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Obama warns Pakistan of tough fight against terror
Paul Thompson7 May 2009
Barack Obama has increased the pressure on Pakistan and Afghanistan to crack down on Taliban and al Qaeda fighters who threaten the stability of the region.
The president said the security of the two nations and the US were linked and warned that there would be increased violence before the situation improved.
He pointed to the extra 21,000 troops he will send there in the summer as proof of America's continued commitment to defeating al Qaeda.
"The United States has a stake in the future of these two countries," Mr Obama said after a meeting with presidents Hamid Karzai of Afghanistan and Asif Ali Zardari of Pakistan.
"We have learned time and again that our security is shared. It is a lesson that we learned most painfully on 9/11, and it is a lesson that we will not forget."
Mr Obama said Mr Karzai and Mr Zardari "fully appreciate the seriousness of the threats that we face" in a show of support as the three leaders met in the White House to formulate a peace and stability plan.
Mr Obama said the US had to provide "lasting support" to the countries and would play an active part in reconstruction efforts in Pakistan while the country fought Taliban forces.
"We must do more than stand against those who would destroy Pakistan. We must stand with those who want to build Pakistan," he said. "I want the Pakistani people to understand that America is not simply against terrorism, we are on the side of their hopes and their aspirations, because we know that the future of Pakistan must be determined by the talent, innovation and intelligence of its people."
Mr Obama and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton also expressed regret in the meetings over the deaths of up to 70 Afghan civilians in American airstrikes. Mr Obama said "every effort" would be made to avoid civilian casualties, and Mr Karzai accepted his apology.
White House officials said the president was pleased with the meetings and the promise of action.
Mr Zardari described al Qaeda as a "cancer". He said: "Pakistan carries a huge burden, confronting al Qaeda and Taliban together, but we are up to the challenge, because we are the democracy, and democracy is the only cure to this challenge."
Mr Karzai said Afghanistan would work on its relationship with Pakistan to create a stronger partnership against extremism.
