India’s Suspicion of Pakistan Clouds U.S. Strategy in Region

[babylonsister]

India’s Suspicion of Pakistan Clouds U.S. Strategy in Region

By JANE PERLEZ
Published: November 27, 2008


ISLAMABAD, Pakistan — The terrorist attacks in Mumbai occurred as India and Pakistan, two big, hostile and nuclear-armed nations, were delicately moving toward improved relations with the encouragement of the United States and in particular the incoming Obama administration.

Those steps could quickly be derailed, with deep consequences for the United States, if India finds Pakistani fingerprints on the well-planned operation. India has raised suspicions. Pakistan has vehemently denied them.

But no matter who turns out to be responsible for the Mumbai attacks, their scale and the choice of international targets will make the agenda of the new American administration harder.

Reconciliation between India and Pakistan has emerged as a basic tenet in the approaches to the foreign policy of President-elect Barack Obama, and the new leader of Central Command, Gen. David H. Petraeus. The point is to persuade Pakistan to focus less of its military effort on India, and more on the militants in its lawless tribal regions who are ripping at the soul of Pakistan.

more...

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/28/world/asia/28diplo.html?hp

[Deja Q]

1. Hmm, long standing enemy... or terrorist organization that hates anyone who works with the US,

including the US.

Hate to say it, but I think Pakistan's leaders might be telling the truth when they deny involvement.

'course I might be wrong...

[FarCenter]

8. Pakistan and India fought three major wars without US involvement

Muslims and Hindus have sufficient cause for killing each other without consideration of what the US or other groups are doing.

[Uncle Joe]

10. But in this case, singling out westerners became a strategy in the attacks.

So it seems to me, consideration of what the U.S. was doing or maybe would do, came in to play.

[Warpy]

2. They found military explosives

so the suspicion is well founded.

Islamic militants have always enjoyed a certain amount of support from both the military and intelligence units in Pakistan.

[Adsos Letter]

9. that is true, and very possible, however...

the origin of arms doesn't necessarily equate with direct involvement of Pakistani ISI...the black markets in that region are awash with weapons.

[daninthemoon]

3. how would the pakistani gov benefit from the attack? no, i think this

is not related to pakistani gov, but could certainly have pakistani al-queda links.

[Uncle Joe]

4. I believe terrorists are more afraid of peacemakers than anything else. n/t

[babylonsister]

5. You could very well be right. I just read this...

(and OT, Happy Thanksgiving, Uncle Joe. :hi:)

http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/0,1518,593055,00.html

snip//

Forcing Obama's Hand?

Al-Qaida may have a special interest in providing such a test. Obama's middle name "Hussein" and his popularity in Arab countries could pose a serious threat to the organization. Contrary to Bush, Obama is difficult to portray as an American infidel. Al-Qaida lieutenant Ayman al-Zawahiri in his remarks on the American election was forced to provide more creative criticism, calling Obama a "house negro." Terrorists may in fact be trying to force Obama into reacting harshly, so that he appears to the world as war-minded as Bush.

[Uncle Joe]

6. Happy Thanksgiving to you as well, babylonsister.

:hi:

P.S. And peace to everyone else.

[babylonsister]

7. Shaken India points finger at 'neighbors'

Shaken India points finger at 'neighbors'
Toll tops 125; commandos fight to control Bombay
Ashish Kumar Sen THE WASHINGTON TIMES
Friday, November 28, 2008


NEW DELHI | Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Thursday blamed militant groups in neighboring countries - almost certainly Pakistan - for plotting a series of terrorist attacks in the country's financial capital of Bombay, as commandos fought to regain control of the city and the death toll exceeded 125.

India's armed services, working in tandem with police, elite commandos and counterterrorism squads, on Friday scoured two luxury hotels and a Jewish center in Bombay for terrorists who were thought to be holding hostages.

Authorities said the death toll from the attacks, which started Wednesday night stood at 125, including at least six foreigners, by Friday morning.

more...

http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2008/nov/28/shaken-india-points-finger-at-neighbors/