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Global Geo-political Series: President Trump delivers sharp criticism to Pakistan in Afghanistan strategy speech

In a speech last night, President Trump outlined a new approach to United States’ longest war in history in Afghanistan which continues to rage for seventeen years. While maintaining the military approach, President Trump, and Secretary Tillerson, both discussed an option where a peace talk between the Afghan government and Taliban insurgents could be facilitated but no timeline or preconditions for such talks were not discussed. Importance was given to approach towards neighbors of Afghanistan, especially Pakistan. Under the new strategy, the approach of the United States towards Pakistan is likely to get changed. In a three pillar strategy, one pillar was totally dedicated to US approach towards Pakistan. President Trump delivered a sharp rebuke to Pakistan as the United States accuse the nuclear-powered nation of harboring terrorist organization.

Here is the part of the Trump speech that was directed towards Pakistan,

“The next pillar of our new strategy is to change the approach in how to deal with Pakistan. We can no longer be silent about Pakistan’s safe havens for terrorist organizations, the Taliban and other groups that pose a threat to the region and beyond.

Pakistan has much to gain from partnering with our effort in Afghanistan. It has much to lose by continuing to harbor criminals and terrorists. In the past, Pakistan has been a valued partner. Our militaries have worked together against common enemies. The Pakistani people have suffered greatly from terrorism and extremism. We recognize those contributions and those sacrifices.

But Pakistan has also sheltered the same organizations that try every single day to kill our people. We have been paying Pakistan billions and billions of dollars at the same time they are housing the very terrorists that we are fighting.

But that will have to change. And that will change immediately. No partnership can survive a country’s harboring of militants and terrorists who target U.S. service members and officials. It is time for Pakistan to demonstrate its commitment to civilization, order and to peace.”

It is clear that the Trump administration will be tougher on Pakistan compared to the previous administration, however, the United States needs to take into account the fact that over the past decade Pakistan has become closer to China and might take a tougher stance towards the United States.

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