The Nation, Pakistan

Indo-U.S. Alliance Behind Entry of Militants Into Pakistan

"An Indo-U.S. alliance is using Afghanistan as a base for destabilizing Pakistan. … America's laid-back attitude toward border security shows it is deliberately allowing these border crossings to occur. On top of that, the U.S. continues to scold Pakistan about how it isn't doing enough to combat these very same militants."

EDITORIAL

July 13, 2010

Pakistan - The Nation - Original Article (English)

Militants backed by the nation's enemies are sneaking into Pakistan from Afghanistan, according to Interior Minister Rehman Malik. That would appear to confirm that an Indo-U.S. alliance is using Afghanistan as a base for destabilizing Pakistan.

Since the United States maintains such a strong surveillance program along the Afghan border, it would seem impossible for militants to cross into our territory without American knowledge and support. Neither would militants attempt such a feat without outside pressure. The rebels in Afghanistan are too busy fighting the United States to be bothered with what goes on across the border - at least not without a hefty bribe. Meanwhile, from the beginning of the conflict, the Indian government has exploited its presence in Afghanistan by mounting a proxy war to fish in our troubled waters.

In an effort to prevent rogue elements from slipping into Pakistan, Interior Minister Malik has called for increased security checks along the Pakistan-Afghan border. Keeping in view the Indian tactic of turning mercenaries and militias from across Afghanistan against Pakistan, the border needs to be patrolled much more effectively.

Isn't it strange that while the militants keep pouring in from Afghanistan, U.S. forces deployed along the border do nothing to stop them? The Americans must be aware of the repercussions if armed criminal groups were allowed to walk into Pakistan unimpeded. America's laid-back attitude toward border security, however, shows that it is deliberately allowing these border crossings to occur. On top of that, the U.S. continues to scold Pakistan about how it isn't doing enough to combat these very same militants.

To this end, the chairman on the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee, Carl Levin, has urged Pakistan to launch fresh offensives in North Waziristan and against the Jalaluddin Haqqani network. It should be no secret to the Americans that with its large Pashtun areas, if Pakistan were to attack Haqqani, it would be shooting itself in the foot. But despite this, the U.S. continues to push Islamabad to deal with him militarily, rather than seeking a negotiated settlement. But Pakistan must consider its own national interests before those of any other nation. While it should keep a tight vigil on the border and stop troublemakers from sneaking across it, Pakistan must also work toward finding a political solution to the conflict.