E-mail updates
Follow on Twitter
Subscribe to RSSThe deputy leader of the Pakistani Taliban said Saturday that peace negotiations were underway with Pakistan's government, NBC News reported.
Maulvi Faqir Mohammad said the government had released 145 of their prisoners and halted military operation in the Bajaur tribal region.
The Pakistani Taliban, or the Tehrik-e-Taliban, has been waging a four-year war against the government in Islamabad and the peace talks could further fray the U.S.-Pakistan relationship, Reuters said.
There was no immediate comment from the administration on whether talks were taking place. The United States, the source of billions of dollars of aid vital for Pakistan's military and feeble economy, is unlikely to look kindly on the peace talks with a group it has labeled as terrorists.
Speaking from somewhere in Afghanistan by phone, Mohammad said talks with the government started after the All Parties Conference in Islamabad a few months back, in which the political leadership supported peace negotiations with Pakistani Taliban for the restoration of peace.
"The Taliban were reluctant earlier to seriously take offers for peace talks came from the government as the government had lost its credibility by arresting some senior Taliban commanders in Swat such as Haji Muslim Khan ... (and) Mahmud Khan. They were invited for holding peace talks and were then taken into custody," the Taliban leader told NBC News.
No military solution
He said the government had recently showed some courage in changing its polices toward the Taliban and tribal regions.
"Our talks are going in the right direction," Mohammad told Reuters.
He said the government had realized that there was no military solution to the conflict in Pakistan.
"We have no wish to fight against our own armed forces and destroy our own country," he said. "There has been development in our peace talks, but the government would have to show more flexibility in its stance, and restore the trust of Taliban by releasing their prisoners and stop military operations against them."
Mohammad said the militants had pledged a cease-fire. He added that Pakistan and Afghanistan should unite against what he called foreign occupations by non-Muslims.
The Pakistani Taliban, known as the TTP, is allied with the Afghan Taliban movement fighting U.S.-led NATO forces in Afghanistan.
It is entrenched in the unruly areas along the porous frontier. It pledged to overthrow the Pakistani government after the military started operations against the TTP.
Time to consolidate
Past peace pacts with the TTP have failed to bring stability, and merely gave the umbrella group time and space to consolidate, launch fresh attacks and impose their austere version of Islam on segments of the population.
Mohammad heads the TTP faction based in Bajaur, at the northeast end of the Pashtun belt along the border. He is known to be close to al-Qaida. His men focused on attacking into Afghanistan until U.S. drones, hunting for al-Qaida deputy Ayman al-Zawahiri, began strikes in his area in early 2006.
Mohammad was believed to have been behind several attacks on Pakistani security forces. The army launched an offensive in Bajaur in August 2008 and largely cleared the region after months of at times heavy fighting.
The statement Saturday was the first time that a named commander has said the group is negotiating with the Pakistani government.The government has previously denied any such talks.
NBC News, Reuters and The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Leave a Comment:
Further proof that Pakistan has been playing a double game with American Dollars. Time to cut off all aid and let India stomp them flat.
The US should definatly use India as leverage. Screw Pakistan, if they are foolish enough to use a nuke, send them back to the stone age.
So, the Pakistani government capitulates. Big surprise. Again, we see that the ISI calls the shots there. Will our government PLEASE STOP SENDING OUR TAX DOLLARS TO THIS DUST BOWL?
Somebody please remind Pakistan of the 1939 non aggression pact between the Nazi's and Soviets. Millions worldwide died as an indirect result of this "peace" treaty.
I agree....let India take over this worthless failed muslim pit of corruption and deceit. Stop all aid immediately, get every one of our citizens out of that scum bag country now! And....let's also remember that our "cooperation and aid " to this worthless place has been directed by Hillary Clinton and Obama.
When did two terrorists ever had peace talks? Peace talks? Are you kiddin me? I heard that region does not have the word PEACE in any vocabulary or in any book, let alone religion...those meetings will end up with death to both sides...as we speak each side is probably trying to figure out how to sneak a bomb in the turbans or in the ass to the meeting....its in their genes.....hardcoded...hardwired....anyone who could disrupt that gene should win the Nobel prize....
Uh, Bush sent the same aid stupid.
Jack "let's also remember that our "cooperation and aid " to this worthless place has been directed by Hillary Clinton and Obama" and Bush and Constance Rice who are wealthy beyond their dreams now.
Soon they can rename Pakistan .".Talepak" and in a 2 for 1 deal ...The world can deal with this terrorist place all together.Islamic terrorists or any terrorists for that matter.. have to be finshed off.Only other terrorists can negotiate with terrorists.Pakistan is showing its true colors and it`s very very bestial!!
Why do we continue to borrow money from China to support the Pakistan government? How long must we continue to support an evil concept of government such as Pakistan has shown the world? They have been known to murder their elected officials and deal with terrorist organizations. It is now time to stop any financial aid to a government who openly deals with terrorists. Just leave these people alone and they will eventually kill each other off. When they indicate even the slightest threat to the United States of America, at home or abroad, then we retaliate with a force never known to humanity.
We always knew that the Taliban and factions of Pakistan's ISI and military were aligned. Now it is out in the open and Pakistan has been building its nuclear arsenal rapidly. These are bad developments.
Translation - they are negotiating for better funding and use of Pakistani land for their operations.
It's funny how people talk about how evil it is for the Pakistanis to have talks with terrorists. When the UNITED STATES TRAINED THEM!
Google Operation Cyclone.
Taliban better negotiate...they are losing...
Obama has put some hurt on em....even went in to Pakistan to get bin laden.
Pakistan is lining up against us...very bad for Pakistan. And the Taliban is gonna drag another country into the dirt. for religious purposes.
And speaking of religion, what religion supports killing people in a building? or a street? or in a market?
i would think it not to be a religion, but a cult. A cult of fanatics. Not representative of a religion and totally separate.
Taliban better negotiate. Because the other option...is to be killed.
What a stupid post. You are suggesting that nuclear war between India and Pakistan is better than working the issues diplomatically?
Are you clinging to your bible and your guns?
Same to you SYNO. Do you think this is the wild west of the 19th century? People like you should not be allowed to vote.
The only "talks" here is were the Pakis intend to build the shrine to Osama Bin Laden, and how soon the Pakistani military can break ground on the first of many Palaces for the Taliban royalty.
If the Afghan and Iraqi war efforts run up to this day were presented to Hollywood as a movie script, the script would be rejected as too implausible.
The US Government officials past and present have wasted 3 THOUSAND PLUS and counting US service members, and over ½ a Trillion dollars to string this bastard part policing action, part half a$$ ineffective war effort, and 90% warmongering money maker out in Afghanistan as far as it can, just double the numbers to add Iraq..
Then this News story comes out that the Pakistani army who has been working directly with and for any and all terrorist groups every step of the way want peace in Pakistan with the Taliban, the Pakistani impotent government can barely contain its laughter.
Well lets all look forward to the flower rings ceremony the Taliban cross dressing Koran thumping, goat #%$@*ing psychopaths receive at their Paki Homecoming parade
The US has been rebuilding Afghanistan with "Candy Bar's and Money Grams" and this just points out in plain sight what everyone of the US Military Commanders who were removed from post who didn't toe the line the warmongering US politicians who have been running these wars from Washington and Congress yanking on their joy sticks.
Get ALL US Military Forces and CIVILIAN Support OUT of Afghanistan, and Iraq.
Stop paying all CONTRACTORS in Afghanistan and Iraq with US TAX dollars, unless these countries Governments want to pay these CONTRACTORS to stay in their arm pits of the world these contractors are leaving as well.
US tax payers are not responsible for these Cheney/Halliburton war mongering private for profit contracts made within the Bush administration.
It is the nature of the beast for Politicians to say they will do one thing and then avoid the entire spirit of the action promised along the campaign trail …while swimming in semantics, and word games so as say" Do as I say NOT as I do" .
Washington cut these blood sucking leaches off the spirit and soul of the American public, how much patients do you think US Americans will continue to give you as you make attempts to repeal the 4th amendment, reward traitorous bankers instead of imprisoning them, commit insider trading, and continue deviate personal behavior.
OWS was just a warning … these are the educated ones protesting; get your heads out of your butts before the angry blood thirsty not so educated come for their cake.
Jack #1.4
as Jack alluded to....I'll elaborate a little...what is it with you teapublicans and your total lack of history?
do you think this aid to Pakistan began on Jan 20 2009?
guess you can supply links where the previous administration, along with yourself, pounded the drum from 2001 on to suspend all aid...
stating you are uninformed would do a disservice to all who are uninformed.
For Seatledolt. Aren't you out of your league with such stupid comment? This nation, supposedly, the most powerful in the world, that couldn't kick Al Qaeda's asses in Iraq and w/o any support from any one that we know about, which reseembles more a rag tag army than a regular army and that the only brilliant idea was to bribe our "enemies" not to wage war against the "most powerful" nation and now you want the poor and minorities to go after Pakistan? It's people like you that give this frail "democracy" a bad name. The only "warriors" so reckless with other peoples' lives are those in Washington and in this forum because they don't have to put the corpses. That retard pervert and coward to the nth degree from Texas who gave us the "Mission Accomplished" BS, remind me of that quote from Mark Twain when he said: Rumors about my demise are greatly exaggerated. That super coward sang victory, when victory wasn't there and now that his "victory" came to light, Iraqis kicked the most "powerful" nation out.
One thing is to wage war against Panama, Iraq, Nicaragua, Dominican Republic, etc, but another thing is to mess with a nation that has nuclear weapons and since they have nothing left to lose, give them an inch and they might destroy the world. We are, were afraid of NK, what makes you think we can wage war against Pakistan. From my point of view, people who make such stupid comments shouldn't be allowed to spew such stupidity. I know you wouldn't go there and fight, so why be so "kind" with other peoples lives. Something tells me that behind that bravado, a coward a la the retard pervert from Texas hides in those "macho" comments.
For those of you who don't remember the cold war, Pakistan was an ally the su-continent of India was pro Soviet. Pakistan is dirt poor and backwards it better for them to talk then blow eachother up. By the way we are in negotiations with the Afghan Taliban whose going to kick our butts?
@Hell no
Calling Seattledolt's comment stupid reflects poorly on you. Attacking his character is unnecessary. If you disagree with him, then just disagree with him and move on. Ive been there and fought, and I agree with him 100%. Ive watched many good commanders relieved of duty for speaking the truth. Think, Stanley McChrystal. Dont think for a second that any of the countries you mentioned defeated us militarily because they did not. They defeated us politically, and most of that can be attributed to people with viewpoints just like yours.
Ive got a newsflash for you. Although George Bush,(with nearly unanimous congressional approval), (go ahead and start screaming faulty intelligence, I know its killing you), did indeed start these wars, your savior Obama campaigned on ending them. Obama has had autonomous control of our military since Jan 20 2009, and since then he has ordered troop INCREASES.
Politics notwithstanding, I have personally witnessed battlefield betrayals by the Pakistanis, and I dont give a damn who knows it. It offends me on a personal level that we send private Joe Schmoe out on the battlefield with a rifle in his hand, then we betray him by giving foreign aid to the very same people who will either directly or indirectly put a bullet in him at the first opportunity.
Pakistan in Peace Talks with the Taliban.
Yes, indeed. Pakistan IS the Taliban.
Some post say that the situation should be solved diplomatically, is that like the way the US settled its differences with Japan in 1941? when have diplomatic solutions ever worked, are they referring to how Jimmy Carter handled Iran? So I'm to assume if we send good old Hillery Clinton over there to frustrate the hell out of these people our problems will be solved? what world do these people live in? I have a suggestion lets just cut them off and see how long it takes for them to destroy each other. back off and watch, if they ask for help ignore them, when the dust settles let the UN clean up the mess. the only thing American involvement can accomplish in any fashion political, monetarilyor militarily is discontent. our mission their is over time to go home. complete wash let them have each other we are wasting our time and money. they will do as they do no matter what. some say bomb them into the stone age. how? they never got out of the stone age that's part of the problem in those remote regions. they don't have a clue about the outside world, and we don't understand theirs. we don't belong there. let them handle their own problems their own way. Pakistan will be forced to deal if we pull out. and let them deal with it at their own expense. they know what to do after all they have been doing it for over 2,000 years now.
appears to be, better to have relations with neighbors than with strange people 1/2 way around the World..of course, double milk- us & use us as Laughing stalks..Will We EVER Learn, there's NO PLACE Like HOME......
For G.I. Joe. I see English comprehension wasn't your forté. The statement, unless you make it so through a hidden agenda of yours, doesn't say he is stupid, it just says that the comment is stupid. Many smart people say, do stupid things. Remember, as far as humans pertains, there is no perfection.
It's funny that you attacked my comments by mentioning that bastard general of McGlass and that speaks volumes about you. Tea partiers, which obviously you are one, try to sound, appear as law abiding citizens, when they are the worst enemies of America and the Constitution. You can have your opinion, but not your own facts. And how do I know you are the epitome of tea partier? By your comments. You can disguise your true colors, but to me, they appear in living color just as well your veiled racism. You remind me of those guys at the finews network that don't know the word truth it it bit them in the you know where. The more I read, the more I see where you are coming from. Bush the retard pervert of Texas is as much a war crminal as Obama, for not going after him and his cadre of war criminals. That is what tea partiers, you do all the time, is to blame George Bush the third, AKA, Obama and you don't hate his policies, they are one and the same, you only hate that he is black, although if weren't for the color, they would be two peas in a pod. That baloney that you spew might work with your choir, but with me? Hell no. And please next time, take some comprehension English classes. One thing doesn't negate the person, nor the viceversa.
Hell no
And what about Eisenhower? Or Kennedy? Or Johnson? Or Nixon? Or Ford? or Carter? or Bush 1? Or Clinton? How did they and their Policies toward Pakistan,differ from Bush 2 and Obama???
Peace negotiations with the Taliban? The Pakistani government must be out their minds, have they forgotten all the death and destruction these Taliban pigs have brought down upon the Pakistani people. They should be reminded that "The only good terrorist is a dead terrorist". We better get to work securing Pakistans nukes ASAP before the Taliban kill their way to power and get their blood soaked hands on them.
@ comment 1.16, B Dune -- while I can't say with any certainty whether or not the comment you referenced had this in mind, the reason that I would blame the Obama Admin (rather than Bush's) is because our aid money during the Bush admin actually accomplished something-- you mention a total lack of history, but lest you forget: in exchange for our $$ during the Bush admin they allowed access to their roads for supplies to get into Afghanistan, shared intel with us on the whereabouts of known terrorists, and launched an offensive against militants in the Swat valley (which is alluded to in this article, in fact). However, for the same or greater aid during Obama's admin they have: harbored OBL, stopped all military offensives against the militants, entered into peace talks with said militants, decried all military action the US has utilized to fight the militants and have sat idly by while terrorists take over their state. Sounds to me like Bush was getting more bang for the buck. At least they've allowed Obama to ramp up drone strikes-- that's a plus.
@ comment 1.17, Hell No -- just wanted to point out that the "Mission Accomplished" sign on the deck of that carrier was for the specific mission carried out by that carrier-- granted, Bush made the moronic decision to use it as a backdrop for a speech about "all major combat operation in Iraq have ended" which was laughably naive-- but it was "Mission Accomplished"... for that carrier's crew. (They were on their way home for some R&R).
In general: While I would love to cut all ties to Pakistan immediately, for their duplicitous nature and inability to combat terrorism, the fact of the matter is that we require their assistance at the time being, due to the supply routes into Afghanistan. Unfortunately, until we can wind down our war in that pisspot country, we're stuck playing games with the viper next door.
Laughing my arse off.
1. The Pro US Pakistanis Government does not mean sh!t at an Islamic Nation. As a matter of fact that makes them an Islamic Enemy, as Collaborators to the Christians, Jews, etc., the Death Penalty under current Islamic Laws.
2. Being an Islamic Nation the Fundamentalist Islamic Taliban represent the "Will of the People" (majority of Pakistan being Islamic Believers). All of those that keep saying "Democracy" of the Majority (aka Mob Rule).
Hint: Bush has not been President for 3 years now. So two wrongs make a right. You know who I blame for the sh!t storm at Pakistan right now, President Obama's Political Appointee Holbrooke; the sh!t storm here (Afghanistan) President Obama's Political Appointee Eikenberry. Both were Investigated as demanded by President Karzai by General McChrystal and General Petraeus, since they were spending Billions of USDs and nothing was being done nor built. After General McChrystal started his Investigation, President Obama's Political Appointees Eikenberry and Holbrooke to get the blame off their backs started screaming "Karzai Corrupt" to the International News Media and undermined a US Ally's Government (a Strategic Asymmetric Warfare Goal for the Enemy). After General McChrystal was Relieved of Command as insisted on by President Obama's Political Appointees (to stop his Investigation of them) against the advice of Secretary of Defense Gates, President Karzai demanded that General Petraeus investigate President Obama's Political Appointees Eikenberry and Holbrooke. General Petraeus completed the Investigation and gave his Report to President Karzai, then President Karzai demands that every dime spent be accounted for. President Obama's Political Appointee Eikenberry tenders his Letter of Resignation to President Obama. President Obama's Political Appointee Holbrooke strains his heart and dies on the operating table at Pakistan. The (hundreds of) Billions spent to date (these funds are not accessible by the US Military nor President Karzai) are still not accounted for.
Hell no-568603,
LOL. President Obama nominated a loyal (declared) Democrat as the Commander of Afghanistan, General McChrystal. What you spout, proves that you know nothing from not being here (Afghanistan). In my other Newsvine posts pertaining to how President Obama made the situation here worse with his August 2009 US Civilian Surge and his April 2009 Defense Budget Cuts during Wars (Iraq, Afghanistan, President Obama's Secret Wars, etc.). Do I need to hand you a roll of toilet paper, since that is where your posts are coming from.
Since you were not involved, and are relying on things written by non participants from information from other non participants. I will explain just one time (if you keep repeating the same baloney later I will copy and paste your post, as well as my explanation to make you look really (derogatory expletive). The stuff only the participants know:
After being rotated from US Ally Iraq during the Iran Iraq Wars, we ended up as the US Military Training Teams attached to SAD to Pakistan/Afghanistan to train the 1980s Pro US Afghan Muhajeen to defeat the USSR 40th Army Occupation.
History, from the 1950s to the 1979 start of the USSR 40th Army Occupation, the US and USSR competed against each other by building up "modernizing" Afghanistan, about half the population was Pro US, the other half was Pro USSR. This is how Afghanistan became modernized and westernized with Electricity, Irrigation Canals, new Airports, etc.. Eventually, the USSR got tired of this, and outright invaded US Ally Afghanistan.
During the USSR 40th Army Occupation, of USSR Total Conventional War. The USSR 40th Army did not care which Afghans they massacred, Pro US or Pro USSR. As part of the USSR Total Conventional Warfare, the use of Chemical Weapons was normal (so they used Agent Purple, Mustard Gas, poisoned water wells, etc.), millions of area denial weapons (landmines), air dropped area denial weapons and anti personnel weapons (including foil wrapped "candy" explosives for the Afghan children), carpet bombing with more bombs and aircraft than the US currently has, specially designed aircraft for the high altitude majority of Afghanistan (2/3rds Pamir mountains) like the Mi-17, SU-25, special attack helicopters modified Hind (Flying Tanks), etc..
The Pro USSR Afghans fled to USSR Backed Fundamentalist Islamic Iran. Quite a few Pro US Afghans fled to Northeast Afghanistan (mountains) and to the Afghan Refugee Camps at Pakistan. Senator Charles Wilson, Democrat Texas visits the Afghan Refugee Camps at Pakistan, he returns to the US and demands US involvement (covert actions). Many of the Pro US Afghans that remain in Afghanistan after most of their villages are massacred and flattened the survivors start to live in the mines, mineshafts, tunnels, etc that have been here since B.C. mining out the Mineral Wealthof Afghanistan to trade with as far as the Egyptian Empire (B.C.); these are natural bomb shelters that can withstand the USSR Carpet Bombing and even the Chemical Warfare.
After we trained some of the Pro US Afghan Refugees at Pakistan they became the 1980s Pro US Afghan Muhajeen. Prior to this training, as standard operating procedure, we would photograph, fingerprint, write detailed descriptions of them, write down their names, home addresses (map grid coordinates), place of birth, date of birth, ages, parents and relatives names, etc. as part of a "vetting process". This is how we know we did NOT train Osama Bin Laden, nor the Al Quada, as OsamaBin Laden was living with his rich relatives at Saudi Arabia forming the new Islamic Jihadist Organization, Al Quada. Do you know how many Osama'sthere are in the Middle East. LOL, the only CIA that Osama Bin Laden would have been associated with was at NYC (1993 First World Trade Center Bombing), the Culinary Institute of America. Even funnier, those that have not lived with the locals for a long time (years), "They all look the same".
Just a fact. The US Stinger Missiles would not fire, since the USSR Aircraft and Helicopters had ECM Pods that were broadcasting the Friendly Identification Friend or Foe signal. At that time there was no bypass switch (someone later bought a RadioShack switch and modified the Stinger Anti Aircraft Missiles), so they were returned to Germany and the US. We trained the 1980s Pro US Afghan Muhajeen, and lead them to raid the USSR Depots to get the USSR SA-7 shoulder launched anti aircraft missiles. That is what we used to shoot down the USSR SU-25s, Mi-17s, and Hind Attack Helicopters. Just one of those you had to be there to know. I left out somethings, so that if someone tries to impersonate this information, and someone asks other details they will be caught.
After the Defeat of the USSR 40th Army by the 1980s Pro Afghan Muhajeen, we are ordered to abandon our US Allies the 1980s Pro US Afghan Muhajeen (those few that survived). Senator Charles Wilson is begging US Congress to appropriate more money to help the US Ally 1980s Pro US Afghan Muhajeen rebuild Afghanistan. US Congress refuses, our US Allies the 1980s Pro US Afghan Muhajeenand the Pro US Afghans are left with a War Torn Nation.
The Pro USSR Afghans return from Fundamentalist Islamic Iran, many have become Fundamentalist Islamic Believers after years of adhering to the Strict Islamic Laws at Fundamentalist Islamic Iran. Many have even fought on the side of Fundamentalist Islamic Iran during the Iran Iraq Wars, a duty of Islamic Guests, they are Battle hardened and tested. Many of the Pro USSR Afghans become the 1990s Fundamentalist Islamic Taliban.
The 1990s Fundamentalist Islamic Taliban then massacred the 1980s Pro US Afghan Muhajeen, their Families, Relatives, In Laws, Friends, etc., this is reported by the USSR Tass News Agency as all other News Agencies are banned from Afghanistan. The trees in the Afghan Cities look like Christmas Trees, except the ornaments are the 1980s Pro US Afghan Muhajeen, their Families, etc. beaten then hanged. Many are simply ordered to dig ditches then executed and buried in shallow graves. The estimated number of the 1980s Pro US Afghan Muhajeen, their family members, etc. massacred was 20,000 to 50,000 at Afghanistan. The 1990s Fundamentalist Islamic Taliban then pursue the few remaining 1980s Pro US Afghan Muhajeen into Pakistan (near the Swat Valley) and massacre them their also. The Fundamentalist Islamic Taliban then establish the Pakistani Taliban. The massacres of the 1980s Pro US Afghan Muhajeenis in accordance withIslamic Law as they are/were Collaborators to the Christians, Jews, Unbelievers, the Death Penalty.
The Fundamentalist Islamic Taliban then provide Islamic Sanctuary to Osama Bin Laden and Al Quada as many of the Islamic Nations like Gaddaffi are offering the US apprehension and extradition of Osama Bin Laden after the 1993 First World Trade Center Bombing.
This is where the Fundamentalist Islamic Taliban came from, to this day (mentioned by General McChrystal with his receiving a Letter of Reprimand from President Obama as against President Obama's2009 Improved Relations with Iran Policy) are still supported by Fundamentalist Islamic Iran and Fundamentalist Islamic Iran is still supported by the previous USSR, the current Russian Federation and now the Chinese.
This is why we could not find any of the 1980s Pro US Afghan Muhajeen weeks after the 9/11 2001 Attacks when we were sent here to Overthrow the Fundamentalist Islamic Taliban Government. The group of us that went up north had to buy the trust of the Northern Alliance, since they could not spend years of living with them to gain their trust. Because of our previous experience with Afghanistan (and Languages) we were sent into the Afghan Cities to disrupt the Fundamentalist Islamic Taliban Government and their Militias until our other group with the Northern Alliance could get to us (literally the cavalry to the rescue, as they were on horse back).
Those of us that survived were later sent to Northern Iraq, Operation Hotel California, to live with the Kurdistanis to gain their trust, shortly after US Congress Declared War With Iraq with US Law 2002 Iraqi War Resolution. Later we returned to Afghanistan after some needed R & R , then reorganization (many replacements to replace the losses), unit (Teams) cohesion training and testing, and refresher training (US Military Asymmetric Mountain Warfare). So we have been here that long on years of consecutive tours. Every so often we go on Temporary Duty Assignment to other Nations (Iraq, Somalia, Sudan, Yemen, almost ended up at Libya, etc.). So we were here when General McKiernan was here, as well as General McChrystal and General Petraeus.
Less than 8 months and never again Involuntarily Recalled to Active Duty (again and again), as "Too Old" (gonna Party at Germany (one month debriefing and after action reports) last time we will all be together as a plus Battalion sized Unit of many Teams, before we break down into pairs and return by commercial flights to the States to outprocess and get another Retirement Briefing.).
Big surprise! We all already knew they love each other. The fight against Taliban terrorists there by Paki is a joke. It's only a matter of time before they're in the Paki government and running things.
Just keep an eye on the nukes, free world (and let freedom ring!!!)
I didn't know I had to answer to two people, but here it goes.
For Slodon. Are you sure you know what this forum is all about? We are talking Pakistan now, not decades before. We are talking about Pakistan, being a nation that supports terrorism, it was the retard pervert from Texas that took them off the list. Obama, no saint of my devotion as you can clearly see with my comments about that scum bag, has treated Pakistan, a nuclear nation, worse than NK, of course, Pakistan looks the other way in some instances thanks to billions that this nation uses to bribe terrorist nations that we love to hate, but we would marry the devil himself, it it would benefit the military industrial complex. I hate to repeat myself, but your comment falls in the column of stupid, ergo, I'll put you there.
Now for David. I've been to dozens of nations, from East to West, from Notrth to South and I didn't get, politically speaking, an iota smarter and just because you went to Afghanistan you think some how, a la Sarah Palin, you suddenly became an "expert.? I hate to disagree. It's funny how people with a hidden agenda try to sound as gospels, when in reality, they are snake oil peddlers who have nothing to gain but scam people with "boasts" of an oracle. I know, by your comment, that you hate Obama, because although he is another Bush the third, you go after him like bears after honey and why the difference, the epiphany? He is black. The retard pervert from Texas, as you well know it, wouldn't allow a scintilla of dissent and he proved by firing anybody who questioned his war crimes, his incompetence, his thriftness with the troops, while he was safe in Washington, but when it was his time to serve, his daddy found him a hide away in the ANG, so that coward, drug addict wouldn't have to show, demostrate his "patriotism."
Tea partiers, like you, think that because you can fool your choir, you can fool all the people all the time, well, that doesn't work with me. Try the fixnews network or your KKK brethren. Since you mention toilet paper, I see where you live and work from, maybe that is what your "facts" make as much sense as those of the fixnews network, or your kind, which is not a damn thing. I couldn't tell what that smell to feces was, so please, next time close your mouth. Tea partiers, republicans and the KKK crowd hate the truth and the only truth they accept is that one that they fabricate. But, I hate to break your bubble, that doesn't work with me. The more I read, the more lunatic you sound or could it be selective Alzheimer's? I don't know which, but whichever, you need help. FYI, pea brain, wasn't Al Qaeda working in the 80s for us? And didn't we give them billions, and missiles to try to displace the Russians?
Since the truth doesn't fit your agenda, let me quote you this headliner: CIA-Ossama Bin Laden Controversy. Of course, now it's a controversy, but back then we were BFF, although it didn't last that long.
about the same time as the Soviet Union deployed troops into Afghanistan, the United States began giving several hundred million dollars a year in aid to the Afghan Mujahideen insurgents fighting the Democratic Republic of Afghanistan and the Soviet Army in Operation Cyclone. Along with native Afghan mujahideen were Muslim volunteers from other countries, popularly known as Afghan Arabs. The most famous of the Afghan Arabs was Osama bin Laden, known at the time as a wealthy and pious Saudi who provided his own money and helped raise millions from other wealthy Gulf Arabs.
As the war neared its end, bin Laden organized the al-Qaeda organization to carry on armed jihad in other venues, primarily against the United States — the country that had helped fund the mujahideen against the Soviets.
For me it's easy to see when some one, ahem you, is trying to sound "fair and balanced?", but I was told to check the source and you don't make sense. You remind that other super coward from Wyoming trying to re-write history to fit his agenda, but I'm sure that your state propaganda and racist also, won't work with sane minds. One guy was bragging how good, excellent his English was and when he used this sentence: "I have did it" I knew then, like I knew right away with your rant, that you are but a clown trying to make Henry Kissinger look like a rookie, when you are not even that. Nice try though, but it won't work with me, even if you make comments twice as large as the Bible. You showed your true colors and they all are faded away, impossible to distinguish.
Just as an aside, Hell No, the Pro-western Mujahideen were widely slaughtered by the Taliban for being corrupted by the West (or supporting anti-Islamic forces, treason-- however they chose to spin it on a tribe-by-tribe basis)-- there was a civil war following the withdrawal of the Soviet forces between the Taliban and those forces who were backed by the US. That is why there has oft been criticism leveled at the US government for not following up with our allies in Afghanistan after the Soviets left-- we basically said "we're done" and left our allies high and dry. So, while it may be convenient for you to say that "Al Qaida was working for us" in the 1980's, the truth is not so cut and dry. Did Osama fight the soviets? Yes he did. But Al Qaida, as you stated, was not formed until after the conflict and neither were the Taliban. The pro-western Mujahideen were not Al Qaida and were not the Taliban-- in fact, the individual who received the most aid from the US, Gulbuddin Hekmatyar, was driven into exile by the Taliban, while Ahmad Shah Massoud (a man who received no direct backing from the US, but was the primary actor in ousting the Soviets) was killed by Taliban suicide bombers 2 days before 9/11. Were there some recipients of US aid that became Taliban and/or Al Qaida? Invariably-- but that's a far cry from saying that they were our "friends" in the 1980's, especially when neither organization existed at that time. It is true, however, that Hekmatyar, for his part, was expelled from his Iranian exile and joined the Taliban after the US invasion, a case of desperation on the part of the Taliban wherein they were willing to accept former enemies as allies against a greater external threat.
In brief, the principal players had goals that aligned with our own, and when we achieved those goals, we left our true allies to fight a bloody civil war (which included at least 15 massacres of unarmed civilians by Taliban forces) without any support, against the wishes and fervent pleas of Congressman Charlie Wilson. The result of this policy was that Afghanistan fell into the hands of hostile, anti-western Islamic militancy which has led to over a decade of warfare in the region.
I think you should work for Dick Chaney. The media tells me he needs people who like to re-write history and I gave them your name. Don't disappoint your KKK crowds, tea partiers, republicans. They also claim that they don't hate Obama, but to expect me to believe that or your "expose" of history, well is a job for Superman and he is not even real.
Sorry you're not concerned with facts, Hell No. They're freely available for you to verify-- look it up.
"Republicrat, Democran: One Party System!" -- Sage Francis.
Rofl - Taliban in peace talks with Pakistan! Read Berger or Coll. The Taliban are one and the same with the ISI of Pakistan.
My thoughts also. They're in talks with themselves.
Funny how people talk about how evil it is for the Pakistanis to have talks with terrorists. When the UNITED STATES TRAINED THEM!
Google Operation Cyclone.
Thelma;
The US tried to stop the USSR from taking over Afghanistan by providing aid and arms. It was the Pakis who insisted on control of all disbursements and did all the training. We are guilty of being duped by the Pakis but we did not train the Taliban. Pakis are our worst ally/enemy today. We tried our best to provide freedom to the Afghans and are still shedding blood to assist them.
We have to stop giving Pakistan Chinese money.
Some day we are going to have to pay the Capitalist Chinese back!
This is absolutely silly. If this doesn't raise red flags for the American public then we are in a severely ignorant state. Does this even make any sense?? It's just trying to make Pakistan look more like an enemy in a very subtle way. If they were able to directly contact the Taliban like this wouldn't our military be on that quicker than a blink? I mean since we've spent trillions looking for these people and have had so many troops and innocent people die in the process. What a joke they are making of us all.
The US can't expect other nations to have the best interests of the US at heart. And Pakistan gets most of it's arms from China, with whom it has close ties. In a very real sense, if the US messes with Pakistan it messes with China. Time to get the hell out of the entire area, having learned nothing from the Soviets, Iraq, Vietnam, or anything from historn.
Nope our Politicians are blinded bye the pile of money in frount of them made bye selling weapons to our enemys we are screwed
If the US left that would mean the Chinese would have to deal with the burden directly and we would not have to carry the financial burden guaranteeing the Chinese get their investment back. makes sense to me. sounds like nothing will change except who will pay for it. you know China cant allow the Taliban to gain control of a Nuclear Pakistan as its neighbor. do the math we don'tneed to be there. not our problem. we should have let the Russians have the damn place. if the US was to leave the region, then China would be forced to intervene for their own security, hell let them have it they can have Iran as well. sometimes I think the US is being used by Bejing for China's benefit.
Right on Happy Camper!
Get all allied/nato/u.s. troops out now! Cut funding immediately and leave Pakistan/Afghanistan to the Chinese. Although India is not saying anything, they are watching this very closely. A few years ago it looked as though India and Pakistan were going to go hammer and tongs with each other over the Kashmir region and their is still a heavy military buildup there. If China is smart, they would also get out as well because i think India will strike first if they feel their security is threatened.
But this is my opinion and everyone is entitled to their own!
Who didn't suspect this was going to happen as soon as they kicked the US out of Pakistan? They are going to make piece with Pakistan as long as Pakistan doesn't do anything to stop them from killing American's and anyone else that is keeping them from Afghanistan. How much of the $$$ given to Pakistan is ending up in the hands of the Taliban? Is that a stupid question?
Don’t forget that Burhanuddin Rabbani, a former president of Afghanistan, was killed in a suicide attack in the capital, Kabul of Afghanistan. A Taliban soldier with a bomb wanting to talk peace killed him. The Taliban might be behind some of the bombing attacks of late and are now lying about it. Al-Qaeda is under new leadership and this may be the new strategy. If this is true then Ayman al-Zawahiri may be killed by his own people or ratted out because of the disrespect and law breaking of there religion.
The current Pakistan government is a puppet government of the USA. When Mushariff no longer willing to do US biddings, the US swept him aside and installed a more cooperative President. As US waged ever more intensive war inside Pakistan killing too many civilians, the anti-American rebels have gained popularity and power to the point where the US puppet government can no longer survive without coming to an accord with the rebels. The days when US completely withdraw from Afghanistan is the day the rebels will seize control of Islamabad as well as Kabul.
As US abandons the futile wars in Pakistan and Afganistan, history will have come full circle. Reminiscent of the fall of Saigon to Ho Chi Minh City, the people's army of Afghansitan and Pakistan , bad-mouthed by US propaganda as a bunch of rag-tag Talibans, Terrorists, or like the 'Viet Cong' during the Vietnam War, will once again triumphant over American high-tech war machines manufactured by the Military Industrial Complex and adored by the American War Lovers.
America is in the midst of waging four wars for a total of four decades: Iraq, Afghanistan, Yemen, and Pakistan. Having slaughtered nearly two million Vietnamese in South East Asia war in the late '60s and early '70s, America's thirst for more blood is not satisfied until that many innocent people of the Middle East perish. Nuremburg style war-crime trials against Americans will start the day America is defeated or can no longer claim military superiority. America's leaders pray for a strong military.
When the Nazi war machines slaughtered tens of millions in the Eastern and Western Front, the German people were fed clever lies and fancy propaganda about the need to bring liberation, freedom and the Nazi socialism. The American propaganda has shown itself equal to the challenge. And just as the proud German people were astounded when the world caved-in upon them from the advancing Western and Eastern Front, the day will come when Americans realize their crazy government have lead them to self-destruction.
yep Sono, that's why they harbored OBL. Seattle I agree with you. Now the Pakis are going to support the taliban and conduct more intense raids in Afg. let India do them in.
fatcat, you're nuts, you're comparing apples and orange. communists khmers killed 1.5 million people in a genocide. Get T.H.F outta here. America will have military superiority for a long long time yet, so don't count on that. You're more futile than America.
Say what you will about FatCat's post, but he/she does make a valid point: we are, historically, at a near-constant state of war. Why do we need to spend $700+billion on a war machine annually, more than the next 11 nations combined? This number includes:China, Russia, UK, Germany, France, Australia, etc. Some real big boys in that count.
Imagine how many homes can be built and paid for with $700 billion. Cutting our defense budget in half for two years would fix a hell of a lot of problems right here at home.
Still, this doesn't distract from the point that the Pakis are backstabbing beggers!
Let India do them in? India? Rofl. India won't do sh*t. India has enough problems to deal with, it really isn't itching to fight Pakistan.
FatCat - You are so astonishingly stupid I don't even know what to say to that. Did the men from the black helicopters steal your birkenstocks while you were sleeping again or something?
Since Pakistan is in negotiations with the people who are killing our soldiers in Afghanistan, doesn't that make them part of the enemy? Isn't giving money to the enemy treason? Enough said.
Screww those damn Mooslems pagan bastards. those sons of ishmeaal have and always will be second class to the jacobites. they are dumb, pagan mooslem bastards, that never will amount to a @!$%#. just get out of there and let them fight themselves to death , no loss to the rest of the world!!!
Talk about propaganda! fatcat has to be taliban talking like that. If these countries weren't full of religious radical suicidal idiotic individuals, then these wars would have not lasted as long as they are/have.
I agree 1st CAV11b. In regard to Baldman...don't you remember that peace negotiators were going crazy in trying to stop India from launching on Paskistan some years back. India is also a nuclear power and will not tolerate terrorists gaining control of Pakistan's arsenal.
Count on it!!!
1stCav11b:
The best soldiers are the ones who fight tenaciously and even willing to sacrifice his life for victory. Your bias assessment of the enemy shows disrespect for his fighting skill. That can be fatal to your combat mission. You can call them nasty contemptuous names, but I wouldn't be surprise if two platoon of these fighters can can hold off an entire US Infantry company on any given day.
'Hinkle' Interupts "Our Gang" Press Association Meeting
Little Freakie man: Is it ok to smoke the 'hash' pipe hooka to seal a peace deal?
Kipjogi Bastard: You want to die at your own hand
little monster!From the most recent issue of Buckwheat I. Switzer Real Commic Books: from
South Point Africa, The Dark Continent, January 2nd, 2012. UPI, AP, & Reuters.
In this country it would read...
Republicans: We are in peace talks with The US
The Taliban of the west lost during the civil war, and here they are once again trying like hell with their ways.
Chris what planet did you come from?
Earth, not the same as you obviously.
Take off your blinders, writing about that experience is not a plus.
Taliban in "peace talks" with anyone that does not amount to the other agreeing to unconditional surrender to Taliban rule and sharia law? Really? Signed: The Tooth Fairy
A convoy of NATO supply trucks was destroyed in a rocket attack yesterday in Pakistan perpetrated by radical Islamic terrorists, most likely Taliban. Where was the Pakistani army? Peace with radical Islamic organizations like the Taliban means submission to them. The Taliban occupy sovereign Pakistani territory and are waging a war of conquest against Pakistan. They must be defeated if Pakistan wants to remain a free and independent nation. Islamic imperialism must be defeated or we are all at risk.
dougmiller, i see what you're saying,but it seems as though the taliban has already gained control of Pakistan's government. However, my biggest concern is Iran, that stage is set to erupt into something that could engulf all that region, and drag country after country until you have World War 3.
If Iran does in fact have that drone, then U.S. secrets won't be secrets anymore and Iran and it's erstwhile ally Russia can counter any recon that the U.S. tries to conduct.
Anybody willing to wager on what Israel might do in the very near future?
Fight fight, Talk talk, Pakistan will soon be ruled by the Taliban. If the current Paki administration thinks they will have peace with the Taliban they are dead wrong. They (the Taliban) will continue to consolidate their power in the region and resupply their arsenal and then begin waging war.....again. This process will be repeated until they are in power. Silly Rabits, peace is for the guys who can kick the others guys ass so completely they can never stand up to fight again.
The Pakistan spooks and the Taliban have been "at peace" for years now. It's a third world country with nukes and this will not end well.
The USA is a third world country with the bomb.
seriously ,mary just because some people and some areas look third world it doesn`t mean america is third world.
Money talks. Depends on how much the Taliban can stick in the Pakistan leader's pockets. We knew what was going on. We bought Pakistan and they used us and continued to barter with the Osamas and Obamas to get as much $ as they could. Let's keep our $billions at home and keep our special weapons and special military teams ready if there is a nuke sold. Just think of the $ they can make making small transportable nukes for the terrorists.
Actually reduced bombings TALK, not to mention half the country is on the side of the Taliban, even loonier than our far right.
Maybe it is time to back out and let these countries sort it all out themselves. After all, we got Osama and that was out original objective. We could save billions not to mention lives. It's ironic. Bush said "mission accomplished" when it wasn't and Obama didn't say it when he should have.
Peace talks? Again? How many times are we going to hear the same nonsense? It's like a habitually cheating spouse, "This is the last time, I promise."
What a waste. The U.S. has sacrificed thousands of young men and women during this debacle called the war on terror. The Pakistanis have been shady at best, since the beginning. They have offered safe haven for the Taliban and Al Qaeda, while pretending to be our allies. The Pakistanis knew Bin Ladin was living two blocks from one of their military installations. I am convinced of that. If they are our allies, why did we have to go in to get Bin Ladin without their knowledge? The bottom line is that Muslims will always side with Muslims. I say let them sort it out, between themselves. If Obama is serious about the war on terror, maybe he should close the border with Mexico. The terrorists don't have to fight us over there, they can walk into the US for Mexico. Does anyone want to hazard a guess on how many terrorist cells have entered from Mexico? How about a guess as to how much bomb making material has come across. I think with the know how and the right amount of material, a small nuke could be assembled right here. I pray that isn't what it takes for America to wake up.
What a waste. The U.S. has sacrificed thousands of young men and women during this debacle called the war on terror. The Pakistanis have been shady at best, since the beginning. They have offered safe haven for the Taliban and Al Qaeda, while pretending to be our allies. The Pakistanis knew Bin Ladin was living two blocks from one of their military installations. I am convinced of that. If they are our allies, why did we have to go in to get Bin Ladin without their knowledge? The bottom line is that Muslims will always side with Muslims. I say let them sort it out, between themselves. If Obama is serious about the war on terror, maybe he should close the border with Mexico. The terrorists don't have to fight us over there, they can walk into the US for Mexico. Does anyone want to hazard a guess on how many terrorist cells have entered from Mexico? How about a guess as to how much bomb making material has come across. I think with the know how and the right amount of material, a small nuke could be assembled right here. I pray that isn't what it takes for America to wake up.
Oh, yeah let's send more BILLIONS of our blood money to Pakistan! What a bunch of BS!! Our service people have sacrificed limb and life and our great Obummer no doubt sending more!! May Obummer rot in hell! He's a Muslim and Muslims stick together. What a bunch of crap all of this is.
It is time to grow up! This aid did not just start on Pres Obamas watch I hope you know that idiot. Georgie boy was giving and giving for a long time before Nov of 2008. This aguement that this Pres is Muslim is getting real old. This Pres is an American citizen so deal with it, and if you can't then you can always move to a different country. I am a military wife so I know exactly what has been sacrificed here. I and my family have sacrificed plenty for this country, Thank You!
hey alan, the money we give them is from china not blood money. Please speak for yourself and dont include the men and women i fight with into your bogus OP.
FYI, Obama did pull us out of iraq (even though iraq kinda told us to leave.)
Obama's american and americans stick together! :P
what a bunch of radical garbage.
And you know this because....ohh I forgot you wear a rag on your head.
1stCav
The Iraq troop withdrawal was negotiated by Bush in June or July of 2008. Obama had nothing to do with it.
Women as peacemakers? Hmm. My experience is that two men could have a knockdown brawl, get up and go have a beer together laughing about the whole incident. If two women have even a verbal disagreement they likely will end up lifelong enemies. At least that was my experience working in a career field with a lot of women.
And men have done so much better throughout the ages? Wow. What ignorance. Your experience is not everyone's experience. The problem is that men have to have the knock down drag out first. Women have long memories and that is not necessarily a bad thing.
I'm not sure what you were all expecting. Complete obilteration of the Taliban? Not likely. We should actually be happy that our resolve has forced the Taliban to the peace table. It is the only outcome that can justify.
We had victory and a good chance for a democracy in Iraq. Early everyone pick up the marbles, we're going home will mess that up. Afghanistan is a waste of time and money with Pakistan joining them. We need to finish something for a change, or stop getting into useless BS battles. Close our borders to anyone who has ever even visited Iran, Afghanistan or Pakistan and any of the other middle east countries that end up with an Islamist extremeist government and SEND all thier citizens back home now. Then prosecute anyone sending one dime in that direction for treason. Enough of this stupid feeding the dog that bit you.
The Pakistan
and the Taliban are in peace talks??? Who are they kidding? Those two have been in bed together for the
past seven years... This is all just some bull @!$%# propaganda ploy to present
an image of impending unity. The fact is
the only reason they have been able to maintain any kind of unity is because
they were both fighting against the United States. Well as things stand right now it looks like
the US
government is finally going to pull its head out of its ass and bring our boys
home. Place your bets people... how long
before they turn on each other again.
Oott
They have been in bed together for 30+ years. You really should update yourself.
Slodon,
You're right for the most part the Taliban and the Pakistani Military, more to the point the ISI, has w ell documented love hate relation with extremist groups in the area. I limited my self to the past 7 years because in reality those are the only ones that are pertinent to my argument (if you will). That being the we knew from the get go they could not be trusted and should never have tried to buy their allegiance. This current act as well as their threat to shoot down our drones is intended as a form of black mail (again so to speak) toward continued payment from as (as in undeserved financial/military aid).
I think it it sad and ironic that the US pushes our interests in Pakistan and totally ignores our interests at home. We are inviting more and more spooks to our country who really don't like us, give them homes and businesses, and at the same time want to deport illegals from Mexico who come here to work.
Peace treaty now means merger.
They merged long ago HRLS. Sort of explains the cross border attack, doesn't it. The Pakis wouldn't fire on the Taliban and were allowing them to fire on us. They didn't appreciate the air strike because it interfered with their peace process. What a bunch of liars and murderers. They make me want to puke.
The only question now is, how many will each side KILL while they make "peace." Muslims-Murder-Lies. The Un-Holy Trinity.