President Bushâs special representative to Afghanistan, Zalamy Khalizad has âstrongly criticisedâ Pakistan in an interview since he believes Islamabad is not moving resolutely enough against the Taliban. This view is shared by senior officials of the Bush administration across the board, as well as by important members of Congress.
| In fact, by most people who aren't comatose... |
They believe that while Pakistan has moved with admirable alacrity against Al Qaeda, it has not shown the same zeal when dealing with the Taliban. Deputy Secretary of State Richard Armitage expressed the same view on the eve of his recent visit to Pakistan. Though closely questioned in Pakistan at a press conference on this remark, he did not cede ground, nor did he take his words back. Khalizadâs interview appears in the Washington Post on Saturday. âThis Pakistanâs attitude to the Taliban is simply unacceptable. We want good relations with Pakistan, and we appreciate their partnership in the campaign against Al Qaeda but Pakistan must do more. Al Qaeda and the Taliban are both important. It is not enough to take action against one and not the other,â he said.
| "Not acceptable" is a bad thing, Perv. Very bad... |
Bush administration officials hold Pakistan directly responsible for the recent Taliban upsurge. They believe that some elements within the Pakistani establishment and the security services are still sympathetic to the Taliban.
| There's your out. Now start cleaning them up... |
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