General Stanley McChrystal said that cooperation between the armed forces of the United States and Pakistan must be increased. -File Photo
He was talking to reporters at the residence of the US ambassador on Monday evening after holding talks with military commanders here and visiting Swat.
“In fact, we are developing a joint campaign plan so that we approach the entire problem together and as much as possible we can make our efforts synergistic.”
Gen McChrystal said strong partnership between the US and Pakistan was critical for counter-insurgency operations on both sides of the border.
“The most important thing we can do is to coordinate our operations with the Pakistan Army and then there is, of course, going to be political coordination.”
In contrast to some other US officials, who have been lecturing Pakistanis on the need to ‘do more’ in the fight against extremist elements, Gen McChrystal repeatedly called for ‘partnership’ between the two countries and said that differences should not detract them from their aims.
Referring to the often-discussed trust deficit between the two countries, he said the level of mistrust had declined but it needed to be narrowed.
Surprisingly, Gen McChrystal, did not broach either the Haqqani Network or the Quetta Shura – the two problems that have posed serious challenges to cooperation between the two countries.
Pakistan Army, which is engaged in a campaign against militant groups operating from its soil, has been accused of ignoring Afghanistan-focussed groups, prompting critics to claim that Islamabad being fearful of growing Indian influence in the war-torn country, was trying to preserve these factions as future assets for keeping its influence in Afghanistan.
Gen McChrystal, who was all praise for the military’s counter-insurgency campaign and the leadership of Army Chief Gen Kayani, said he had no reasons to doubt Pakistan Army’s sincerity.
“I’m hopeful of the time when the Haqqani Network, which is causing damage inside Afghanistan, is taken on by both of us jointly to reduce the damage they are causing. It is important that we together do that.”
About the Quetta Shura, he said that the best course was cooperation with Pakistan military. He opposed any direct action against the Shura.
“Taliban that threaten Afghanistan need to be pressured everywhere … Partnership with Pakistan is the best road to that as we strengthen the strategic partnership … that is the best way I think.”
He said that successes against Taliban in Pakistan and Afghanistan were interlinked and could not be achieved in isolation. “If Afghanistan suffers from instability it is going to be contagious.
“Everybody has a stake in coming out well.” On the issue of India using Afghanistan to destabilise Pakistan, he said, the complaints needed to be addressed. Although he said he did not have enough information to confirm or deny the allegations.
“If perceptions drive people to mistrust then there is a need to work on them.”
Tags: military operation stanley mcchrystal
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