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Pakistan's strategic enigma

By SAJJAD SHAUKAT November 26, 2008

The US War On Terror has enveloped Pakistan from all sides. Besides other drastic implications, it has also caused a grave financial crisis in the country. Even America refused to bailout Islamabad and compelled her to accept the 'conditionalities' of the IMF where Washington has a greater influence.
American high officials fear that Pakistan's deteriorating economy will further intensify the political turmoil and undermine its cooperation with the US, affecting the fight against terrorism in Afghanistan and tribal areas. On the other side, the US is increasing the multiple crises of our country through CIA-operated strikes on FATA, which have killed more than 200 people in the past four months.
During the recent visit of the US Central Command Chief General David Petraeus, PM Gilani and COAS General Kayani warned him that it was "not possible to ask our people to support the War On Terror when our sovereignty is violated everyday." Just after the trip of General Petraeus, attacks by American drones have continued unabated.
Meanwhile, CIA's Director, Michael Hayden has told a Washington think tank that in wake of US pressure on Al-Qaeda near Pakistan's border, "the region remains the biggest terrorism threat to the US."
However, the main aim of the US by these sporadic strikes seems to antagonise the tribal people against the government and to expedite radicalism among the young men, turning them into suicide bombers, ultimately giving a greater blow to the security of Pakistan and its democratic government.

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