Let's hope we hear some good news
Reliable sources told The Nation that serious differences have erupted between Pakistan and the United States over Islamabad’s latest shift in its policy towards Waziristan where a ceasefire was announced. Soon after the announcement of this policy, Rice made an unscheduled visit to Islamabad on Tuesday to press Musharraf revise the policy.It was learnt, however, that the two sides failed to overcome the differences as Islamabad insisted to resolve the Waziristan crisis through dialogue.
Sources privy to the situation claimed that the Bush administration is not supportive of Pakistan’s initiative to hold talks with the militants through “Grand Tribal Jirga.”
During the two-hour long discussion with Rice, Musharraf explained in detail the prevailing situation in the tribal areas and how the recently launched dialogue process to resolve Waziristan issue. The process was a part of Pakistan’s three-pronged strategy to tackle the problem of extremism by dialogue, development and the use of force wherever it is necessary, the source said adding that General Musharraf also made it clear that the military operations were not stopped completely.
The sources said, the top US and Pakistani officials do not see eye to eye on this vital issue. Rice argued with Pakistani leadership that militancy should be curbed by the use of force.