Desperate Measures?

" Deadly bombing today in Pakistan just the latest in a series of terror attacks in response to the government's effort there to root out Taliban and al-Qaeda fighters on the Afghan border. The blast today coming as America's top diplomat Hillary Clinton's secretary of state was visiting to pledged US support for crucial military offensives there. Joining us now -- institute for the study of war. All right so the Pakistani government cracks down this is the response they get is it in any way directed. At the secretary of state or was -- a broader statement directed at the Pakistani government."

" I think it's a broader statement directed at the Pakistani government and the people of Pakistan. What we've seen is increasingly desperate attempts on behalf of these militants to try to dissuade the government. And and raise public opinion against the operation as being conducted in their stronghold right now South Waziristan. That's been particularly. Effective. So so we'll see I mean I think Secretary Clinton is is there to reaffirm our support for the -- government. And their continued efforts on this offensive. And I think so far they're having a significant impact do you say it."

" that -- Secretary Clinton is there to show Americans support let me read you the line and that the New York Times reporter wrote about that bombing incidents. Writing underscoring the challenges facing American policy. In a nation that has become skeptical of Washington's. Long term commitment. Does she need part of their reinforcing that commitment."

" Absolutely it's absolutely critical that the Pakistani government understands that the United States and our coalition allies are committed really for the long -- in Afghanistan. And I think that when they receive that fundamental commitment on behalf of President Obama and -- coalition and NATO. They'll start to take these actions more frequently. And will really be heartened. That we're both working together to achieve stability in this most critical region I wonder --"

" If the bombers are you know undermining their own cause in the same way the violence in Iraq came to you know result in a backlash. Against some of the Sunnis who were responsible I mean if you kill eighty women primarily. At an outdoor market you're not gonna win too many supporters in that part of the world --"

" Now that's right it's increasingly desperate attempts so far there's been over 240 casualties just this month in Pakistan. They've targeted senior army officers. It's really an a no holds barred. Offensive on behalf of the militants. To try to you. Dissuade the army from -- from continuing this offensive they understand that the gains that are being made. Are serious and they're gonna have a fundamental ability. On on the attempts of these groups operate."

" Region over in Afghanistan and I think October has been the deadliest month for US -- forces since the start of the war -- graduated from West Point said. That is no surprise that the the -- is the terrorists over there. All want to try that they sense that American public opinion is wavering on the Afghan war they want to try to drive us out by increasing. The body count as much as they can't."

" Absolutely. You know again this is not really surprised. They're watching very closely what goes on Washington. They have designs -- the entire nation of Afghanistan on seizing Kabul eventually. So it's important that that we show them that we intend to be there for the long haul -- and that they're not gonna just give it a march on -- In the absence of us sufficient resources for this war effort. So it's important that while President Clinton is I'm -- Secretary Clinton. Is in Pakistan reaffirming our support with the Pakistani government that we do the same with the Afghan government. So as President Obama continues to ponder his Afghan strategy what would you advise him if you -- on his you know cabinet committee. Well I think general crystals recommendation of a fully resource counterinsurgency effort is what's required. There's a story they came out this morning in the New York Times that suggested that the administration may be leaning towards protecting just a handful of key population centers. Rather than -- fully comprehensive counterinsurgency campaign. Now again that's just speculative at this point. But I think that that would be short of what general crystal recommended. And it it it will not sufficiently achieving gains and reverse the momentum. More importantly of the insurgency. Over the past couple years -- with the institute for the study war."