Gates says Pakistan ‘immensely helpful’

WASHINGTON—Secretary Defense Robert Gates, praising Pakistan as an “immensely helpful and steadfast” partner in the fight against terror, has stated the United States is working with the South Asian ally to address terrorism threat along its border with Afghanistan as he emphasized long-term international commitment to the region.
Testifying before the influential House Armed Services Committee on the subject of “Stability and Security in Afghanistan” Gates and Chairman Joint Chief of Staff Admiral Michael Mullen also defended the US assistance for Pakistan since 9/11.
Secretary Gates, who visited Afghanistan recently, expressed optimism about stability efforts in that country while citing progress achieved in some areas over the years but tampered it by caution. He underlined the need for NATO allies to meet their commitments in Afghanistan, where the Taliban insurgents have recently stepped up attacks.
“The government in Pakistan has been one of our most steadfast allies in the war on terror since September 11 and has been immensely helpful to us,” Gates replied when Congressman John McHugh asked about his assessment on stabilizing the border region with reference to eliminating the Taliban hideouts.
However, he observed that the border situation “complicates our efforts” and that extremists activities along the border regions are a matter of concern. He also indicated that the international forces could be in Afghanistan for years to ensure that the country, beset by strife over decades, makes progress towards stability.
Gates, who was deputy director of CIA and then deputy national security advisor during the period when the Soviet Union withdrew from Afghanistan, and the United States also turned its back, said he feels a “certain sense of personal responsibility” with respect to Afghanistan and the region.
“One of the lessons that I think we have is that if we abandon these countries, once we are in there and engaged, there is a very real possibility that we will pay a higher price in the end.”
The defense secretary said the US and Pakistan are working together on how Pakistan can further enhance its efforts unilaterally and how both can cooperate to improve Pakistan’s capabilities in terms of being more effective in curbing the terrorism threat.
Seasoned Democratic Representative Ike Skelton was in the chair as congressmen queried the top Pentagon officials about efficacy of coalition’s efforts toward rooting out problems inside Afghanistan, particularly poppy growth, fighting the Taliban influence, governance issues, national building and the need to ensure greater NATO commitment in terms of member countries freeing their forces from caveats as well as meeting supplies requirements. The members of the committee were keen to know about progress in collective efforts aimed at eliminating the Taliban and al-Qaeda elements and their “sanctuaries” in the border region.
Questioned about the utility of American aid for Pakistan by Representative Patrick Murphy (D-PA), Secretary Gates said the US assistance over the years has been a worthwhile investment in counterterrorism perspective.
“Based on everything I’ve heard and everything I’ve seen, it’s been a very worthwhile investment.” Admiral Mullen also defended US aid for Pakistan over the past six years since 9/11, expressing his satisfaction from the military standpoint in strengthening security capabilities of the “strategic partner that has been at our side from the beginning.
Since 9/11, and I think that’s important.” “I personally think, from a military standpoint, that that’s been a good investment.” Responding to a question by Democratic congressman Mark Udall, Admiral Mullen said the situation with reference to infiltration in the eastern part over the last several months has become “relatively calm” on the border.
“In the long run—we need to continue to work with the Pakistani government to assist them in (meeting) this challenge. “ In answer to a question, Admiral Mullen said the US and Pakistani militaries have had close contacts for a number of years and these will continue in future.—APP