The Nation, Pakistan

U.S. Disrespect for Pakistan

Sovereignty Must End …

"This recent wave of attacks from across the border proves that U.S.-led forces no longer regard Pakistan as an ally in the War on Terror."

EDITORIAL

March 16, 2008

Pakistan - The Nation - Original Article (English)

Just a day after Pakistan's formal protest over the firing of missiles into the Tribal Areas by the U.S.-led coalition - killing two women and two children - four more missiles were fired into Boraki village in Kurram Agency. This recent wave of attacks from across the border prove that U.S.-led forces no longer regard Pakistan as an ally in the War on Terror. Under the contrary, one gets the impression that the U.S. considers Pakistan well within the zone of its War on Terror. In the past, these kinds of activities were kept secret. At least coalition forces used to inform Pakistani authorities before launching an attack. But despite protest and condemnation by Islamabad, the most recent round of attacks took place with no prior warning.

The Kurram Agency's political administration in never even knew who the targets of the attack were. But whether the targets were Pakistan's Frontier Corps. or the militants, the fact remains that the missiles fell near Frontier Corps checkpoint. Luckily no casualties were reported, since none of the missiles exploded. Apparently to avert the inevitable criticism, official sources claimed that they had no idea where the missiles had come from. Apart from these kinds of missile attacks, on many prior occasions ISAF forces have "mistakenly" crossed into Pakistan to fire on suspected militants, reportedly killing many civilians in the process. Many have been forced to flee because of these attacks.

Posted by WORLDMEETS.US

Our government needs to log a strong protest. Such incidents not only jeopardize the War on Terror partnership between Pakistan and the U.S., they could propel matters out of control. In the past, such attacks were attributed to a lack of coordination. But this time around, Pakistani authorities were left in the dark.  

Posted by WORLDMEETS.US

In addition, Coalition forces must display some responsibility and grasp the fact that such attacks only exacerbate Pakistan's domestic security problem, already suffering the fallout from extremism.

Finally, it's about time a line was drawn in the sand between the Pakistan and Afghan borders. Coalition troops must be reminded to respect Pakistan's sovereignty.

[Posted by WORLDMEETS.US March 16, 10:05am]