Despite challenges in the bilateral relationship, the United States and Pakistani interests continue to align in defeating terrorists, Defense Secretary Leon Panetta said, while also noting the importance of Pakistani actions against militant safe havens for success in Afghanistan.
Panetta told a Washington think tank that the United States remains committed to pursuing defense cooperation with Pakistan on the basis of shared interests in fighting terrorists. In Afghanistan and Pakistan, years of military and intelligence operations have significantly weakened al Qaeda, he said but saw the need to maintain pressure on the group. He also hinted at expanding the fight against al-Qaeda to areas other than the traditional strongholds of the militant organisation. He explained that sustaining pressure on al-Qaeda means degrading the terrorists’ senior leadership, dismantling their organizational capabilities, remaining vigilant to ensure the threat does not reconstitute, and working to build the capacity of U.S. partners, including Pakistan, to confront these shared threats. “Despite challenges in the bilateral relationship between the United States and Pakistan,” Panetta said, “one area in which our national interests continue to align is defeating the terrorists on Pakistan soil that threaten both of us.”
Iran, Pakistan, Afghanistan unity indomitable: Ahmadinejad
A united Iran, Pakistan and Afghanistan will be indomitable against all foreign powers, including the United States, Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said on Wednesday at a reception attended by politicians and journalists in Islamabad. Accusing foreign elements of trying to dominate the region, Ahmedinejad said unity and an understanding between the three states would prove to be invincible against all odds. “The Iranians are apprehensive about the situation in Pakistan, just like the Pakistanis are concerned about sanctions levied on Iran,” he said.