Of course.I don't think the US still funds Pakistan. Does it? — Shawn
During Pakistan’s 2019-2020 fiscal year, the United States was once again the top donor country to Pakistan of on-budget, grant-based assistance. U.S. assistance to Pakistan is always in the form of grants, which does not add to Pakistan’s debt burden or balance of payments challenges.
This commitment reflects our belief that if Pakistan is secure and peaceful and prosperous, that’s not only good for Pakistan, it’s good for the region and it’s good for the world. A stable, prosperous, and democratic Pakistan that plays a constructive role in the region will remain in the long-term U.S. national interest.
The usual. Gaining territory, holding cities, gaining the initiative in military operations.Anyone interested in a discussion would look at this with a raised eyebrow? What does that even mean that the Taliban were winning the war in Afghanistan? — Shawn
just gave license to corporate America to enforce his pro-pharma agenda. — NOS4A2
Biden is only better than Trump in respect of not being a meglomaniacal lying narcissist. — Wayfarer
Although I'll give him credit for pulling out of Afghanistan. — StreetlightX
No one – least of all Beijing – believes the denials. The new defence pact between the US, UK and Australia is unmistakably aimed at containing China. The question is how substantive it will prove to be.
Joe Biden appears to be realising Barack Obama’s pledge of a pivot to Asia, with US capacity freed by withdrawal from Afghanistan, and China’s behaviour ringing alarm bells internationally. The Aukus pact binds the UK and Australia more closely to the US position, and should augment US military power in the region (though France, Europe’s most significant Indo-Pacific player, is openly furious)...
While many herald Aukus as a momentous step, this is not a treaty but a statement of intent, with even the details of the submarine agreement 18 months away. Setting aside that project (and the real concerns it might open the door to proliferation), we cannot yet tell how significant the pact will be. Faith in US commitments is shakier in the wake of Mr Trump. What is certain is that this further sharpens the divide between China and the west. — The Guardian - the Aukus defence pact - taking on China
The Pentagon had said the Aug. 29 strike targeted an Islamic State suicide bomber who posed an imminent threat to U.S.-led troops at the airport as they completed the last stages of their withdrawal from Afghanistan.
Even as reports of civilian casualties emerged, the top U.S. general had described the attack as "righteous".
And why would they be? The US was fighting a fucking war in Afghanistan. Collateral damage happens when the only things you have is remote footage from a drone. Try yourself to interpret what is put into a car from an aerial footage.No one was fired or resigned or court-martialed for the murder, gross stupidity, and lies to the public. — NOS4A2
Sorry, actually it was. Trump abandoned the Afghan allies by making a peace deal with the Taliban without any thought given to the Afghan government. Fuck them! That was the message from Trump.It’s not surprising, ssu, that you would attempt to shift blame back to Trump. I would expect nothing else. But it wasn’t Trump who abandoned Americans and Afghan allies while sneaking away in the night. — NOS4A2
What else could the allies do when the US decides on behalf of them? They could only scramble some troops to assist the US with the debacle. Even my puny country sent some soldiers to assist with the evacuation.What you don’t mention is how it was backed by NATO and the UN Security Council, our allies. — NOS4A2
Just as Trump failed to enforce before him as there was nearly one year of Trump presidency still after the peace deal. And just what is this failure? Remember, it's just to hold talks. Nothing, absolutely nothing else. In fact, the Taliban kept their part of the deal: they did hold talks with the Afghan government. As late as July 18th this year Aljazeera could report:You don’t mention the intra-Afghan talks, anything about the process, and Biden’s failure to live up to and enforce the agreements. — NOS4A2
(see here)Delegations from the Afghan government and the Taliban said in a joint statement on Sunday that they will meet again and plan to expedite peace negotiations after two days of inconclusive talks in Doha, Al Jazeera has learned.
The negotiators from the rival sides, who have been in Doha since Saturday, said “the two sides committed to continue negotiations at a high level until a settlement is reached”.
Follow the money. — James Riley
as arms buildup can happen without any actual conflicts. — ssu
Nope, they ain't stupid...but they're rich, and getting richer (and I'm envious).How about following the stupidity? — ssu
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