We have been waiting for Pakistan to take sustained and irreversible action against terrorism for nineteen years now. How many more years is it going to take before mainstream foreign policy analysts wake up and realize that Pakistan is not a reliable ally and never will be, unless there is a major transformation in Pakistani society and government? Scroll through this link and tell me that Pakistan is a reliable and helpful ally of the United States.
“Pakistan must take sustained and irreversible action against terrorism: US lawmakers,” PTI, September 23, 2020:
Pakistan must take sustained and irreversible action against terrorism, and needs to demonstrate that it is prepared to live up to international commitments on weapons of mass destruction, a US diplomat, nominated to be the next envoy to Pakistan, told lawmakers on Tuesday and hoped that both Islamabad and New Delhi would take the necessary steps to reduce tensions.
During his confirmation hearing before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, William Todd, who has been nominated by President Donald Trump as the next US ambassador to Pakistan, told the lawmakers that peace in Afghanistan is in both the countries’ best interests, and effective US-Pakistani cooperation is essential to achieve that objective.
“In terms of regional dynamics, although we have a strong relationship with India, that does not need to come at the expense of Pakistan. I believe that under the right conditions, we can have a strong relationship with both countries,” Todd said.
“Our hope is that both countries will take the necessary steps to reduce tensions and as President Trump has offered, we are prepared to facilitate dialogue if both sides request it,” he said.
“To truly reduce regional tensions and rebuild a strong relationship with the United States, Pakistan must take sustained and irreversible action against terrorism,” Todd asserted.
Senator Bob Menendez, Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, said he remains deeply concerned about the prevalence of terrorist groups in Pakistan and their impact on the region….
Jayell says
‘Pakistan must take sustained and irreversible action against terrorism’
So Pakistan effectively has to take sustained and irreversible action against itself?
That sounds interesting.
Jim says
What we call terrorism, Pakistan calls a way of life of justified morals as does all Islamic societies.
Wellington says
“Pakistan must take sustained and irreversible action against terrorism.”
Reminds me of that old commercial where the guy is looking for decaffeinated coffee that tastes as good as regular and asks the store clerk if he has any and the clerk responds, “Lotsa’ luck, buddy.”
Honest Ali says
Pakistan is Muslim… He is asking the leopard to change his spots. It ain’t happening. When in history, have true believers every abandoned their faith? Whether they are good or evil, it has never happened. Willful denial of this fact simply prolongs the fight against evil, and sacrifices innocent lives because we are too cowardly to end evil decisively.
DavidR says
I get the sense that Pakistan is always on the verge of mob rule followed by a populist military leader who will have the authority to destroy Islam, Pakistan, India, Iraq, Iran, the rest of the world, etc. Is there an Islamist stupid enough to start a nuclear war? Yes, many.
gravenimage says
US ambassador-designate to Pakistan: ‘Pakistan must take sustained and irreversible action against terrorism’
………………………
Good for William Todd for speaking out!
Brian White says
Continuous concerted dialogue, based on mutual benefits is a good start to get Muslim countries to bring their religion into a more acceptable shape to fit the present day. It has barely changed since the year 622. Much of the content of the Quran is difficult for the rest of the world to accept in its present form, as it presents an aggressive attitude to all non Muslims. If we want to take a huge step towards a peaceful and co-ordinated future, a world in which we can all get along and prosper, the Quran must be honed to meet the challenges of the 21st century. Christianity went through a reformation 500 years ago and the Bible is configured periodically to be pertinent to the ever changing world.
James Lincoln says
Brian White,
Dr. Zuhdi Jasser has taken a “reform-minded” approach to islam – but does not have any real following among American muslims.
gravenimage says
This is not going to change pious Muslims–but it *will* expose the ugliness of Islam.
Bki says
To hope Pakistan will take action on terrorists is like living in a fools paradise.
19 years wait may extend up to 90 years.