US, Afghanistan have no option but to work with Pak despite ISI-Taliban nexus: Experts

Washington, July 28(ANI): Despite the huge cache of leaked classified US military documents proving links between Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) and the Taliban, experts say that the U.S. and Afghanistan have little choice, but to work with Pakistan.

According to the Los Angeles Times, U.S. and Afghan officials know that any viable plan to end nine years of conflict in Afghanistan requires Pakistan's involvement precisely due to its long-standing relations with the Taliban.

"If the U.S. wants an honourable beginning of a drawdown next July, then I think they will keep the focus on what role Pakistan can play, rather than on what the ISI has been doing," the newspaper quoted Imtiaz Gul, an Islamabad-based security analyst, as saying.

"They should understand the need for counter-intelligence to stay in touch with people next door," he added.

Retired Brigadier Javed Hussain, a Pakistani security analyst, said that Pakistan will always seek influence over Kabul in order to diminish the role of its archrival India, which already is investing heavily in Afghanistan.

"It's only Pakistan that can bring Afghan President Hamid Karzai and the Taliban close to each other and work on a solution that's acceptable to both," he added. (ANI)