U.S. General: Pakistan won't look for Mullah Omar

[Solomon2]

Nominee Questions Pakistan's Battle Plan

By JULIAN E. BARNES 6/29/2011

WASHINGTON—The Marine general chosen by President Barack Obama to lead the Afghanistan war raised doubts about Pakistan's willingness to go after militants who cross the Afghan border to attack U.S. and allied troops.

In a confirmation hearing before the Senate Armed Services Committee, Lt. Gen. John Allen also said he believed that the Afghan insurgency's momentum has been halted and even reversed in key parts of the country, and backed Mr. Obama's troop drawdown plans.

But Pakistan, as a haven for militants, looms large over the war in Afghanistan. Gen. Allen said Pakistan continues to "hedge" against a precipitous U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan by supporting anti-American militant groups, including the Haqqani network.

The statements were a rare public show of military skepticism about Pakistan's intentions, reflecting the military's increasing view that relations with Pakistan are deteriorating.

Gen. Allen, deputy commander of the U.S. Central Command, argued that it would be ultimately in Islamabad's interest to expel militant groups from their sanctuaries in Pakistan.

Lt. Gen. John Allen, President Obama's choice to lead the military in Afghanistan, right, is seen on Capitol Hill on Tuesday.

"We will encourage and will continue to encourage our Pakistani friends to bring pressure to bear upon those safe havens," he said. "It's not just good for the outcome of our strategy and for the president's vision on the outcome in Afghanistan; it's good for Pakistan as well."

Appearing alongside Gen. Allen, Adm. William McRaven, nominated to lead Special Operations Command, also said Pakistan is unlikely to move against the frontier militant havens anytime soon.

The admiral oversaw the Navy SEAL team that last month killed Osama bin Laden at his hideout in a Pakistani garrison town.

The officers' testimony shined a light on the fragile state of U.S.-Pakistan relations, which have grown combative in the wake of the bin Laden raid.

Military leaders have made plain they are displeased with the declining cooperation by Pakistan, but insist the U.S. can't walk away from the relationship.

"We're giving them $4 billion," said Sen. Scott Brown (R., Mass.). "And yet sometimes we don't know if they're in or they're out, are they with us or [are] they not?"

After Adm. McRaven said Taliban leader Mullah Mohammad Omar is likely hiding in Pakistan, Sen. Lindsey Graham (R., S.C.) demanded Pakistan hand him over.

Pakistani officials have said limited military capacity—not lack of will—is inhibiting their operations against militant groups.

Gen. Allen said he backs President Obama's decision to pull 10,000 troops out of Afghanistan this year, and the remaining 23,000 surge troops by the end of next summer. After the drawdown, the U.S. would still have 68,000 troops in the country, he said.

But he acknowledged that the military didn't recommend a drawdown schedule as aggressive as the one Mr. Obama chose.

Under questioning from Sen. Joe Lieberman (I., Conn.), a critic of the Obama administration's drawdown plan, Gen. Allen suggested that if conditions deteriorate he would advise Mr. Obama to alter the plan.

"It is my responsibility to the chain of command and to our commander-in-chief to ensure—should I be concerned about the progress or the execution of the campaign—that I so advise the chain of command," he said.

Neither the Afghan Taliban nor the Haqqani network has directly targeted the Pakistani government. And Islamabad remains wary of a hasty U.S. withdrawal and sees the militant networks as potential future allies in Afghanistan.

Gen. Allen said even as troops leave Afghanistan, the military would continue to implement its current counterinsurgency strategy, which is aimed at protecting civilians from the insurgents while helping the government extend its reach and legitimacy.

Sen. Graham asked if Gen. Allen would have enough forces to continue that strategy, which requires large numbers of troops to secure population centers.

"How can we maintain counterinsurgency if all the surge forces have gone?" Sen. Graham asked.

Dawn: WASHINGTON: The Pakistanis know that Mullah Omar is in Pakistan and are ignoring US requests to find him, two senior US military commanders told Congress on Tuesday.

The two commanders, who will now oversee all US military operations in the Pak-Afghan region, also said that Pakistan was protecting the Haqqani network of militants and had not acted when asked to destroy Taliban weapon factories in Fata.

“We believe he is,” said Admiral William McRaven when Republican Senator Lindsey Graham asked him if Mullah Omar was hiding inside Pakistan.

Lt-Gen John Allen said Pakistan lacked the desire and the capability to act against the militants...

The senator then asked Lt-Gen Allen, the future head of the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan, if the Americans were `certain` that explosive devices used against their soldiers were coming from Pakistan.

“Yes, we are,” said the general.

“Have we given that information to the Pakistanis?” the senator asked. “That`s correct, sir,” said the general.

“And have they responded effectively?” the senator asked. “They have not,” the general said...

 

[Slides]

This exchange is hilarious. Assumptions over more assumptions. No wonder why this guy made Admiral, he knows how to play to his audience.

“Sir, I believe the Pakistanis know he is in Pakistan,” said Admiral McRaven, President Barack Obama`s nominee to head the US Special Operations Command. Admiral McRaven also was in charge of the May 2 raid that killed Al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden.

“If they tried for about a week, do you think they could find him?” asked the senator. “I don`t know whether they could or not, because I don`t know exactly where Mullah Omar is,” Admiral McRaven replied.

 

[ramu]

Forget what US says but are you sure that Pakistan establishment want this war to continue ? In my book, Yes. That is a good way to keep the funds coming and the army gets a lion share. They want it to continue as they get a regular income and may be some arms and aid. The suffereing of the common man in Pakistan is not of great interest to the powerful just as in any other country.

Pakistan, it takes a pinch of introspection.

 

[53fd]

The US won't look for Mullah Omar to hunt him down either, but to negotiate power transfer deals with the Taliban.

 

[53fd]

Forget what US says but are you sure that Pakistan establishment want this war to continue ? In my book, Yes. That is a good way to keep the funds coming and the army gets a lion share. They want it to continue as they get a regular income and may be some arms and aid. The suffereing of the common man in Pakistan is not of great interest to the powerful just as in any other country.

Pakistan, it takes a pinch of introspection.

You'd be crazy if you really think they want this war to continue. Most of the actions the Pakistani establishment has taken is to remove the US from Afghanistan. Without the US in Afghanistan, there is no WOT. What has this war given Pakistan? $21 billion from the US, & $68 billion losses for fighting their war. Almost 4000 soldiers have died. The public opinion of the establishment has sunk to an all time low.

 

[shining eyes]

WASHINGTON: A senior US military officer said Tuesday Pakistani leaders show no sign they are ready to crack down on Haqqani militants operating from sanctuaries near the Afghan border, despite repeated US requests.

The United States has long demanded Pakistan go after the Haqqani network in North Waziristan that has staged attacks on NATO-led forces in Afghanistan.

But top officers indicated they did not expect any improvement in Islamabad’s cooperation and that Pakistan lacked the will and the resources to move against Haqqani militants.

“Sir, I don’t think it is likely to change,” Vice Admiral William McRaven, who oversaw a raid last month by Navy SEALs that killed Osama bin Laden in his Pakistani hideout, told senators.

Referring to talks with Islamabad military leaders, McRaven said “it is both a capacity issue for the Pakistanis and I think potentially a willingness issue.”

McRaven, nominated by President Barack Obama to take over US special operations command, said the situation in northwest tribal areas “is difficult for them to deal with.”

Lieutenant General John Allen, named as the next commander in Afghanistan, suggested Pakistan was keeping its options open by allowing Haqqani fighters to operate within its borders.

“It’s a function probably of capacity. But it might also be a function of their hedging, whether they have determined that the United States is going to remain in Afghanistan, whether our strategy will be successful or not,” Allen told the Senate Armed Services Committee.

“At some point, as we have emphasized to the Pakistanis, we’ve got to bring pressure to bear on this insurgent safe haven,” he said.

Senator Carl Levin, after hearing the officers answer his questions on Pakistan, said Islamabad’s approach was unacceptable.

“Well, something’s got to give, something’s got to change,” Levin said.

His comments came amid calls from some lawmakers to scale back the billions in US aid for Pakistan due to the presence of extremist safe havens.

Another senator, Lindsey Graham, said it was time Pakistan track down the leader of the Afghan Taliban, Mullah Omar.

McRaven confirmed to Graham that the US military believed Omar was in Pakistan and had asked the country’s army to find him.

General Allen also confirmed, when asked by Graham, that roadside bombs used to assault US-led forces were being constructed in Pakistan and that the United States had provided Islamabad with information about the location of bomb-making sites.

 

[somebozo]

Americans failed to achieve any objectives in Afghan war. They came with the assumption of subduing the cavemen in few days of fight, establishing their base and controlling the Central Asia energy route. However all plans failed and like a miserable loser they cant do much but keep shifting the blames. Daily receding smiles of Obama do portray something.

 

[afzal193]

this will just encourage the americans to carry out ,more OBL kind of raid's , and drone attack's to break haqqani network , and this time they will easily be able to justify it aswell

 

[LeGenD]

Americans failed to achieve any objectives in Afghan war. They came with the assumption of subduing the cavemen in few days of fight, establishing their base and controlling the Central Asia energy route. However all plans failed and like a miserable loser they cant do much but keep shifting the blames. Daily receding smiles of Obama do portray something.

Stability cannot be forced upon a large society.

Taliban movement is an ideology. Their is no military solution for an ideology. As long as this ideology has backing of the local people, it will remain strong.

This is why US has decided to 'accomodate' Taliban as part of the permanent Afghan solution. The planned withdrawal suggests that situation is changing inside Afghanistan or is expected to change soon.

Keep in mind that if Taliban achieves victory; it will symbolize defeat of both USA and Pakistan.

The lack of will and resources to tackle Haqqani network is not a good sign for Pakistan. It is a sign of major weakness.

Therefore, the image of both USA and Pakistan is in jeopardy.

 

[Bill Longley]

U.S. President Barak Obama announced Afghan troops surge and future Strategy in his address to cadets at the West Point military Academy on December 1st 2009.
According to the plan, 30,000 more troops were sent to Afghanistan for breaking backbone of the Taliban movement and restore order.
It was also announced that withdrawal of U.S. troops from Afghanistan will start in 2011, however, it was later decided that a complete troops withdrawal will conclude in 2014.
Since the announcement of surge in 2009 things have gone from bad to worst. This also has resulted in a blame game between U.S. and Pakistan.
U.S. accuses Pakistan of providing the Afghan Taliban with sanctuaries in tribal areas, and also blames Pakistani prime intelligence agency ISI for covertly supporting them.
From U.S. perspective Pakistan is failing to take action against Haqqanies, based in North Waziristan Agency, and who according to the U.S. are responsible for Afghan ills.
U.S. also alleges that Mullah Omer governs and guides Afghan Taliban through Quetta Shura.
Why the troops surge has still failed U.S. efforts in Afghanistan?
It is a million dollar question.
Those who sit in comfortable chairs in Washington and Europe find it very easy and logical to blame Pakistan. But is it Pakistan that needs to be blamed or the real reason behind U.S. failure in Afghanistan is due to its irrational policies and NATO in Afghanistan?
The major Reason behind failure to understand what is wrong with Afghanistan is refusal to acknowledge that contemporary Taliban movement has changed from religious movement to racial/ ethnic movement .

It was the religious movements in 90’s but the main supporters of Taliban in that era were Pashtuns. We can say it was a Pashtun religious movement. After American Invasion of Afghanistan, crowds of Pashtuns were seen celebrating demise of Taliban regime as their narrow interpretation of Islam and brutal punishments made the traditional Pashtun families hate them. But unfortunately after the Afghan invasion, U.S. played in the hands of non Pashtun warlords.

According to a report by Norwegian Refugee Council/Global IDP Project:
“Pashtuns, trying to escape the ethnic tensions that erupted shortly after the war against terrorism began. Uzbeks and Tajiks took revenge on the local Pashtuns because they suspected them of supporting the Taliban. The Pashtuns fled towards the south….The human rights situation in Afghanistan is a continuing source of serious concern. In the north, north-east and west, commanders act with impunity and are seen by many as being responsible for a wide range of repressive activities. …” (PROFILE OF INTERNAL DISPLACEMENT: AFGHANISTAN, 25 Oct 2004)

End of Taliban regime was not taken as a chance to rebuild Afghanistan. American allies in Afghanistan used this as an opportunity to victimize Pashtuns and seek revenge on Taliban. U.S. and NATO killed thousands of innocents on Intel provided by these warlords and humiliated thousands of Pashtuns in their pursuit of Taliban. As a result, Taliban who went underground after the invasion started re-emerging in 2003 with support coming from Pashtuns. This time they were not only ideological warriors but also Pashtun warriors fighting for land and respect/ honor of the Pashtun race.


Today while playing blame game against Pakistan and villanizing Hamid Karzai , west especially the U.S. is not reckoning the reality written all over Afghanistan that Taliban movement , at present is more Ethnic movement against Occupation to avenge the humiliation of Pashtun race then a religiously orthodox movement.

In early 1970’s India started supporting Tamil separatists. It was not because India wanted to destroy Sri Lanka. It was because India has a large Tamil and Dravidian population and it was its compulsion to be in good books of the Tamil population. In late 80’ when militant Tamils started creating Law and Order situation in India. To counter that India changed its policy and in 87 they intervened in Sri Lanka. From Sinhalese perspective, Indian intervention proved beneficial to LTTE militants as the momentum gained in Operation Liberation 1 and 2 was reversed and Operation Pawen, as this intervention was named, allowed LTTE to regroup.
The ‘professional’ Indian army failed to deliver and left the regrouped and battle-hardened LTTE for Sri Lankan government to deal with.
Al though Rajiv took a u-turn and stopped support to LTTE but Tamil Nadu State government continued its support for Tamil cause and central government overlooked all this in order not to inflame Tamil emotions.

Pakistan has the largest Pashtun population in the world with approximately 36 million Pashtun living in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, both bordering Afghanistan. 14 million Pashtuns live in Afghanistan where they constitute 42 % of Afghan demography. Pashtuns are second largest ethnic group in Pakistan and play an important part in development and progress of Pakistan.

During Afghan Jihad against Soviets, it was alleged that Hikmat Yar was the blue-eyed boy of Pakistani establishment. This was not because the establishment loved him but he was a compulsion. He was heading the strongest and well-rooted group of Pashtun Mujahideen.
In fact Pakistan’s support was for Pashtuns, not for Hikmat Yar alone. After the arrival of Taliban, Pakistan decided to support them, although they proved to be out of control and liability as they never acted upon any advice from Pakistan and continued to implement their strict polices at will.
The destruction of Buddha statue in Bamyan in 1998 despite Pakistan govt’s repeated requests to refrain from such acts proved counter-productive.
Foreign office advised that Pakistan should get away from Taliban but again Pakistan was under compulsion to maintain its relations due to the ethnic identity and support in Pakistani and Afghan Pashtuns.

Post Afghan invasion created an opportunity which U.S. and international community failed to utilize. Had Pashtuns been treated fairly, they would have been given a good share in political and economic development. Then it would have been impossible for Taliban to come back. It would have also helped Pakistan to de-radicalize its Pashtun population.
Unfortunately, Afghan Pashtuns coming to Pakistan to escape Non Pashtun Warlords and humiliation at the hands of American and ISAF brought with them stories which enraged their cousins and tribesmen living on the Pakistani side of Durand line.
This started a new wave of Support for Afghan Pashtuns. The main beneficiary of this anti-American /ISAF sentiments became Al Qaeda. When Pakistan Army intervened in support of International forces in Afghanistan, Criminal elements in FATA and Sectarian elements joined hands with Al-Qaeda, and two main types of Groups emerged. First Supporting Afghan Taliban and other Takfiri Pro Al-Qaeda group which made the TTP, which declared war against the Pakistani state.

Pakistani forces first time entered FATA in 2003. Their presence in FATA were not welcome as they were seen fighting on behalf of U.S.


Government of Pakistan tried to create consensus among general public but it was failed effort as ethnic/ tribal/ family relations are stronger stimulus in a federation then any international need.
The history of past 10 years prove that Pakistani Public support only started when Takfiri /Al-Qaeda TTP started hitting Pakistani Targets and started implementing their barbaric ideology where ever they have control. In many cases they violated Pashtun Norms and made Pashtuns against them. This consensus helped Pakistan to carry out successful operations against TTP Swat, South Wazistan.

On the other hand, the other group followed policy of non-intervention in Pakistan but gave support to Afghanistan. Today, when Taliban movement in Afghanistan has become Pashtun Ethnic movement, Pakistan cannot afford to fight this group.
Any operation against them will be considered an action against Afghan Pashtun Fighters and will in turn help the TTP while Pakistani federation would be further alienated from its ethnic Pashtuns.
Pakistan is reluctant to fight because it cannot afford making Pashtuns an anti-Pakistan force, just to please the U.S. or anyone else, especially when Pashtun Afghan president is protesting, threatening and complaining, and calling U.S. and ISAF occupation forces not caring for Afghan(Pashtun) lives and honor.


By Villanizing Pakistan, the U.S. is forcing Pakistan to think again about the alliance. Fortunately, Pakistan is coming nearer to other big powers in region like Russia and China.
The present state of relations is projecting that all neighbors of Afghanistan want U.S. out. Even India is not ready to be U.S. tool against China and Pakistan and is also a candidate for Shanghai Conference, a regional Alliance against U.S. Presence.

The blame game against Pakistan Army and ISI is a last ditch effort by U.S. to get share in Afghan booty but the overall stance of Army and Political government seems to be one which is adding frustration among American Policy circles.

Chronicles of Abu Abdul Samad: Pakistan, Pashtuns and Great Game

 

[Respect4Respect01]

Usa took ten years to find osama even though they have most modern equipment, now gives us about 20 years, then we might think about him, if he survives till then.