Obama says he would target Pakistan
Obama says he would target Pakistan
By Edward Luce in Washington
Copyright The Financial Times Limited 2007
Published: August 1 2007 20:02 | Last updated: August 1 2007 20:02
Barack Obama on Wednesday said he would not hesitate to order military strikes against al-Qaeda targets on Pakistani soil with or without the permission of General Pervez Musharraf, Pakistan’s military ruler.
Mr Obama’s speech – one of the most belligerent by a Democratic presidential candidate – appeared to be have been prompted by Hillary Clinton, the frontrunner, who has portrayed her rival as doveish and inexperienced. Mr Obama sought to allay the impression that he would be slow to use force.
His remarks follow a US national intelligence estimate that says al-Qaeda has reconstituted itself in havens along Pakistan’s border with Afghanistan. “Let me make this clear,” said Mr Obama. “There are terrorists holed up in those mountains who murdered 3,000 Americans. They are plotting to strike again. If we have actionable intelligence about high-value terrorist targets and President Musharraf won’t act, we will.”
The 45-year-old senator criticised the Bush administration’s support for Gen Musharraf, who faces general elections later this year. “We must not turn a blind eye to elections that are neither free nor fair – our goal is not simply an ally in Pakistan, it is a democratic ally,” he said. “Pakistan needs more than F16s to combat extremism.”
Wednesday’s speech is likely to intensify the foreign policy debate with Mrs Clinton, whose lead over Mr Obama has stretched to 20 points in some polls. The two clashed last month when Mrs Clinton poured cold water on Mr Obama’s pledge in a presidential debate to talk to the leaders of Iran, North Korea, Venezuela and Cuba within his first year of becoming president. Mrs Clinton later described Mr Obama’s position as “irresponsible and, frankly, naive”, but on Wednesday Mr Obama reiterated his pledge to talk to leaders of hostile countries.
Political analysts said his speech was prompted by Mrs Clinton’s criticisms. “Obama has clearly been advised that he needs to do some of that George Bush swagger be-cause it plays well with the voters,” said Steve Clemons, a foreign policy blogger.
Mark Schmitt, a Democratic think-tanker, said: “Obama needs to get a debate going with Hillary because she remains in the lead in the polls. His numbers might go up or down. But he has to shake things up.”
By Edward Luce in Washington
Copyright The Financial Times Limited 2007
Published: August 1 2007 20:02 | Last updated: August 1 2007 20:02
Barack Obama on Wednesday said he would not hesitate to order military strikes against al-Qaeda targets on Pakistani soil with or without the permission of General Pervez Musharraf, Pakistan’s military ruler.
Mr Obama’s speech – one of the most belligerent by a Democratic presidential candidate – appeared to be have been prompted by Hillary Clinton, the frontrunner, who has portrayed her rival as doveish and inexperienced. Mr Obama sought to allay the impression that he would be slow to use force.
His remarks follow a US national intelligence estimate that says al-Qaeda has reconstituted itself in havens along Pakistan’s border with Afghanistan. “Let me make this clear,” said Mr Obama. “There are terrorists holed up in those mountains who murdered 3,000 Americans. They are plotting to strike again. If we have actionable intelligence about high-value terrorist targets and President Musharraf won’t act, we will.”
The 45-year-old senator criticised the Bush administration’s support for Gen Musharraf, who faces general elections later this year. “We must not turn a blind eye to elections that are neither free nor fair – our goal is not simply an ally in Pakistan, it is a democratic ally,” he said. “Pakistan needs more than F16s to combat extremism.”
Wednesday’s speech is likely to intensify the foreign policy debate with Mrs Clinton, whose lead over Mr Obama has stretched to 20 points in some polls. The two clashed last month when Mrs Clinton poured cold water on Mr Obama’s pledge in a presidential debate to talk to the leaders of Iran, North Korea, Venezuela and Cuba within his first year of becoming president. Mrs Clinton later described Mr Obama’s position as “irresponsible and, frankly, naive”, but on Wednesday Mr Obama reiterated his pledge to talk to leaders of hostile countries.
Political analysts said his speech was prompted by Mrs Clinton’s criticisms. “Obama has clearly been advised that he needs to do some of that George Bush swagger be-cause it plays well with the voters,” said Steve Clemons, a foreign policy blogger.
Mark Schmitt, a Democratic think-tanker, said: “Obama needs to get a debate going with Hillary because she remains in the lead in the polls. His numbers might go up or down. But he has to shake things up.”
posted by Carlos T Mock @ 8:24 AM
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