Haqqani controversy

Another thorn in a thorny relation

The differences between the US and Pakistan over the proposed operation in North Waziristan were echoed in the Seville meeting of the Nato Chiefs of Defence and also when Gen Kayani and Admiral Mullen met on the sidelines of the occasion. According to the ISPR, the COAS reiterated at the meeting the resolve and commitment of Pakistan in the struggle against terrorism while underlining Pakistan’s sovereign right to formulate a policy in accordance with its national interests and the wishes of the Pakistani people. This was an indirect way of conveying that the operation would be conducted only if and when Pakistan’s interests required. The issue reportedly came under discussion during a meeting between Admiral Mullen and Gen Kayani. The former underlined the urgency for a military action against the Haqqani network. Kayani however told Mullen that the operation would be conducted by Pakistan only when considered necessary by it. A picture of the encounter released by Reuters indicates the meeting must have been stormy.

There were indications during the last few days of a process of reconciliation being underway. The arrest of senior Al-Qaeda leader Younis al-Mauritani early this month was hailed by Washington. The visit by Gen John Allen to Islamabad and Peshawar a few days later too indicated a melting of snows. Things however dramatically changed after the Tuesday attack inside Kabul by the militants. This led to a hasty and strongly worded statement from Leon Panetta expressing frustration that Pakistani government had so far failed to conduct an operation against the Haqqani group. On Saturday, Sirajuddin Haqqani told the Reuters that his group no longer needed sanctuaries in Pakistan and was in fact operating from within Afghanistan where it received support from military and police officials. Many think the audacious attack in a highly sensitive area of Kabul could not have been made without insider help.

Both Washington and Islamabad face a common enemy who is as ingenious as it is ruthless. A victory against the terrorists can not be achieved unless leaders in both countries act with realism and caution instead of resorting to posturing.