Comments on: Kerry-Lugar, not much sugar

By: DaveyBoy

DaveyBoy — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 04:05:21 +0000

@ Pragmatic

Is the pun intended?

By: Nagarajan Sivakumar

Nagarajan Sivakumar — Sat, 03 Oct 2009 21:01:23 +0000

I agree with what Kannan has to say.. the US does nt give a damn about terrorism in Indian soil.. it doesnt have to because GOI does not give a damn about it either… we still have normal business relations with Pakistan which is nothing short of a humiliation for any self respecting country… but then again self-respect and India never go in the same sentence.

FWIW, the US is all set to pack its bags and leave AfPak. Karzai is now being given as the excuse for this unofficial decision but there is open schism between Obama and US uniformed military on Afghanistan – the military wants to do a full blown counterinsurgency while Obama wants to cut and run at the earliest.

the Kerry Lugar bill is nothing more than a half hearted carrot and stick strategy which will FAIL like all other strategies before to deter the military-jihadists in Pakistan.. but then again this is our war and we are expecting the US to fight it for us.

By: Kannan

Kannan — Sat, 03 Oct 2009 09:06:22 +0000

The “cross border terror” and India related clauses are just bargaining tools..just like specific mention of “India” which was in the initial draft too ..was diplomatic maneuvering to shake pakis..into doing something against Afghan Taliban activities in Pak. I think it would be better for India if US runs from Afghanistan. Presence of US in Afghanistan gives Pak more confidence in misadventures..expecting that US will rein in India..from boiling over effects of 1000s cuts strategy.

By: thetrajectory

thetrajectory — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 17:44:42 +0000

U.S. can prevent aid from following in the hands of ‘rogue’ channels through imposing conditions but that will not serve the purpose of the aid. optimum utilization of the aid by ensuring that it reaches the required sectors is imperative.

By: Pragmatic

Pragmatic — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 16:27:41 +0000

Just four additional points, not really comments:

#1- It is only the military portion of the aid which is contingent on meeting the benchmarks.

#2 – The obvious comparison with the Indo-US nuclear deal. Pakistan is just a tactical ally versus India is a strategic partner is what seems to rile many.

#3 – This is what the English-media in Pakistan is saying. Imagine what venom the vernacular media would be spewing against the US out there.

#4 – Although Kerry & his ilk might be genuinely believing in helping out Pakistanis, the leverage available in terms of certifying benchmarks is a great tool with the more pragmatic among the US establishment.