IN THE NEWS Qamar Abbas Jafri 10.21.2012

Participants were of the opinion that although there is no other way to get rid of extremists in North Waziristan, it is not likely that government will start operation there because the right wing parties are openly opposing any such move. US envoy for Pakistan and Afghanistan Mark Grossman has made it clear that United States is not pushing Pakistan to launch a military offensive in North Waziristan, and the participants said it is a rational policy and will reduce the pressure on the government. Referring to the President Zardari’s remarks in a journalists gathering on Sunday in which he criticize the international community except China for not helping Pakistan in its war against terrorism, participants said that coming few weeks are very critical for the region as China and Russia are also trying to assert their positions there. About the statement by the Indian home minister that Pakistan is helping terrorist to enter India in as organized manner Tapan Bose said t these types of statements are routine and meant for the public opinion in the country. But Sardar Atiq did not agree with him and said that these types of statements can derail the peace process between the two countries that is advancing well. In the last segment latest situation in Lebanon, the mission of Lakhdar Brahimi in Syria and the alleged contact between US and Iran were discussed. Both US and Iran are denying a U.S newspaper report that they have agreed to unprecedented one-on-one talks on Tehran’s controversial nuclear program.