Pakistan Observer: an interesting analysis? (quoting last two paragraphs, which are of particular

[thotzRthingz]

interest to me)...

ref: http://pakobserver.net/detailnews.asp?id=22611

28 March 2010
Change in tone & tenor of US

<...snip...>

Many from within US military ranks have allied themselves with anti-war veterans and activists calling for an end to US led wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, with some active duty soldiers publicly refusing to deploy. They are openly declaring that they have had enough. GI resistance is gaining momentum and the number of war resisters would keep multiplying if the war keeps dragging. This growing resistance movement within military is a cause of consternation for US political and military leadership. Anti-war lawmakers totaling 65, mostly Democrats, moved a bill to force withdrawal of all US troops from Afghanistan by end 2010. Effort was however rejected by US House of Representatives. The US government is also facing a surge in anti-government extremist groups and armed militias driven by deepening hostility towards Obama. Numbers of patriot groups have risen by 250% with close ties with conservative mainstream politics.

The year 2010 is proving good for Pakistan. Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline project has been signed while Pak-China relationship remains as strong as ever. Neighbors of Afghanistan find no role of India in Afghan affairs. Saudi Arabia too brushed aside India ’s request to put pressure on Pakistan to confine future Indo-Pak talks to terrorism only and to help India in gaining contact with Taliban leaders. These developments coupled with worsening security situation in Afghanistan and fast melting economy of USA have helped in bringing a visible change in the tone and tenor of US officials towards Pakistan. Karzai too is saying right things and expressing his affections. Changing geo-political realities has led to ongoing strategic dialogue in Washington on which lots of hopes are pinned. USA seems keen to make amends for their unfair dealings and to forge relations based on mutual respect.

--The writer is a retired Brig and a defence analyst who writes regularly for foreign and local newspapers.

[thotzRthingz]

1. so, DUMBYA, howz that there "nation building" werkin' out fer ya?!

In a complete FLIP-FLOP, George W. Bush went from being wholly against "nation building" to striving for same in not one (Iraq), but two (Afghanistan) countries. Of course, we all know he had no intention of ever leaving Iraq/Afghanistan (middle eastern nations)... as BEING THERE was a lucrative enterprise for American Corporations (in which he, his family, and close friends, all had a vested interest)! But, least we forget his stance, during the 2000 election campaign:

Bush on nation building, Iraq, bin Laden

"I'm worried about an opponent (Gore) who uses nation building and the military in the same sentence.

I don't think our troops ought to be used for what's called nation building.

... a nation-building corps from America. Absolutely not. Our military is meant to fight. "

- source: http://zfacts.com/p/136.html