More helicopters might make a difference as to the speed of this deployment but I don't see how fewer (since Pakistan already has so many transport copters) would make it any less effective.
The logical conclusion, then, is that the reason for the current immobility is due to leadership failure at the very highest level.
to avoid the danger of over simplifying the logistics of operations. I must say that the first step has to be joint planning to bring conclusion to this war.
both sides must stop blaming and complaining. both of us are guilty of being selective in our targets there cant be two views about it.
but lets start with glass half full
your drones did take out the last TTP leader who was getting pampered on the roof top and we did handover some AQ & Taliban leaders if not all.
yes there is a leadership failure thats why me and you are still arguing over it for few years now. you might blame it only on us guys but I would include the leadership of both countries.
lets be honest.. there have been instances that have benefited our common enemy. I assure you that AQ, Taliban and Haqqanis are not our assets and are not beyond lives of our own citizens. I hope that you also dont consider BLA as your insurance policy (although Bramdagh is loitering in a CIA safe house in Europe).
you see, our enemies have benefited a lot due to the mistrust thats why they have lasted that long.
can really use a strong civilian government in Pakistan. a civilian backing is what will make this operation successful.
Gen Allen.. did make an appearance in Pakistan after all.
I dont know what was discussed in the talks but this is what I hope should happen next time.
Gen Allen: Gen Kyani, we really need these NATO supplies routes opened again from Pakistan because this is prolonging the war and hurting you as well.
Gen Kyani: Gen Allen, your leadership must apologize for the Salalla checkpost attack. That has destroyed our confidence in your country. No Ally attacks another ally like that and refuses to apologize.
Gen Allen: thats too late now for the administration, remember we were willing to do so but your own government told us to wait for the findings of the committee that was set up and six months were lost. Now the US elections are too near and it cant risk an apology. It will be a political suicide for it. Look we have already expressed our regrets.
Gen Kyani: thats not good enough, that attack along with the collateral damage from the drone strikes and cross border TTP incursions are making this cooperation really hard. People of Pakistan wont accept it. My own men wont like it either.
Gen Allen: what about one of our military commanders, like myself comes over here and we together lay flowers at the memorial of the dead soldiers? We issue a joint statement as a start?
Gen Kyani: hmmm.
Gen Allen: Gen Kyani, you really need to decide about the operation in North if you want this war to end.
Gen Kyani: you know about our current deployment and commitment in Bajur, mehmond , Khyber and south Waziristan. The current situation doesnt allow another operation in a new sector. And then there is a question of resources. They can easily escape into Afghanistan like the TTP does.
Gen Allen: we will help you.
Gen Kyani: how?
Gen Allen: tell me what extra resources you would need and I will see if we can convince the administration to provide you with any extra equipment you can use for this operation. Also we will seal the border from our side.
Gen Kyani: even if we get what we need from you and say we launch the operation then its you sorted we are still stuck
Gen Allen: how so.
Gen Kyani : BLA and TTP, they are languishing in Afghanistan and using it as a launching pad to attack my troops and people of Pakistan. I cant have that. I cant spare troops for that operation when there is no relief from your end against the terrorist attacks against Pakistan.
Gen Allen: well thats beyond my mandate and responsibility.
Gen Kyani: and thats exactly the issue. security of Balochistan & safety of my troops & people is my responsibility. Convince me, how can I get around planning an operation for your sake against the Haqqanis that are not fighting in Pakistan and leave my flanks uncovered from TTP attacks?
Gen Allen: I see what you are saying and you should recall that it was us who got Baithullah Mehsud for you. In order to seal the border from our side along Waziristan and also discourage TTP from using Afghan territory will require a lot of consideration about troops and logistics.
Gen Kynai: I totally understand and thats what I am saying regarding North Waziristan operation. You can start by discoursing TTP from using Afghan territory . and by the way.. you missed out BLA.
Gen Allen: Gen Kyani, thats beyond my responsibility, maybe your ISI chief has to take it with US administration and CIA.
Gen Kyani: at least pass a massage to the administration that if its really serious about the conclusion of this conflict then it should consider letting BLA go. Our FC is more than able to deal with these people once they are denied a place in Afghanistan. Otherwise we wont get anywhere.
Gen Allen: so when should I hear from you about your requirements for NW operation?
Gen Kyani: as soon as Gen Zahir briefs me about his talk about BLA. Thanks for your time general.
Gen Allen: I hope there will be a conclusion to this conflict in near future.
Gen Kyani: I hope so top. Good day.