Pakistan, Afghanistan and the U.S. to Begin Talks

Newsweek by Michael Hirsch | Feb. 20, 2009 (News Analysis)

Holbrooke seems keen on applying a similar tactic to one of the most intractable feuds of the present day: between Afghanistan and Pakistan. Next week, acting on a suggestion from Pakistani Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi, Holbrooke and the Defense Department are convening a four-day trilateral meeting between Pakistan, Afghanistan and the United States in which senior foreign ministry and intelligence officials will come to Washington for direct ... Full Story »

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Related Comments: Afghanistan (5) | Obama Administration (3)

2.6

by Kenneth Sibbett - Feb. 21, 2009

If I could ever find that "official" who keeps giving out all this valuable information I would be rich. Be that as it may, putting the Presidents of Afgan., and Pakistanin the same room is like putting Tom and Jerry in the same room and watching them running around and accomplishing nothing.

If Obama makes peace in the Middle East a cornerstone of his Admin., he won't be the first or last to have his hopes dashed.

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4.0

by Jim Lang - Feb. 20, 2009

This article compares Holbrooke's upcoming trilateral meeting among US, Afghan and Pakistani representatives with strategies that he has successfully used in addressing previous conflicts. It also describes increased cooperation between US and Pakistani intelligence and the reasons behind it. Good story but depends too heavily on unnamed sources.

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3.1

by Peter L. Combs - Feb. 21, 2009

An interesting look back at DIck Holbrooke's resume and gives it a little much needed polish. The writer failed to mention both Zardari and Karzi are both so politically compromised that they will need artificial proping up to remain in power. Not much accurate depth here but does have a few tid bits.

Karzi is is viewed as a laughing stock in most of Afganistan, many in rural areas don't even know who he is. Zardari in Pakistan is, as most know, an untrustworthy coward and will likely be thrown out of power by the end of the year, if the Taliban don't execute him. Talking is always good, even if its just to say Good Bye. Making deals with either of these men is foolishness.

But American officials may also be prompted by growing concern that the militant attacks are increasingly putting the civilian government of Pakistan, a nation with nuclear ... More »

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3.5

by Kaizar Campwala - Feb. 20, 2009

Next week, acting on a suggestion from Pakistani Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi, Holbrooke and the Defense Department are convening a four-day trilateral meeting ... More »

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