Fight Hard, Talk Hard

Paramilitary Troops Patrol Bajaur in Pakistan's tribal belt - Photo Courtesy: Dawn

It is an axiom that Americans work hard and play hard.

What is less known, and at times baffling, are US moves that entail crushing the enemy on the battle field while engaging with its high profile leaders in private.

This fight hard, talk hard strategy – designed to do whatever it takes to succeed, is the hall-mark of a nation moving forward with super power strides. In this scenario, the US finger points to Pakistan’s spy agencies ties with the Haqqani network, even while enlisting its help to negotiate with the Taliban militants.

The Obama war strategy has come full circle as the battle for Kabul enters a decisive stage. With the withdrawal of US surge troops from Afghanistan set in near stone for 2012 – the region has gone into a wait for the Americans to leave type of mode.

With winter fast approaching the fighting season for conventional NATO warfare has shrunk, even while the Taliban keep up their suicide attacks. In examples of guerrilla warfare, they are able to put down a rifle and pick up a plow… to return to fight another day.

Amid this seemingly unending war, the US is zeroing in on Pakistan to dissuade it from supporting Taliban militants who allegedly use the neighboring federally administered tribal areas to attack NATO troops in Afghanistan and return to their safe havens.

The murder of Afghan peace council chief, Burhanuddin Rabbani in September – for which Afghanistan blamed Pakistan – has shifted the strategy all round from talk hard to fight hard.

In her recent visit to Pakistan, US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton let out the frustration that America has been feeling in its inability to rein in Pakistan:
“You can’t keep snakes in your back yard and expect it to only bite neighbors.”

The reference was to Pakistan’s policy of strategic depth, where the US claims that Pakistan backs Taliban militants like the Haqqani network in order to guarantee a friendly Afghanistan vis-à-vis its arch rival, India.

Clinton also played to the naiveté displayed by a member of the audience which met her on the occasion. The woman told the visiting Secretary of State that the US was like a “mother-in-law” that was never satisfied with what her “daughter in law” i.e. Pakistan did.

Laughter is of course the best remedy for tensions, even diplomatic ones – though it has little to do with the underlying causes.

Indeed, there have been major setbacks to US forces lately – topped last week by the deaths of 13 Americans hit by a suicide bomb attack in Kabul. These have occurred as NATO intensifies its assault on Taliban strongholds in southern Afghanistan that border Pakistan.

Bolstered by the US, the Karzai government has recently done a diplomatic dance with “brotherly Pakistan” – that involves signing a defense deal with India while assuring Pakistan of continuing neighborliness.

The Nov. 2 Istanbul conference on Afghanistan brought President Karzai to appeal to all nations to rein in militants, without singling any one of them.

Pakistan has still not recovered from the shock waves it suffered in May, when the US picked up Osama Bin Laden from under its nose in Abbotabad. Since then, the state has loosened the pressure valve on anti-Americanism. That has enabled politicians to hold rallies of the type held by Islamic parties under former president Gen. Pervaiz Musharraf.

At the same time, Pakistan sanctions US drone attacks in its tribal areas. In recent weeks, the US has intensified and diversified drone attacks here – from North Waziristan to chasing Haqqani fighters in the south of this belt.

For now, it is the interplay of military intelligence and diplomacy that swirls around the longest and most complex war of our times.

89 Replies to “Fight Hard, Talk Hard”

  1. Thank you for the sensible critique. Me and my neighbor were just preparing to do some research on this. We got a grab a book from our local library but I think I learned more from this post. I’m very glad to see such fantastic info being shared freely out there.

  2. You completed various nice points there. I did a search on the issue and found most folks will have the same opinion with your blog.

    1. kooshy,I have read a number of reports that stated that many of the weapons used by the Taliban are obtained from the Afghan army and police, and thus are supplied by Nato, albeit indirectly.

  3. I simply want to mention I am very new to blogging and site-building and definitely liked this web-site. Almost certainly I’m going to bookmark your blog post . You actually have great articles. Appreciate it for sharing with us your web-site.

  4. Nice read, I just passed this onto a friend who was doing a little research on that. And he just bought me lunch as I found it for him smile So let me rephrase that: Thanks for lunch!

  5. Hello there, simply became alert to your blog thru Google, and located that it’s truly informative. A lot of folks will probably be benefited out of your writing. Cheers!

  6. You really make it seem really easy together with your presentation but I in finding this topic to be actually one thing that I believe I’d never understand. It kind of feels too complicated and extremely broad for me. I’m having a look forward on your next post, I will try to get the hang of it!

  7. An impressive share, I just given this onto a colleague who was doing a little analysis on this. And he in fact bought me breakfast because I found it for him.. smile. So let me reword that: Thnx for the treat! But yeah Thnkx for spending the time to discuss this, I feel strongly about it and love reading more on this topic. If possible, as you become expertise, would you mind updating your blog with more details? It is highly helpful for me. Big thumb up for this blog post!

  8. My brother endorsed I may well similar to this web site. He was completely suitable. This post truly created my day. You may not picture just what amount time I’d spent for this info! Thanks!

  9. What’s Happening i am new to this, I stumbled upon this I have found It positively useful and it has aided me out loads. I hope to contribute & assist other users like its helped me. Great job.

  10. I have read some good stuff here. Definitely worth bookmarking for revisiting. I surprise how much effort you put to create such a fantastic informative web site.

  11. This is very good content. I have enjoyed reading your views on this subject and I share some of your views. Thank you for sharing.

  12. This web site is really a walk-through for all of the info you wanted about this and didn’t know who to ask. Glimpse here, and you’ll definitely discover it.

  13. An interesting discussion is worth comment. I think that you should write more on this topic, it might not be a taboo subject but generally people are not enough to speak on such topics. To the next. Cheers

  14. I really got into this article. I found it to be interesting and loaded with unique points of interest. I like to read material that makes me think. Thank you for writing this great content.

  15. I really got into this article. I found it to be interesting and loaded with unique points of interest. I like to read material that makes me think. Thank you for writing this great content.

  16. Hi there Excellent article – Fight Hard, Talk Hard | Aboard The Democracy Train, We usally tend not to trouble to comment on articles but I observed this particular articale to be really helpfull.

  17. Hey! I could have sworn I’ve been to this blog before but after checking through some of the post I realized it’s new to me. Anyways, I’m definitely happy I found it and I’ll be book-marking and checking back often!

  18. Hello I am so thrilled I found your site, I really found you by accident, while I was searching on Askjeeve for something else, Nonetheless I am here now and would just like to say thank you for a remarkable post and a all round interesting blog (I also love the theme/design), I don’t have time to look over it all at the moment but I have saved it and also added your RSS feeds, so when I have time I will be back to read a lot more, Please do keep up the great work.

  19. Fantastic beat ! I wish to apprentice while you amend your website, how can I subscribe for a blog web site? The account aided me a acceptable deal. I had been a little bit acquainted of this your broadcast provided bright clear idea

  20. I really love your site.. Pleasant colors & theme. Did you create this website yourself? Please reply back as I’m trying to create my own personal blog and would love to learn where you got this from or just what the theme is called. Kudos!

  21. We are a group of volunteers and opening a new scheme in our community. Your internet site provided us with valuable information to work on. You have done an impressive job and our whole community is going to be grateful to you.

  22. I simply want to mention I am just very new to weblog and honestly savored this website. More than likely I’m want to bookmark your site . You absolutely come with amazing well written articles. With thanks for revealing your web page.

  23. I found your blog site on google and verify a few of your early posts. Continue to maintain up the superb operate. I simply additional up your RSS feed to my MSN Information Reader. In search of forward to reading extra from you later on!…

  24. Wow, awesome blog structure! How lengthy have you been blogging for? you make running a blog glance easy. The whole glance of your site is magnificent, let alone the content!

  25. Thanks on your wonderful article! I certainly loved reading through it, you’re a fantastic writer. I’ll make sure to book mark your website and will eventually come back from now on.

  26. You make a great point. Got some great info here. I think that if more people thought about it that way, they’d have a better time get the hang ofing the issue.

  27. Amazing that’s unusual. I simply wrote the truly lengthy comment but while i engaged distribute my personal review didn’t appear. Grrrr… well I’m not creating all that once more. Anyway, just wanted to convey superb website!

  28. Oh my goodness! an amazing article. Thank you Nonetheless I am experiencing issue with ur rss . Don’t know why Unable to subscribe to it. Is there anyone getting an identical rss drawback? Anyone who is aware of kindly respond. Thnkx

  29. Youre so cool! I dont suppose Ive read anything like this before. So nice to seek out any person with some original ideas on this subject. realy thank you for beginning this up. this web site is something that is needed on the web, someone with a bit of originality. helpful job for bringing one thing new to the web!

  30. Hey! Do you use Twitter? I’d like to follow you if that would be ok. I’m absolutely enjoying your blog and look forward to new posts.

  31. Greetings from Carolina! I’m bored to death at work so I decided to browse your blog on my iphone during lunch break. I really like the information you present here and can’t wait to take a look when I get home. I’m amazed at how quick your blog loaded on my cell phone .. I’m not even using WIFI, just 3G .. Anyways, awesome site!

  32. I simply want to tell you that I am beginner to blogging and site-building and certainly liked your web page. Almost certainly I’m going to bookmark your blog . You certainly come with impressive posts. Thanks a lot for sharing with us your website page.

  33. I really like what you’ve done with the thmeme but I was asking myself if you are the one that created it or you just bought it and customized it?

  34. I’ve been surfing online more than three hours today, yet I never found any interesting article like yours. It is pretty worth enough for me. Personally, if all website owners and bloggers made good content as you did, the net will be a lot more useful than ever before.

  35. Thanks for each of your efforts on this website. Debby really likes carrying out research and it is easy to see why. We know all concerning the compelling method you produce informative tips and hints by means of this blog. My princess is really discovering a great deal. Enjoy the rest of the year. You are conducting a tremendous job.

  36. I just read your article while waiting for my flight and I’m impressed with your content. You have several bold and original ideas that I can relate to and respect.

  37. I am typically running a blog and i actually respect your content. The article has actually peaks my interest. I’m going to bookmark your website and hold checking for new information.

  38. “Howdy just wanted to give you a quick heads up and let you know a few of the pictures aren’t loading correctly. I’m not sure why but I think its a linking issue. I’ve tried it in two different browsers and both show the same results.”

  39. I’d have to check with you here. Which is not something I usually do! I enjoy reading a post that will make people think. Also, thanks for allowing me to comment!

  40. After research just a few of the blog posts in your web site now, and I truly like your means of blogging. I bookmarked it to my bookmark web site checklist and can be checking back soon.

  41. Oh my goodness! a tremendous article. Thanks Nonetheless I’m experiencing difficulty with ur rss . Don’t know why Unable to subscribe to it. Is there anyone getting identical rss problem? Anybody who is aware of kindly respond. Thnkx

  42. Well, I do understand the challenge here: same picture used in unique context on the Web and reverse engine enabling to weblink this (believed) separated context.

  43. Hello I am so excited I found your web site, I really found you by mistake, while I was researching on Aol for something else, Anyways I am here now and would just like to say thanks a lot for a fantastic post and a all round entertaining blog (I also love the theme/design), I don’t have time to look over it all at the moment but I have bookmarked it and also included your RSS feeds, so when I have time I will be back to read much more, Please do keep up the fantastic work.

  44. I have been browsing online greater than 3 hours today, yet I never found any attention-grabbing article like yours. It¡¯s beautiful value sufficient for me. Personally, if all webmasters and bloggers made just right content material as you did, the internet might be much more useful than ever before.

  45. Hi does anyone know if your Website has a RSS Feed or any sort of a E-Mail list that I could sign up to,

    Cheers.

  46. Extremely great article. I stumbled upon your blog page and wished to mention that I’ve genuinely loved surfing around your site.

  47. I was studying some of your content on this site and I believe this web site is very informative ! Continue putting up.

  48. I do not even know how I ended up here, but I thought this post was good. I don’t know who you are but definitely you’re going to a famous blogger if you aren’t already 😉 Cheers!

  49. An interesting discussion is worth comment. I feel that you should write more on this matter, it might not be a taboo subject however usually individuals are not enough to talk on such topics. To the next. Cheers

  50. Wow, incredible blog layout! How long have you been blogging for? you make blogging look easy. The overall look of your web site is fantastic, as well as the content!

  51. Of course, what a magnificent website and illuminating posts, I definitely will bookmark your website.All the Best!

  52. My spouse and i ended up being quite fulfilled when Albert managed to finish up his survey with the precious recommendations he was given out of your web page. It’s not at all simplistic to just find yourself giving freely guidelines which often some others may have been trying to sell. And we also know we have the website owner to appreciate for this. The most important illustrations you made, the easy blog menu, the relationships your site make it easier to promote – it’s most superb, and it’s helping our son in addition to our family feel that the subject is brilliant, which is incredibly fundamental. Thank you for everything!

  53. Simply want to say your article is as amazing. The clarity in your post is just excellent and i could assume you’re an expert on this subject. Well with your permission allow me to grab your feed to keep updated with forthcoming post. Thanks a million and please keep up the rewarding work.

  54. My brother suggested I might like this website. He was totally right. This post truly made my day. You cann’t imagine just how much time I had spent for this info! Thanks!

  55. Hello.This post was extremely remarkable, particularly because I was browsing for thoughts on this subject last couple of days.

  56. Thank you a lot for providing individuals with an extremely memorable chance to read critical reviews from this blog. It is always so ideal and full of a lot of fun for me and my office co-workers to visit your web site not less than thrice in 7 days to learn the new issues you have. And definitely, we’re usually pleased with all the wonderful suggestions you serve. Some ideas in this article are ultimately the most suitable I’ve had.

  57. I’m commenting to let you know what a useful discovery my cousin’s daughter experienced going through your web blog. She even learned a lot of details, which included what it is like to have an amazing helping style to let men and women just know precisely certain advanced matters. You actually did more than our expected results. Thanks for giving such informative, trusted, edifying as well as easy tips about your topic to Gloria.

  58. I simply want to mention I’m newbie to weblog and definitely enjoyed your web blog. Very likely I’m want to bookmark your website . You really have great stories. Appreciate it for sharing your web-site.

  59. I just want to mention I am new to blogging and site-building and definitely loved you’re blog. Probably I’m going to bookmark your blog . You surely come with exceptional articles and reviews. With thanks for revealing your blog site.

  60. Very educational thank you, I reckon your current followers could possibly want even more well written articles or blog posts of this character continue the excellent perform.

  61. I simply want to mention I’m beginner to weblog and absolutely liked this web-site. Likely I’m planning to bookmark your website . You definitely have good posts. Kudos for sharing with us your blog.

  62. Thanks for a marvelous posting! I actually enjoyed reading
    it, you happen to be a great author. I woll make
    sure to bookmark your blog and dfinitely will come back
    later on. I want to encourage you to continbue your great job.

  63. Heyy thеre, Үou’vᥱ done ann excellent job.

    Ι will certainly digg it aand personally recommend tо my friends.

    І am confident hey will be benefited from tɦis web site.

    Tetima Kasih

  64. I’ve been browsing on-line ore thhan 3 ɦouгs todaʏ, but I
    nevеr foսnd ɑny іnteresting article ⅼike yours. It’s lovely
    value enougҺ for me. In mmy opinion, if aⅼl web owners annd bloggers mɑde good
    сontent ɑs you probably dіd, the web caan ƅe a ⅼot mⲟrе helpful tɦɑn eѵer ƅefore.

  65. I’m more than happy to find this website. I wanted to thank you for your time due to this wonderful read!!
    I definitely really liked every little bit of it and i also have you saved as a favorite to see new stuff on your
    blog.

  66. It’s really very diifficult in this full active
    life to listen news on TV, thus I only use internet for that reason, annd
    get the hottest news.

Leave a Reply to agen ibcbet Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *