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The Pakistan leadership has indicated that there is a willingness to conduct military operations in the country's restive northwest against terrorists, including the dreaded Haqqani network, if negotiations fail, a top Pentagon commander has said.
"The (Pakistan) leadership indicated that there is a willingness to conduct operations in North Waziristan if they can't resolve things through negotiations, and the Haqqani network would clearly be a part of that," said General Lloyd Austin, Commander of US Central Command, who was recently in Pakistan.
"I was just recently in Pakistan and met with the new chief of staff of the army and the chairman of their Joint Chiefs of Staff and also secretary of defense. They have indicated that they would work with us to counter the actions of the Haqqani network, and so I'm encouraged by the new leadership that's on board there," Austin told Senators during a Congressional hearing.
"I hope it's true. It's long overdue," Senator Carl Levin said as Austin responded to his question.
"Relative to recent events, has the Pakistan military indicated any willingness to you or as far as you know, have they indicated to people that you have confidence in that they are willing to go after those extremists, including the Haqqani network?" the Senator had asked.
Responding to another question, General Austin said he is very encouraged by the new military leadership in Pakistan.
"I recently met with the chief of the army, the chairman of the joint chiefs, and again, I think they want a relationship going forward that's more than transactional," he said.
"I think they want a long-term, good relationship -- at least from the military side of the house, that's what I get. I think they're sincere about it. And so I am very encouraged by what I'm listening to and some of what I'm seeing," Austin said.
"Now, jury's still out -- we have a long way to go -- but I think our relationship is trending positive in a number of areas," he said.
