NATO Airstrikes likely to Damage U.S.-Pakistan Relations

1 December 2011

Islamabad, Pakistan- The relationship between the U.S. and Pakistani militaries is deteriorated in results to the NATO airstrikes that killed 24 Pakistani soldiers. Pakistan’s army Chief General Ashfaq Perves Kayani met with U.S. Marine General John Allen, top commander in Afghanistan, immediately after the incident and concluded that Pakistan will withdraw all intelligence sharing with the U.S. and will stop the support offered to defeat the Afghan Taliban. The U.S. Embassy warned U.S. government personnel in Pakistan of possible retaliation against Americans and further precautions should be taken into consideration. President Barack Obama stated during a press conference that a complete termination in the U.S.-Pakistani relationship is unlikely, but the incident is likely to damage relations and his administration will investigate the circumstances of the airstrikes to clarify misunderstandings. According to Afghan officials, U.S. Special Forces located on the Afghan border launched airstrikes to the direction of the Pakistani posts because they first received incoming fire. However, Pakistan does not concur with the statements given by Afghan officials and denies all accusations stating that Pakistan did not initially fire against NATO. The airstrikes lasted for almost two hours even though Pakistani commanders pleaded to stop the attacks. Riots are elevating in Islamabad among Pakistani civilians who express anger towards the U.S. and blame NATO for the death of the 24 Pakistani soldiers. Further investigations are being conducted by both U.S. and Pakistani officials in efforts to better an already strained relationship and come to an agreement.

Source: "NATO raid undercuts Pakistan-US military rapprochement, hurts army chief" http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/asia-pacific/pakistan-says-nato-ignored-its-pleas-to-hold-off-during-attack-that-killed-24-soldiers/2011/11/28/gIQAZ35t3N_story.html

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