Troops into Pakistan, where terrorists are, and troops can't be sent

[Sarah Ibarruri]

Pakistan: a breeding ground for terrorists, yet we can't send troops. How sending more troops into Afghanistan fits into dealing with Pakistan.


http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/02/world/asia/02strategy.html?_r=1


Between the Lines, an Expansion in Pakistan


Mr. Obama could not be very specific about his Pakistan strategy, his advisers conceded on Monday evening. American operations there are classified, most run by the Central Intelligence Agency. Any overt American presence would only fuel anti-Americanism in a country that reacts sharply to every missile strike against extremists that kills civilians as well, and that fears the United States is plotting to run its government and seize its nuclear weapons.

Yet quietly, Mr. Obama has authorized an expansion of the war in Pakistan as well — if only he can get a weak, divided, suspicious Pakistani government to agree to the terms.

In recent months, in addition to providing White House officials with classified assessments about Afghanistan, the C.I.A. delivered a plan for widening the campaign of strikes against militants by drone aircraft in Pakistan, sending additional spies there and securing a White House commitment to bulk up the C.I.A.’s budget for operations inside the country.