US Closes Eyes on its Mess in Afghanistan

Islamabad – The US invasion in Afghanistan occurred in late 2001, and its long presence in the war-torn country since then, has not only intensified insecurity in Afghanistan and caused destruction in the country, but also destabilized the region.

The US instead of taking responsibility of the mess it created in Afghanistan, is blaming other countries, including Pakistan, for the worsening security situation in the war torn country.

Richard Olson, the US Special Representative for Pakistan and Afghanistan, recently told the Senate Foreign Relations Committee that the Obama administration had conveyed to the Pakistani government, that there could be no peace in the region until it makes a decisive shift in its policy of tolerance towards some terrorists groups.

“US officials have been very clear with the most senior Pakistani leadership that Pakistan must target all militant groups without discrimination — including those that target Pakistan’s neighbors — and close all safe havens,” he said.

Olson, who was the US ambassador in Islamabad before taking up his current position, also emphasised the need for a constructive relationship between Afghanistan and Pakistan, which he said was essential for bringing peace and stability to the region.

He noted that the Pakistan had made progress in shutting down terrorist safe havens through different military operations but its struggle with terrorism will not come to an end until it makes a decisive shift in its policy of tolerance towards some terrorist groups including ‘Haqqani network’.

Haqqani network is the group that has targeted many US troops in Afghanistan.

IRNA

R.S