UPDATE - Afghanistan, India welcome Trump's new regional policy

UPDATES WITH US ENVOY BRIEFING PAKISTANI FOREIGN MINISTER ON NEW POLICY, PAKISTAN REITERATES STANCE ON DESIRE TO ELIMINATE TERRORISM

By Shadi Khan and Aamir Latif

KABUL, Afghanistan/KARACHI, Pakistan (AA) - The Afghan government and Indian foreign ministry Tuesday welcomed U.S. President Donald Trump’s new strategy on Afghanistan, while Pakistani observers complained it completely overlooked their concerns.

Trump announced Monday the U.S. would not commit to any timetable to end its military presence in Afghanistan where it has been bogged down for the better part of two decades.

The U.S. invaded Afghanistan in the aftermath of the Sept. 11, 2001, terror attacks, ousting the Taliban after it gave sanctuary to now deceased al-Qaeda founder Osama bin Laden. But recent years have seen the Taliban and other armed groups grow in strength as the U.S.-backed central government in Kabul struggles to assert its authority across the country it nominally controls. The U.S. currently has about 8,400 troops in the country.

Trump said the U.S. would continue its cooperation with Kabul "as long as we see determination and progress", but warned American support "is not a blank check".

The American president further called out Pakistan, saying it provides "safe havens for terrorist organizations" that have contributed to the ongoing tumult in Afghanistan.

Afghanistan’s Chief Executive Dr. Abdullah Abdullah welcomed the new regional policy.

“This strategy renewed the commitment of the United States of America to Afghanistan and to our people. It is a better chapter now,” Abdullah told a news conference in Afghan capital Kabul, parts of which were also posted on his official Twitter account.

He said Afghan leaders had detailed conversations with Trump’s national security team ahead of the conclusion of the new strategy.

He said the decision to not impose a timeline on the presence of U.S. troops was correct. “Decision based on conditions [rather] than timelines is a very important message for our partners and our enemies. It is that we will definitely win.”

About Daesh, Abdullah said: “The new and strong stance against Islamic State provides unique opportunity to destroy this terrorist group and root them up in this area.”

About the Taliban, he said: “Our message to Taliban and their supporters is that the new strategy is not an invitation to peace but a chance to strengthen peace process.”

- Policy strengthens Afghan forces

Replying to a question on possible sanctions against Pakistan, he said: “I would say that the message is clear enough for all of us in this region.

“I would hope no one in the region repeat the mistakes of the past and can make a better choice on how to deal with terrorism.”

Afghan President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani also hailed the new U.S. strategy that he said would “particularly emphasize on enhancing Afghan air power, doubling the size of Afghan Special Forces and deepening NATO’s ability to train, advice and assist Afghan security forces.”

“The strength of our security forces should show the Taliban and others cannot win a military victory. The objective of peace is paramount. Peace remains our priority,” Ghani added.

Rahimullah Yousafzai, a Pakistan-based security expert, told Anadolu Agency that Trump's new policy for Pakistan and Afghanistan seeks a broader Indian role in Afghanistan and had nothing to offer Pakistan except "threats".

"This is a very serious development, which could further strain Pak-U.S. ties," Yousafzai said.

He said the new US policy had "outrightly" ignored Islamabad's complaints regarding Pakistani Taliban's alleged safe havens in Afghanistan, and India's supposed involvement in terrorism on Pakistan's soil.

"This [policy] shows that Washington's has taken a strong line on Islamabad ignoring its longtime partnership and sacrifices in war against terrorism," he said.

"I don't think Pakistan will accept this policy, especially when an Indian role is promised in Afghanistan. I foresee further deterioration in Pak-U.S. ties," he added.

Mushtaq Ahmed Mehr, a former Pakistani diplomat, also predicted further strain on Pak-U.S. diplomatic ties in days to come.

Mehr, however, thinks diplomatic and economic ties would control the damage following the Washington's hard line on Islamabad.

- Pak-US military ties

"Strategic and military ties between the two allies, in my view, will not be affected by this policy. The U.S. military will not break its relations with Pakistan army, come what may.

“Similarly, Pakistan army cannot afford to spoil its relations with the U.S. army due to several reasons. This is a separate arrangement," he said.

Ahead of Trump’s announcement, Pakistani military spokesman Maj. Gen. Asif Ghafoor told reporters that Pakistan would continue to do “whatever is best in its national interest".

The U.S. Ambassador to Pakistan David Hale later Tuesday met Pakistani Foreign Minister Khawaja Mohammad Asif in capital Islamabad to brief him about Trump’s latest statement.

The U.S. Secretary of State, Rex Tillerson, is due to meet Khawaja in the next few days in Washington to have an in-depth discussion on the state of play in the bilateral relationship as well as the new U.S. policy on South Asia, the Pakistani Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

Asif reiterated Pakistan’s perspective and desire for peace and stability in Afghanistan. He also highlighted Pakistan’s huge sacrifices in the enduring fight against terrorism and reiterated the desire to work with the international community to eliminate the menace of terrorism.

Meanwhile, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs in a statement said: “'We welcome President Trump’s determination to enhance efforts to overcome the challenges facing Afghanistan and confronting issues of safe havens and other forms of cross-border support enjoyed by terrorists. India shares these concerns and objectives.

“We are committed to supporting the government and the people of Afghanistan in their efforts to bring peace, security, stability and prosperity in their country.

“We have been steadfast in extending reconstruction and development assistance to Afghanistan in keeping with our traditional friendship with its people. We will continue these efforts, including in partnership with other countries.''

NATO chief also released a statement welcoming Trump’s policy. “NATO allies and partners have already committed to increasing our presence in Afghanistan.

“NATO currently has over 12,000 troops in the country. In recent weeks, more than 15 nations have pledged additional contributions to our Resolute Support Mission. We place special emphasis on continuing the development of Afghan Special Forces, Air Forces and improving command and control.”

*Shuriah Niazi contributed to this story from New Delhi, India.