Kerry: Obama Pakistan Plan 'Not A Real Strategy'

USA Today:

Just back from a visit to Pakistan, Sen. John Kerry says the Obama administration's plan for that volatile country, rolled out last month with great fanfare, "is not a real strategy."

Read the whole story: USA Today

Comments

[mesmorize3]

06:30 PM on 04/22/2009

"As an example of how he believes counterinsurgency strategy is lacking, Kerry cited the example of a recent Pakistan army operation in Peshawar.

"The army went in, they expended a lot of energy for US, some lives, and you know, nothing came in underneath it — absolutely nothing. So you're going to wind up with a bunch of folks who are going to hate you.

"If the army's going to take the risk of going in there, for God's sake you have the civil component coming in, so you win something for it," Kerry said.

The Massachusetts senator has sponsored a bill that would steer $1.5 billion a year in aid to Pakistan. He said he opposes language in a companion bill in the House requiring the president to certify that Pakistan does not support terrorists. Pakistanis consider that "insulting," he said.

This basically summarize our policy in Pakistan. I am glad John Kerry realized that there is problem with our policy towards Pakistan. Instead of casting blame we need to be more receptive to the Pakistanis concerns.

[DoesItMatter]

10:52 AM on 04/23/2009

Pakistanis concerns! And that is?

[mesmorize3]

12:55 PM on 04/23/2009

Here is a few.

Christine Fair: " And I think it is unfair to dismiss the notion that Pakistan's apprehensions about Afghanistan stem in part from its security competition with India. Having visited the Indian mission in Zahedan, Iran, I can assure you they are not issuing visas as the main activity! Moreover, India has run operations from its mission in Mazar (through which it supported the Northern Alliance) and is likely doing so from the other consulates it has reopened in Jalalabad and Qandahar along the border. Indian officials have told me privately that they are pumping money into Baluchistan"


"The head of Pakistan's interior ministry has accused India and Afghanistan of supporting rebels in its troubled Balochistan province. "


http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/8012956.stm

[marbiol]

06:06 PM on 04/22/2009

Maybe once the President gets all of the additional troops (almost 100,000!!!) he's asked for over the past 2 years, Sen Kerry may find the strategy more viable:


• In a March 19 speech, Obama said: "As Commander in Chief, I will begin by giving a military overstretched by Iraq the support it needs. It is time to reduce the strain on our troops by completing the effort to increase our ground forces by 65,000 soldiers and 27,000 Marines, while ensuring the quality of our troops."
• In an August 21, 2007, speech, Obama said: "I will add 65,000 soldiers and 27,000 Marines to relieve the strain on our ground forces. I will maintain our technological edge and invest in the capabilities we need to succeed in the missions of the 21st century."
• In an April 23, 2007, speech, Obama said: "But the war in Afghanistan and the ill-advised invasion of Iraq have clearly demonstrated the consequences of underestimating the number of troops required to fight two wars and defend our homeland. That's why I strongly support the expansion of our ground forces by adding 65,000 soldiers to the Army and 27,000 Marines."
Source: http://mediamatters.org/items/200809100033

[WilliamL]

06:30 PM on 04/22/2009

When is your enlistment date?

To coincide with your support of increased troop levels.

When one advocate such plans, one needs to be ready to step up.

[marbiol]

09:27 PM on 04/22/2009

this was the Democratic candidate's "campaign promise"-- which those of us who voted for him (even a 59 yr old old-style Liberal from NYC!!) FULLY EXPECT HIM TO CARRY OUT.

Lets not forget this:
... the war in Afghanistan and the ill-advised invasion of Iraq have clearly demonstrated the consequences of underestimating the number of troops required to fight two wars and defend our homeland. That’s why I strongly support the expansion of our ground forces by adding 65,000 soldiers to the Army and 27,000 Marines.

But adding troops isn’t just about meeting a quota. It’s about recruiting the best and brightest to service, and it’s about keeping them in service by providing them with the first-rate equipment, armor, training, and incentives they deserve. It’s about providing funding to enable the National Guard to achieve an adequate state of readiness again.
Source:http://my.barackobama.com/page/content/fpccga/

As you know, Mr. Obama is also too old to enlist--but I'm certain that you, who voted for the President BASED ON HIS PLATFORM will, assuming you are among he "best and the brightest" enlist to help the President uphlod HIS campaign PROMISES!!


...and then we have Iran:

"I will do everything [SIC!!!!] in my power to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon, everything in my power to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon. Everything," he said.
Source:http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/library/news/2008/06/mil-080604-voa07.htm