakistan should be prepared for this frequency and scope of American attacks.


On Thursday, the American Homeland Security chief said that a country should have the right to attack another if it harboured potential terrorists. He thus reaffirmed what President George Bush and other Republican administration officials have said several times in the wake of 9/11, namely the US had the right to make ‘pre-emptive’ strikes in such cases. The most ‘original’ piece of foreign policy declaration came from Paul Wolfowitz, a former deputy defence secretary, when he talked of ‘ending states’ to ensure America’s security.

While the drone attacks and the often negative statements coming from America constitute a serious commentary on our diplomatic endeavours — for we have failed to convey our viewpoint adequately to the US and the world — they also betray a lack of America’s trust in Pakistan. Although the war on terror is supposed to be a joint US-Pakistan endeavour — both regard the terrorists to be their enemy — the two sides have failed to coordinate their strategy. Pakistan has mobilised over 100,000 soldiers and suffered countless casualties but the coalition forces across the border are not certain if their war aims are being achieved. They suspect the ISI of continuing to follow a 'strategy of double-think', so to say, that is fight the militants at home and use them abroad. This lack of confidence between the two sides has created bad blood between them.

Friday’s attacks come at a time when peace moves are afoot, and American officials too have been speaking of negotiating with the Taliban if they distance themselves from Al Qaeda. The foreign office statement reiterated what the prime minister had declared some time back — that Pakistan would tackle America’s violations of its sovereignty by diplomatic means. There is no other choice. With our growing dependence on American military power and the government’s desire to seek economic support from the IMF that looks for the proverbial nod from Washington to release funds to Islamabad, it would be counter-productive to overreact and succumb to pro-Taliban lobbies to challenge the US. In the long run, however, Pakistan must reduce its dependence on America and learn to stand on its own feet economically if it wants to conduct an independent foreign policy.

DAWN.COM | Pakistan | A difficult period

then we have the right to attack the biggest terrorist org in the world. the pentagon

 

[blain2]

Top U.S. commander visits Pakistan
The Associated Press

DERA ISMAIL KHAN, Pakistan: General David Petraeus, who has assumed responsibility for America's wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, landed in Pakistan on Sunday, hours after a suicide car bomb killed eight troops and underlined the Muslim nation's critical role in the war on terror.

Petraeus, who took over as head of U.S. Central Command on Friday after 20 months as the top U.S. commander in Baghdad, was accompanied by Assistant Secretary of State Richard Boucher, the U.S. Embassy confirmed.

Wes Robertson, the acting embassy spokesman, declined to provide specifics of the Americans' stay but said they would meet with government and military officials.

Petraeus's visit, coming so soon after he took his new position, signals how important the United States considers Pakistan to succeeding in the anti-terror fight, particularly in Afghanistan, where an insurgency is raging seven years after the U.S. ousted the Taliban regime from power.

The United States has pressured Pakistan to crack down on militants that use its soil as a base from which to plan attacks on American and NATO forces in Afghanistan.
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But the visit also comes amid tension over alleged U.S. missile strikes on militant targets in Pakistan, one of which occurred last week in the same region the bomber struck Sunday.

The attacker rammed his vehicle at a checkpoint near the main gate of the Zalai Fort as Frontier Corps paramilitary troops gathered nearby, said Major General Athar Abbas, the Pakistan Army's top spokesman. Eight people died and four were wounded, he said.

The fort is 20 kilometers, or 12 miles, outside Wana, the main town in South Waziristan, a tribal region considered a hub for Al Qaeda and Taliban fighters involved in attacks on U.S. and NATO troops in Afghanistan.

South Waziristan was the site of one of two suspected U.S. missile attacks on Friday that killed 29 people, including several suspected foreign militants, intelligence officials said.

It was not immediately clear if the suicide attack Sunday was linked to the missile strikes.

But the strikes have strained Pakistan's alliance with the United States and spurred militant calls for revenge. Pakistani troops have been frequent targets of escalating attacks by militants who want the country to end its support of the United States.

The Pakistani troops were washing their vehicles Sunday when the suicide attacker came, two intelligence officials said. They described the explosion as "large" and said it destroyed the checkpoint and damaged the front wall of the fort.

The intelligence officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak to media. It was not possible to immediately verify the details. South Waziristan is a dangerous, remote area where travel by foreigners and many journalists is restricted.

Under American pressure, Pakistan has deployed security forces throughout its northwest in an attempt to tamp down growing militancy.

Washington is suspected in at least 17 missile strikes in northwestern Pakistan since August, a potential indication that the United States is not satisfied with Pakistan's efforts.

Pakistan routinely protests the missile attacks as violations of its sovereignty, but the strikes have continued nonetheless.

In a statement Sunday, Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani condemned the suicide attack in South Waziristan, saying he "deplored the loss of innocent lives."

Top U.S. commander visits Pakistan - International Herald Tribune

 

[ejaz007]

War on terror high on agenda as Petraeus arrives in Pakistan
* US general will meet president and army chief
By Sajjad Malik

ISLAMABAD: US Central Command (CENTCOM) Commander General David Petraeus, accompanied by Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs Richard Boucher, arrived here on Sunday night on his first foreign tour after assuming CENTCOM command.

During his visit, General Petraeus will meet Pakistan’s civilian and military leadership, including President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani, Defence Minister Ahmad Mukhtar and Army chief General Ashfaq Kayani.

Sources said that co-operation in the war on terror would be high on the agenda during the US general’s meetings with Pakistani leaders, adding the two sides would also discuss better intelligence sharing.

General Petraeus took command on Friday (October 31) after commanding the Multilateral Force in Iraq during the troop surge that helped “pull Iraq back from the brink of all-out civil war”. His success in Iraq catapulted him to another critical position from where, in addition to Iraq, he will oversee the situation in Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iran and the regions of Middle East, South Asia and Central Asia.

The most pressing problems for Petraeus include rising insurgent violence in Afghanistan and what the US calls sanctuaries for Taliban and Al Qaeda across the border in the Tribal Areas.

The United States and NATO are losing ground against an escalating Taliban insurgency in Afghanistan, despite the presence of 64,000 western troops, while Taliban have also regained strength in the Tribal Areas.

His visit comes as relations between the United States and Pakistan show increasing strains after a series of cross-border strikes by US-operated spy planes forces on Taliban targets in Pakistan.

About 20 people, including Taliban, were killed in the latest US missile strikes in North and South Waziristan on Friday.

Sources said Pakistan would convey its concerns about the repeated violations of its territorial sovereignty by US drones. “Pakistani leaders will tell the visiting general that US attacks are proving detrimental to Pakistan’s efforts to defeat terrorism,” they added.

Sources said Pakistan with its vital role in the war against terror, chronic political and economic instability and rising anti-US sentiments would be a real test for the US general who had a reputation for having one of the coolest heads to take difficult decisions.


Daily Times - Leading News Resource of Pakistan