PAKISTAN Time for Plan B
Posted by Neelam Mathews Oct 16, 2011 Courtesy: Heritage Foundation The Main Obstacle to Progress in Afghanistan Is Pakistan • Pakistan Proxies Conducting Brazen Attacks on U.S. Interests: The Pakistan-based Haqqani network of Afghan insurgents, which Admiral Mike Mullen called a “veritable arm” of Pakistan’s intelligence agency, was behind the attack on the U.S. embassy in Kabul on September 13. While Haqqani forces have conducted attacks against U.S. and NATO soldiers in the past, the embassy attack represents an escalation against U.S. interests in Afghanistan. • Pushing the Region into Deeper Conflict: Pakistan’s support of insurgent groups in Afghanistan is the most significant obstacle to achieving stability. Refusal by the Pakistani military to take action against the Haqqani network seriously undermines U.S. and NATO success in the Afghan mission. White House Needs to Shift Strategy • Reverse Afghan Withdrawal Plan: President Obama’s aggressive withdrawal strateg...