Revamped Afghan policy indicates US' increased concern for the region: Lisa Curtis

Washington, Mar.28 (ANI): The new US policy for Afghanistan and Pakistan clearly indicates that Washington is more concerned than before about the impending crisis in the region, and wants to root out insurgency from its core by adopting a more 'regional approach'.

According to Senior Research Fellow for South Asia at the Heritage Foundation's Asian Studies Center, Lisa Curtis, President Barack Obama has sent a strong signal that U.S. leadership is necessary to stabilize the region and contain the terrorist threat in South Asia.

Curtis, in her article viewed the new policy as a shift in U.S. strategy toward more regional diplomacy and civilian aid to both Pakistan and Afghanistan, but less tolerance for the continued existence of militant sanctuaries on the Pakistani side of the border.

Obama's speech reflects that US wanted an improved relationship with Pakistan, but on its own terms that set benchmarks on Pakistan's performance against the outlawed outfits that threaten stability in Afghanistan and the safety of the international community, Curtis said.

She added that Obama understands the immediate need of capturing senior Al-Qaeda and Taliban leaders.

As the policy was announced, all the speculations about the Obama Administration going in for a major bargain with the Taliban and Al-Qaeda to amicably solve the issue, were put to rest.

It also clarified that the US would continue its eight year long battle in the region till peace and stability returns there. (ANI)