Waheed Mahmood
WASHINGTON: Pakistani Army Chief General Ashfaq Kayani will not eliminate insurgents’ safe havens within his country where Taliban and al Qaeda elements launch attacks from against coalition troops in Afghanistan, according to the Washington Post, because he doesn’t trust US motivations and is hedging his bets for when America’s strategy fails.
Recent US intelligence has validated this premise as Kayani refused to budge despite personal appeals from President Obama, General David Petraeus and other US military leaders and diplomats. Kayani’s rationale is based on many factors.
He is hesitant to launch attacks against terrorist sanctuaries because it could incite domestic terrorism and uproot local communities. Plus, anti-American sentiments run high throughout Pakistan, and launching an offensive into North Waziristan would cost the military public support.
Kayani is believed to be the most powerful man in Pakistan – more powerful than even the president and prime minister – and many have suggested that, if he ever wished, he could easily execute a coup and seize complete control of the country.
He is hesitant to launch attacks against terrorist sanctuaries because it could incite domestic terrorism and uproot local communities. Plus, anti-American sentiments run high throughout Pakistan, and launching an offensive into North Waziristan would cost the military public support.
Kayani is believed to be the most powerful man in Pakistan – more powerful than even the president and prime minister – and many have suggested that, if he ever wished, he could easily execute a coup and seize complete control of the country.
Posted in: