That the US is again asking Pakistan to address the "continuing presence of the Haqqani network and other terrorist groups within its territory" is a sardonic comment on the White House's approach to the challenge of global terrorism; the Trump administration seems to be bereft of appreciation of ground realities obtaining in the region.
From Pakistan's perspective, it amounts to adding insult to injury as the latest demand has come during the visit of the US Department of State's Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary, Ambassador Alice Wells, to the country from January 15-16. The US embassy in a statement has stated that in her meetings with Pakistani officials Ambassador Wells underlined that the United States seeks to move toward a new relationship with Pakistan, based on mutual interest in realizing a stable and prosperous region. "Ambassador Wells urged the government of Pakistan to address the continuing presence of the Haqqani network and other terrorist groups within its territory," the embassy has been quoted as saying.
The question is: how can US seek greater cooperation from its non-Nato ally in an environment which is strongly characterized by doubt and suspicion? Trump is therefore required to tell the world that it still trusts Pakistan. He can do it through a tweet!
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