Obama To Pakistan: We’ll Provide Help But We Want Accountability

So far, the issue of Pakistan is becoming bigger and bigger. One should know that the security situation in Pakistan, let alone the northwestern part that borders Afghanistan, is not that great. The coalition forces in Afghanistan are still having quite the time fighting against the Taliban and insurgents. On top of that, Pakistan has its own domestic and international problems to deal with.

Today, United States President Barack Obama has addressed the issues of Afghanistan and Pakistan. He combined both countries into one new strategy. Under this new strategy, Obama said that the focus will be on taking out Al-Qaeda. So far, he has touched more upon Pakistan. Obama explained that he expects accountability from Pakistan. In return, Obama said that the United States will provide Pakistan with the necessary tools needed.

“If we have a high-value target within our sights, after consulting with Pakistan, we are going after them,” Obama said.

However, Obama did not mean a presence of US troops. He has ruled out the possibility of US troop raids into Pakistan. In outlining the new strategy, Obama said that Pakistan is still recognized as a sovereign government. Obama did make sure to touch upon Afghanistan’s security situation.

According to US Defense Secretary Robert Gates, short-term objectives have been narrowed. He explains that the main priority is to overturn the Taliban’s momentum. One should know that the Taliban has a strong presence in northwestern Pakistan. The government under then Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf blamed the leader of the Pakistani Taliban for the assassination of then Pakistan People’s Party leader and former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto. Bhutto was assassinated on December 27, 2007. However, much of the blame was directed towards Musharraf.

So far, the new strategy has gained support from both Afghanistan and Pakistan. Obama explained the importance of working with Pakistan. He said that the Pakistani people are friends and allies.

However, there is one slight problem: the unmanned Predator drone missiles. That was the one thing that caused recent tensions between the United States and Pakistan.

Obama said that focus needs to be put back on Al-Qaeda. Obama said: “We are going to root out their networks, their bases. We are going to make sure that they cannot attack US citizens, US soil, US interests, and our allies’ interests around the world.”