After Trump, Tillerson cautions Pakistan over terror support
US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson has stepped up pressure on Pakistan over its alleged backing of the Afghan Taliban. Tillerson suggested that Pakistan could lose US privileges if it fails to change its posture. Pakistan enjoys billions of dollars in US aid as a non-NATO alliance partner. Yesterday, President Donald Trump warned Pakistan while announcing an increase in America's role in Afghanistan.
Trump unveils Afghanistan strategy, asks India to play greater role
On August 22, President Donald Trump announced that he's putting a new strategy in place for Afghanistan and South Asia. He said he'd prolong the US military intervention in Afghanistan, but didn't mention how many US troops he'll send or for how long they'll stay. He said he'll encourage India to play a greater role in Afghanistan and also warned Pakistan against supporting terrorists.
Pakistan's blamed for supporting attacks on Afghanistan
Experts argue that Taliban-linked militants have been allowed to regroup and mount a resurgent insurgency in Afghanistan, thanks to safe havens in Pakistan. Afghanistan has repeatedly blamed Pakistan for fomenting instability in its territory. The US also blames Pakistani spy agency ISI for having links to the Haqqani network, responsible for conducting some of Afghanistan's deadliest attacks. Pakistan rejects these allegations.
What Tillerson said
Tillerson said Pakistan's ally status "could be on the table for discussion if in fact they are unwilling to change their posture or change their approach to how they are dealing with the numerous terrorist organizations that find safe haven in Pakistan."
Tillerson says US wants a stable Pakistan
Tillerson said Pakistan is a nuclear power and "we have concerns about the security of their weapons." He said the Taliban should be made to understand that it can't win a military victory in Afghanistan and suggested that neither could the US. He suggested negotiations between all warring parties are the most viable means of gaining everlasting peace in Afghanistan.
Reports: Trump's request for India's assistance in Afghanistan rattles Pakistan
Trump's statement calling for India to play a greater role in Afghanistan has reportedly rattled Pakistan. Pakistani officials view India's growing influence in Afghanistan as the main cause of instability and insecurity in the country. Pakistan contends India is funding an anti-Islamabad Afghan regime. In reality, Pakistan has long interfered in Afghan politics, attempting to undermine its civilian leadership to maintain its dominant influence.
