Posted by Wymark on 10/28/2009, 3:03 pm
82.23.179.222
Just like the operation in Swat Valley in May, which displaced two million people, it's been undertaken after heavy pressure from the Obama administraion. The New York Times reported on October 18th that:
'As Pakistan’s boldest and most difficult offensive against the Taliban unfolded, Gen. David H. Petraeus, the American military commander for the region, arrived in Islamabad on Sunday to consult with Pakistan’s military leadership and civilian government.
The United States military has been urging the Pakistanis to forge ahead with the offensive, saying that the Pakistani Army must stand up to the Qaeda-fortified Taliban and its network of militant groups bent on trying to take down the nuclear armed nation'.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/19/world/asia/19pstan.html?hp
And just like the operation in Swat, it's lead to a massive displacement crisis. Manual Bessler, the head of the U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs in Pakistan, estimates that 200'000 people out of the 250'000 that populate the region have been forced to flee.
IDPs interviewed by the BBC report that they're being denied aid, and collectively punished for the 'crime' of belonging to the same tribe as the insurgent groups.
Here's what Secretary of State Hilary Clinton, currently visiting Pakistan, has to say about the situation:
'I give the Pakistani government and military high marks'.
http://news.scotsman.com/world/Clinton-hails-Pakistan-forces.5772299.jp
You might think a force engaged in massive displacement and collective punishment would be due a bit of criticism. But apparently not. They get praise from the paymaster, and Obama's proxy war in Pakistan continues to devastate the lives of millions of people.
Message Thread:
« Back to thread