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September 23, 2009 Special Dispatch No. 2537

Pakistani Writer Asad Khan Betani: 'Obama is Still Paying Much Attention to Healthcare Reform Rather Than to Mass Destruction in Afghanistan'; 'Pakistan Democrats Seem Unaware of Al-Qaeda's Return to Afghanistan'

September 23, 2009
Pakistan, Afghanistan | Special Dispatch No. 2537

36In a recent article, Asad Khan Betani, a writer based in Pakistan's North WestFrontierProvince (NWFP), warned that the growing number of deaths of U.S. and foreign soldiers in Afghanistan signifies the return of Al-Qaeda in Pakistan's neighborhood. The article, titled "Al-Qaeda's Return to Afghanistan?" was published by The Frontier Post, which is based in the NWFP capital Peshawar.

The following are excerpts from the article: [1]

"July 2009 Proved the Deadliest Month for the U.S. and Foreign Troops in Afghanistan… But Barack Hussein Obama is Still Paying Much Attention to Healthcare Reform"

"The month of July 2009 proved the deadliest month for U.S. and foreign troops in Afghanistan, and the month of August passed much the same as July. But Barack Hussein Obama is still paying much attention to healthcare reform, rather than to mass destruction in Afghanistan.

"Some troops are facing court martial after denying implementing orders in Afghanistan, and [this] has hit the forces and agenda in Afghanistan very badly. After getting nothing from Iraq, U.S. lawmakers, including Congress, still want to continue the war in Afghanistan, which seems like digging a bottomless pit.

The U.S. Will End Up Alone - Because "No Buddy Will Send Their Troops into the Mouth of Death for the Democrats' Self-Interest"

"Analysts say that the U.S. Democrats have started engaging foreign [non-U.S.] troops in Afghanistan, which will make the U.S. alone in the future; no buddy will send their troops into the mouth of death for the Democrats' self-interest - as some countries have presumed that the U.S. Democrats plan to occupy central Asia and to bow down to China as they did to the Soviet Union…"

"Offers of Money by the Taliban Compel… [Poor Afghans] to Become Warriors"

"Some analysts say that the return of Al-Qaeda and the numerous deaths of soldiers in Afghanistan may be a self-made plan to demand that Chinese troops become involved in Afghanistan - which seems unbelievable, but may be a part of a strategy. The Chinese and Soviet forces have reconstructed and strengthened joint intelligence cooperation, not only internally but also in south Afghanistan.

"The fact about the increasing strength of the Taliban is very simple. Poor Afghan citizens have neither drinking water nor basic facilities, so they are compelled to earn money for a living by legal or illegal means. The offers of money by Taliban compel them to become warriors for the [sake of the] rest of their family.

"A number of Taliban are from those families who have been destroyed in the U.S. air strikes. They are believed to be members of suicide bombers against the U.S. and allied forces and an associated team of [Taliban chief] Mullah Omar."

"Unfortunately, Pakistan Democrats Seem Unaware of Al-Qaeda's Return to Afghanistan"

"Pakistan is playing the role of a pillar for the U.S. to stand against terrorism. But, unfortunately, Pakistan democrats seem unaware of Al-Qaeda's return to Afghanistan. Pakistan's support for U.S. strategies has not only created political turmoil among the political parties, but has also affected business in major cities, including Peshawar [in NWFP] and Quetta [the capital of Baluchistan]. In such a situation, the government will never win the hearts of the people of Pakistan.

"China Has Always Played a Vital Role in Asia's Development"

"China has always played a vital role in Asia's development. She also has a vital role in development projects in Pakistan, including Gwadar International Port [on the Baluchistan coast], and also recently agreed to re-erect railway tracks in Baluchistan. China has never passed negative comments against the current strategy - that is, Pakistan's relations with the U.S. China's silence in the current situation proves that she has built a strong defense to protect herself; in this case, nobody will intend to harm China, and Beijing has no desire to send troops to Afghanistan."

"If the U.S. Wants Peace in Central Asia or Worldwide, It Should Force India Into Good Relations With All Its Neighbors - Especially Pakistan."

"Recently, Pakistan Prime Minister Yousef Raza Gilani tried to improve bilateral ties with his Indian counterpart Manmohan Singh, but some of the Indian democrats… with the support of RAW [India's external intelligence Research & Analysis Wing] activists, pressured Manmohan Singh to take back the hand of amity with Pakistan…

"If the U.S. wants peace in central Asia or worldwide, it should force India into good relations with all its neighbors, especially Pakistan. Pakistan has always played a role to bring peace in the whole region, and even now has enhanced its peace process."

"The Sweet Homeland of Valleys Has Been Turned into a Land of Terrorists - Despite [Pakistan's] Support for the U.S. in Afghanistan"

"The sweet homeland of valleys has been turned into a land of terrorists, despite [Pakistan's] support for the U.S. in Afghanistan. But it is regrettable to say that our role in the War on Terror is suspect - as General Mike Mullen, speaking to the media, made negative comments a month ago against Pakistan's premier intelligence agency ISI, not only maligning the image of the ISI but also of Pakistan.

"After the killing of [Taliban chief] Baitullah Mehsud, the rumors about the killed terrorist 'have travelled to another country with another name' - but the U.S. confirmed him as dead. If the supreme commander is dead, no need to worry about it.

"So, this is counsel for the U.S. and NATO forces: If they want to win the war in Afghanistan, they have to stop the KGB involvement in northern Afghanistan, and India must stop its support to Baluchi insurgents in Baluchistan. These terrorists have not only managed to ruin Baluchistan, but also help encroach militants across the border - who are making trouble for the U.S. forces and maligning the image of Pakistan and ISI."

Endnote:

[1] The Frontier Post (Pakistan), September 8, 2009. The article has been lightly edited for clarity.

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