US should pursue tough-minded strategy on Pakistan in absence of positive response: Atlantic Council

[INDIAPOSITIVE]

The United States and its partners should pursue a tough-minded strategy against Pakistan if it does not play a positive role in efforts to bring peace in Afghanistan, a top American think-tank said in a report released Tuesday.

“The discussion with Pakistan must not be delayed, especially following the recent change in elected leadership and given the preponderance of influence of the military leadership in Pakistan’s regional policies, including in Afghanistan,” the Atlantic Council said in a report titled Review of President Tump’s South Asia Strategy: The Way Ahead, One year In.

According to the report, Pakistan has the most important external impact on prospects for success of peace efforts in Afghanistan.

“It is widely recognized that the existence of safe havens in Pakistan makes it extremely difficult, if not impossible, to get the Taliban leadership to seriously negotiate,” the report said.

“While Pakistan has suffered grievously from terrorism, and sacrificed much in combating it internally, efforts to convince it to take needed action against the Taliban and Haqqani network within Pakistan’s borders, and to partner with the United States, have not yet born fruit,” it added.

The report said that a constant review of messaging to Pakistan is needed, as was the elaboration of a multilateral campaign of pressure and incentives – for example, the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) gray listing of Pakistan, and the June US killing of Pakistani Taliban leader Mullah Fazlullah in Afghanistan. A redefinition of Pakistani interests is also needed.

“The United States still seeks a healthy relationship with Pakistan, but it and its international partners, who have an important stake in this discussion, must confront Pakistani leaders with a choice about the future of their country that prevents a continuation of the status quo,” the report said.

“In response to pressure from the Trump administration, some Pakistani officials have blustered that Pakistan can rely on China and Russia. That is an illusion inimical to Pakistan’s development and economic future, a framework that falls far short of the active, engaged economic-development and counterterrorism relationship that the West that can offer—or withhold” the report added.

Success in implementing Trump’s strategy will make Pakistan and the region more secure and prosperous, enable the withdrawal of foreign forces, and —with continued counterterrorism cooperation with Kabul and improved cooperation with Pakistan—mark a significant advance in the struggle against Islamist terror. That is an outcome deserving of continued long-term US and international engagement, and the support of those publics, the report said.

The report is authored jointly by Gen. David Petraeus, the former CIA Director, and James Cunningham, former US Ambassador to Afghanistan, and Husain Haqqani, the former Pakistani Ambassador to the US, Bharat Gopalaswamy, director of the Atlantic Council, Indian American expert Ashley Tellis, Indian politician Manish Tewari and Anita McBride, a former US official.


http://www.1tvnews.af/en/news/afgha...absence-of-positive-response-atlantic-council

 

[Tshering22]

I don't know what they mean by "tough minded strategy" other than probably sanctions. Given the fact that Pakistan's economy is dominated by China, I don't think US sanctions would impact Pakistan in any serious way.

In fact, Pakistan can simply blockade complete US access to Afghanistan region by refusing transit or demanding a fee which is extremely exorbitant for Americans to pay.

 

[maximuswarrior]

LOL what more toughness can the US possibly bring to the table?

Pakistan US relations are non-existent. There is only lip service. Pakistan will partner up with Russia, China, Iran, Turkey and the rest of region. The US/West are only spectators here. The US/West will partner up with India. We are perfectly content with such alliances.

 

[xyxmt]

Nice to see US finding out their worth, now just keep scratching the pole and no fcuk is given on this side of Atlantic on daily basis as pole being scratched on hourly basis.

 

[hussain0216]

As soon as U.S plays ball and takes heed of Pakistan's security needs then Pakistan is onboard

1- We will gun for india and want them removed, They are our enemy and we want nothing to do with them, no coalition is acceptable to us if India is also a part of it
2- The afghans need to be muzzled if we are to help them, any stupid bluster on their part against Pakistan will not be forgiven

3- Accept the Taliban as a reality and part and parcel of Afghanistan

 

[waz]

Ahh those ‘think tanks’ at it again. Dime a dozen is the term which springs to mind.

 

[Jaanbaz]

US feels ignored lol. When you have a professional pussy grabber as the President no one is going to respect you.

 

[VCheng]

Ahh those ‘think tanks’ at it again. Dime a dozen is the term which springs to mind.

Well, let's start by considering the volume and direction of trade between Pakistan and both USA and China. For starters. Mr. Tariff Man is in the WH after all.

 

[Imran Khan]

bachy ki jaan lo gay kya ab . jo ukharna tha ukhar liya tum logoon ne phly hi

 

[American Pakistani]

Just look at how many Indians in American think tank. They got themselves educated and joined top spots in political, business and defense circles forming a successful and powerful lobby which is strengthening by every passing day.

 

[VCheng]

Just look at how many Indians in American think tank. They got themselves educated and joined top spots in political, business and defense circles forming a successful and powerful lobby which is strengthening by every passing day.

There is nothing preventing Pakistanis, or any others, from doing the same. Education is for those who seek it.

 

[Path-Finder]

Just look at how many Indians in American think tank. They got themselves educated and joined top spots in political, business and defense circles forming a successful and powerful lobby which is strengthening by every passing day.

That is true but on the flip side I feel these so called individuals who ruin relations between the two states cause the yanks more grievance than any positive outlook and outcomes.

One example or two examples I guess are that afghani dalla Khalilzad who should be selling carpets outside the pale house worked in high position but did nothing but cause deterioration in relations between the two states. Do more and sanctuary bollocks has backfired and that carper seller is on his bike again trying to woo Pakistan. Its good that he was snubbed on purpose.

The think tank business has no feet as it seems who try to influence the policy makers but there are so many complex powers in play like Pentagon, Langley, the hill. However indians have been doing their best to detteriote things but when it comes down to it everyone's looking out for number one just look at taliban talks. Everyone is looking for their own passage with them and as it seems opinions of such think tanks are like the analogy opinions are like arse holes.

 

[Arsalan 345]

they have accepted defeat in afghanistan.they should exit afghanistan.it will be best for both america and pakistan.tough stance doesn't mean sanctions.it means possible military operation which is impossible.america knows that china and pakistan shares border and there is mutual respect and there is also intelligence sharing so it's very hard now for americans to do anything stupid.

 

[MultaniGuy]

Just look at how many Indians in American think tank. They got themselves educated and joined top spots in political, business and defense circles forming a successful and powerful lobby which is strengthening by every passing day.

There are 1.3 billion Indians versus 210 million Pakistanis. The Odds are against us.

Looks like we have more brains than the Indians, because our nuclear weapons are enough to destroy their civilization.

 

[MBT 3000]

tough? lol