Islamabad threatens to back off from Afghan reconciliation process

[Thəorətic Muslim]

that is interesting that Mullah Omar death was concealed. I do not know of true rebel movements where such events are concealed.

It was concealed for a reason. Remember the Taliban is an umbrella organization of various groups, all basically militias run by warlords.

The people in charge (old guard since the beginning of the Taliban movement) felt it was high time, it had been ~14 years of war up to that point not counting the Civil War since the Soviet withdrawal. The Taliban now is full of young/middle aged guys still invigorated and willing to carry on longer.

When the Afghan war first started, and US supply convoys were running throh Pakistan, dozens of the trucks would be hit and left to burn, now their's barely news of that happening.

 

[wiseone2]

It was concealed for a reason. Remember the Taliban is an umbrella organization of various groups, all basically militias run by warlords.

The people in charge (old guard since the beginning of the Taliban movement) felt it was high time, it had been ~14 years of war up to that point not counting the Civil War since the Soviet withdrawal. The Taliban now is full of young/middle aged guys still invigorated and willing to carry on longer.

When the Afghan war first started, and US supply convoys were running throh Pakistan, dozens of the trucks would be hit and left to burn, now their's barely news of that happening.

generational gaps led to splits in rebel movements. they are usually about power

 

[Secur]

Official narrative of whom?
Regardless of PM Abbasi's "Jesus is coming, look busy" attitude, the state essentially is without any decisive leadership.

Desperate and pathetic sounding COAS. One stating how our achievements should be acknowledged or how we don't require financial assistance, but America's trust. What a thing to say, really.

 

[defence_analyst]

"Kabul must burn" policy, again?

This was Pakistan policy?

 

[SQ8]

Desperate and pathetic sounding COAS. One sating how our achievements should be acknowledged or how we don't require financial assistance, but America's trust. What a thing to say, really.

I think you are being too harsh on the guy. Essentially that IS his job, to not get involved with the diplomatic efforts.
In this case he was being diplomatic rather than initiate a war of words in a scenario where your ex-PM is actively trying to destroy his institution, bureaucracy is in shambles and financial troubles are about to slam into Pakistan very soon.

 

[KRAIT]

It will make US to take harsh steps. And they will respond with economic means which Pakistan cant afford no matter how much investment China brings.

 

[cocomo]

Its a fair question. Just to make it more palatable--> what role will pakistan play on the big table when taliban can't be brought on the talks.

Well Pakistan can safeguard the regional interests in Afghanistan like that of China and Russia. What is India's worth in Afghanistan outside the umbrella of USA?

 

[KRAIT]

Well Pakistan can safeguard the regional interests in Afghanistan like that of China and Russia. What is India's worth in Afghanistan outside the umbrella of USA?

India has been investing in Afghanistan way before US asked us. We have acquired stakes in Afghanistan mines. And we have interest in Afghanistan's minerals that is why we are building Chabahar port and road to Afghanistan. Anyways India already has covert operations in Afghanistan which have reduced threat on Indian borders with Pakistan while engaging Pakistan at its western borders. You may agree or not but thats the harsh reality.

 

[ziaulislam]

"Kabul must burn" policy, again?

Its good to back off for the time being, lets see how the Govt of the Presidential Palace performs in the negotiations now! They already didn't want us on board, let them wake up and smell the coffee. Another message should be conveyed to the USA, this time about "supply lines". It might do the trick and render all this ridiculous chest thumping and policy of confrontation, void.



I hope that they would match the statements with the above described attitude and stance also. But then again, actions always speak louder than words. The official narrative isn't important, in certain cases.

has to be logical and balance, we should distance our selfes rather than cuase hurdles or cause issues

from distance i mean, let afghan and america sought it out, refuse AID and decrease our miltery cost operation in tribal areas, negotiate with one who are okay not threatening Pakistan and mind our own business, this has worked for all other neighbors of Afghanistan

instead we should ask for transit fees

 

[wiseone2]

Desperate and pathetic sounding COAS. One sating how our achievements should be acknowledged or how we don't require financial assistance, but America's trust. What a thing to say, really.

Your COAS is being smart and prudent. If USA ignores Afghanistan they can ignore Pakistan (assuming India stays a good friend). Without American interest Pakistan is completely dependent on China.

I know it is fashionable for Pakistanis to sing the praises of China. One of these days that might change.

 

[AZ1]

Your COAS is being smart and prudent. If USA ignores Afghanistan they can ignore Pakistan (assuming India stays a good friend). Without American interest Pakistan is completely dependent on China.

I know it is fashionable for Pakistanis to sing the praises of China. One of these days that might change.

I can understand your frustration of having no friend at all. Even having billions dollar trade no country think you as a friend. Actually it's india whose world revolves around USA and their B1 visa and so. Not the case with Pakistan, It's better to have a friend China standing on our side than Back Stabber like USA.

 

[wiseone2]

I can understand your frustration of having no friend at all. Even having billions dollar trade no country think you as a friend. Actually it's india whose world revolves around USA and their B1 visa and so. Not the case with Pakistan, It's better to have a friend China standing on our side than Back Stabber like USA.

I have a secret to share. It is better to be standing on your own feet.

As per one of the best practioners of international politics there are no permanent friends or no permanent enemies only permanent interests in international politics.

India has a lot of friends. Our friends do not cover for our shortcomings

 

[AZ1]

I have a secret to share. It is better to be standing on your own feet.

As per one of the best practioners of international politics there are no permanent friends or no permanent enemies only permanent interests in international politics.

India has a lot of friends. Our friends do not cover for our shortcomings

I have a secret too, to stand on your own feet, the very first step will be hard and other will say oh that's not the good step, you will loose etc (this is for you Indians who are crying CPEC). Now care to share a friend who is as big as China to stand with you(india) on every step you take.

As per one of the best practioners of international politics there are no permanent friends or no permanent enemies only permanent interests in international politics.

Well China and Pakistan are living example to contradict the above line like it or not.

 

[Secur]

This was Pakistan policy?

Its an expression, but one which accurately summarizes what happened before in the 80's and whats about to happen now, if the Afghan reconciliation process is abandoned by Pakistan and things are left to continue in their present form. Would the militant groups be willing to negotiate with a Govt they don't trust? What percentage of the Afghan land is even in control of the International coalition/Ghani administration? If the Afghans think that the situation can improve by angering Pakistan and trying to lessen its role, they are in for a big surprise (which shouldn't be a surprise in the first place, knowing the history).

Expect more bloodshed, caused by our inaction than action, is all I am saying.

I think you are being too harsh on the guy. Essentially that IS his job, to not get involved with the diplomatic efforts.
In this case he was being diplomatic rather than initiate a war of words in a scenario where your ex-PM is actively trying to destroy his institution, bureaucracy is in shambles and financial troubles are about to slam into Pakistan very soon.

I agree with your premise that there's no decisive leadership, but that thing has been absent with the civilians, for a long time. When was the last time, a foreign policy was devised by political leadership independently? I will not argue on why it happens or if its correct, here. Military or security establishment has been doing this job since time immemorial. So, why haven't they got better? See, the last thing we need is an open confrontation with USA. I am not asking these guys to be "macho" but there's no reason to be subservient, either. And the choice of words, can always improve.

Otherwise, continue with the same dependency for another 50 years, the same cycle of blame shifting and "do more" every now and then. If you can't be a little brave now with all the CPEC, Chinese support and improvements in relations with Moscow, then you will never be. What better time can come really? This country isn't run on American payment for Pakistani services, given under the guise of aid and we know it. America certainly must have a "near God" place in the mindset of the military brass.

 

[Secur]

@Oscar

The new U.S. approach does not impress analyst, author and former Australian defense attache to Islamabad Brian Cloughley. He believes it unsurprising that Washington should seek to blame Pakistan for its failures, but finds it telling the CENTCOM commander was able to visit Waziristan in Pakistan. “He couldn’t visit Helmand” across the border in Afghanistan, which is under full Taliban control, Cloughley said. -
Pakistan alarmed over Trump’s Afghanistan policy

What are we trying to explain to these people? Can't they see the reality on ground themselves?