US, Pakistan agree to disagree on Waziristan offensive

Christian Science Monitor by Issam Ahmed | Oct. 19, 2009 (News Analysis)

"As the Pakistani Army continues its massive offensive against the Taliban's base in South Waziristan, top US officials including CENTCOM chief David Petraeus and Sen. John Kerry (D) of Massachusetts, are meeting with military and civilian leaders here. While the Army's action is in line with US encouragement to rout out the militants, key differences appear to remain between the US and Pakistan on how to tackle the insurgency". Full Story »

Posted by Emma Asomba - via Christian Science Monitor, Google News (World)

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3.7

by Manfred Ostrowski - Oct. 20, 2009

This rather short article gives basic and valuable information concerning Pakistan and the conflict in South Waziristan. The issue is seen in the context of relations between U.S. politicians and the Pakistani government, and Issam Ahmed does not delve into the fate and opinions of ordinary Pakistani people.

I am impressed by these $7.5 billion the Kerry-Lugar bill offers to Pakistan in nonmilitary aid. The article provides no information about Senator Kerry's ideas of how this money should actually be used. Will it benefit the improverished Pakistani population? Will it be used to address basic needs like lack of food or water? Will it flow into aid for refugee camps?

..the construction of refugee camps .. now seems likely.