Pakistan plays important role in Afghan peace process: US Defense Secretary

The United States is making progress on its South Asia policy

International News: Pakistan has an important role to play in the ongoing Afghan peace process, the Acting US Defense Secretary Patrick Shanahan told lawmakers Wednesday with another top American general opposing any move to withdraw troops from the war-torn country.

General Joseph Dunford, the Chairman of US Joint Chiefs of Staff, agreed with Shanahan during a Senate Committee hearing on the country’s defense budget for the fiscal year 2020 beginning October 1, when Senator Lindsay Graham asked a question on the ongoing Afghan peace process.

“It’s in our national security interest to have a counterterrorism platform. Do you agree that we’ll never get a peaceful resolution until Pakistan denies the Taliban’s safe haven?” Graham asked during the Congressional hearing. “I believe Pakistan plays an important role,” Shanahan said in response. “I do (agree), senator,” Dunford said. Responding to a question, Shanahan agreed ISISK is getting larger, not smaller in Afghanistan and a counterterrorism platform is still required in the war-torn country.

Shanahan said the current South Asia strategy of President Trump offers the best chance for peace in Afghanistan. “Our current policy remains the South Asia strategy. Our best chance for peace, and this is probably the best in 40 years, is taking place right now. I would say our policy is to fight and talk. We’re fighting the Taliban to pressure them into a reduction in violence,” he said.

“Do you anticipate US forces coming home from Afghanistan anytime soon, or are we looking at an indefinite garrison type situation? How would you explain our current policy and the conditions for US withdrawal for the American people in a clear and simple way?” Senator Tom Udall asked..