WASHINGTON – Pentagon chief spokesperson Dana White has expressed that the US had opportunities with Pakistan to work together, reiterating that the South-Asian ally could do more for regional stability.
At a recent news briefing, the official clarified that Washington would continue support to Kabul, reminding Islamabad of the need to work with neighbouring states to bring peace and stability to the region.
The assurances come on the heels of a fresh spasm of violence in the war-battered country with recent terrorist attacks in Kabul killing hundreds of civilians, including many journalists.
The attacks – claimed by ISIS- set the tongues wagging that the Trump administration might reconsider its pledge to stay engaged with Afghanistan if the situation worsened, as explained in the Afghan policy announced in August last year.
Some media reports also suggest that the recently appointed Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo may bolster proposals for withdrawing US troops from Afghanistan if the situation does not improve.
Donald Trump, in his Afghan policy, had announced sending more troops to Afghanistan. Though the number was not confirmed, reports suggest that some 4, 000 personnel were poised to set foot in the hotbed of violence.
The US, in collaboration with Afghan regime, is pursuing a peace process in Afghanistan and president Ashraf Ghani had asked Taliban, in February, to open an office in Kabul and join mainstream politics, without any preconditions.
On the other hand, Taliban did not reply to the offer but kicked off their spring offensive, indirectly hinting that they were not ready to give up arms.
Afghan President Ashraf Ghani and Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah would also be visiting Pakistan to cement the bilateral relationship, that became tense after cross-border firing last month.
