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WASHINGTON: A senior US official has warned that a terrorist attack in India could spark off a war with Pakistan.
In an interview to The Indian Express newspaper, Deputy Secretary of State Antony Blinken said that the possibility of an unintended war between India and Pakistan was a cause of concern for the United States.
“It remains a matter of real concern. The only thing worse than an intentional conflict is an unintentional conflict where an incident sparks something and it spirals out of control,” he said.
Take a look: Heavy losses will be inflicted on India if war imposed on Pakistan: Asif
The prospect of such a conflict, he said, was “one of the reasons why it is so important — in our judgment — that India and Pakistan find ways to communicate, to reduce tensions, and ultimately to find a more cooperative relationship”.
Mr Blinken, a former lawyer and journalist who serves as Secretary of State John Kerry’s principal deputy, also underlined US concerns about nuclear-weapons environment in South Asia, noting that “questions of strategic stability matter to us, to India, to Pakistan, to the entire world”.
Also read: Pak-India tensions: US warns against speculations about nuclear conflict
That’s why “it is important to be engaged with Pakistan on that basis as well”, he said.
Published in Dawn, December 10th, 2015
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Comments (76) Closed
Dec 10, 2015 06:55am
Oh come on leave us alone please.
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Dec 10, 2015 07:40am
And US job is to add fuel to the fire.
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Dec 10, 2015 07:49am
US wants India and Pakistan to be at war, so that their weapons business prospers, these western countries have ruined the India Pakistan relationship. Peace prevail on India Pakistan
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Dec 10, 2015 07:52am
Does not make sense, aren't they fighting daily anyway at the Kashmir border.
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Dec 10, 2015 07:55am
When every body is talking peace and talks America is adding fuel to fire to sabotage whatever is achieved. This is what was done in Iraq, Syria and Afghanistan.
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Dec 10, 2015 07:57am
USA is a sole perpetrator for designing and fabricating wars all over the world. Be careful of this mischief monger.
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Dec 10, 2015 07:59am
It can and should be said for both the countries!
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Dec 10, 2015 08:01am
India and Pakistan are not as stupid as you may think.
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Dec 10, 2015 08:02am
Yeah, yeah. Mischievously timed statement.
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Dec 10, 2015 08:04am
Whenever ind-pak come closer..usa feels pain.
I can say on my own opion..usa can never be a pure companion of india...but india is diplomatic..we inw how to take benefit from others by keeping our pride alive :)
As far as i m concerned.. Great to see resumption of indo-pak ties...
Koi third one jal raha hai to jalne do.
I rem afridi said one time wo kabhi ni chahta k hum ek ho hum baat kre..
Wo kaun hai sabhi ko pta hai.. :):)
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Dec 10, 2015 08:10am
Do not blame USA but blame the vested interests in Pakistan and India.
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Dec 10, 2015 08:17am
@Kabir khan
from your comment I would say leaders of both India and Pakistan are inept.
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Dec 10, 2015 08:22am
We know how to resolve our differences. It will be better for both India and Pakistan to stay close to each others and keep at a distance from USA and UK.
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Dec 10, 2015 08:23am
We understand your real concern dear secretary.
How desperately you are looking for "peace and prosperity" between the two contries, can also be sensed easily.
Above all, you belong to a "peace loving" contry, dont you?
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Dec 10, 2015 08:24am
US thinks that we(ind&pak) don't have mind.let them show that india and Pakistan can prosper and have ability to grow at much faster pace.let them show that one day we will cross all these growth benchmarks and will dictate our terms to us.
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Dec 10, 2015 08:41am
Simple advise to him.Shut up and stop meddling in the affairs of Asia.
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Dec 10, 2015 08:42am
What an excellent timing for US to bring out such statement! Shrewd politicians to the core, these guys.
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Dec 10, 2015 08:52am
Peace is the best option for both countries. For starters they should deep freeze all quarrelsome issues and focus on the possible. This way we will reap rich harvest of prosperity and countries as far away as Tajikistan, Uzbekistan will benefit too. And we can pull our resources together to bring peace in Afghanistan. They deserve it, they are suffering for too long.
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Dec 10, 2015 08:57am
Yes terrorist attacks will have consequences. .Apostle of peace the US is so concerned about South Asia
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Dec 10, 2015 08:58am
Wasn't required when comprehensive dialogue announced. Silly of USA to make such statements.
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Dec 10, 2015 08:59am
US is paranoid.And there are people to swallow their conspiracy theory
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Dec 10, 2015 09:08am
America getting jealous to see India and Pakistan resolving their tension. America fears the if relations of India and Pakistan got better then where would it sell its weapons. I wish Afghanistan would also shake hands with us and that brings some positive results. The security issues of this region gets resolved so that America have no more chance to poke its nose into our matters. Infact this is all western conspiracy which is detereorating our relations with India.
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Dec 10, 2015 09:16am
Its a fact
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Dec 10, 2015 09:23am
stay concerned...!
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Dec 10, 2015 09:29am
India and Pakistan are already in a cold war for 68 years. Is America not worried about the 365 terrorist attacks a day in there own country ? Not worried about the trillions of dollars of debt. I can assure America,that India will completely stop buying weapons from you very soon as our defense industries are getting most contracts now
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Dec 10, 2015 09:33am
Who will be the beneficiary from war between neighbors
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Dec 10, 2015 09:42am
This is a real existential threat every Indian and Pakistani should be aware of. Sad that we need to be reminded by the west about it. Unless the weapons of mass distruction are dismantled and everyone work towards peaceful coexistance, there will always be a threat of the most inhabitable land on earth becoming a nuclear waste land.
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Dec 10, 2015 09:46am
These USA comments may sound aggravated but they are true. Mr. Modi is firm in whatever he says and his firmness may force him to launch an attack just in case Mumbai like attack happens. It will be nearly impossible to digest such terrorist attack without doing anything.
Although every Indian will be sad at heart for the loss of lives of Pakistani Brothers apart from Indians'lives, the sheer anger that such terrorist attack will create, will be unmanageable.
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Dec 10, 2015 09:46am
I hope not. Time to put wars behind and work towards a more peaceful future
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Dec 10, 2015 09:53am
America's weapons industry is by far the biggest threat to the world peace. Its beyond me why would Americans make profoundly negative statement when Indo Pak are on the verge of having their relations go towards normality.
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Dec 10, 2015 09:54am
we are not that much immature like you americans
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Dec 10, 2015 09:59am
wow....both sides people are criticizing American concern !!!!!
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Dec 10, 2015 10:03am
thanks alot united states america you are on fire why pakistan is safe till now and why there is no war btw pak and india every unborn child knows the story so please leave us alone
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Dec 10, 2015 10:08am
This US official making the statement appears to have taken birth in the same hospital where Donald Trump darted up. Nevertheless a hilarious statement as usual from Yankees.
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Dec 10, 2015 10:12am
We neighbours want to talk not war as war is beneficial for west only so that they can sell weapons to both sides
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Dec 10, 2015 10:12am
Wonder , when leaders of both side start talking about peace
why the same time he is reminding about war . Untimely statment and seems they are not happy about peace in other
part of the world.
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Dec 10, 2015 10:31am
Look their timing of the statement ..when both sides meets
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Dec 10, 2015 10:35am
Non state actors will do what emotions map out, India would never want war they have too much to lose
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Dec 10, 2015 10:54am
It is a threat, guidance or apprehension. When peace talk is about to start between the two neighbors such statement is deceiving.
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Dec 10, 2015 11:02am
Sorry sir no scope for you now. We two angry brother don't need you any more. Jai Hind
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Dec 10, 2015 11:04am
Now Russia has entered so US is looking for new territories. Does Pakistan and India need it to happen. Clear the terrorists from our lands and look for feasible ways to develop peace. Peace brings prosperity and economic benefits only. War only economic loss and destruction. So decide what is more important.
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Dec 10, 2015 11:06am
US should better stay away from Asia and Middle East which has already cost enough death and destruction in these regions. The super-power due to its unwise military interventions is mainly responsible for rise of Muslim radicalism which is almost become uncontrollable now.
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Dec 10, 2015 11:09am
simple thing war only bring destruction. whereas friendship and cooperation bring peace & prosperity . had India Afghanistan and Pakistan live together like America and Canada then picture would be different then we don't need Russia USA China France UK Saudi Arabia any more .
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Dec 10, 2015 11:10am
Sorry uncle Sam this time we are not with you we need peace with pak
Hoping both countries can solve all the issues with dialogue
Everything can be achieve
Patience can conquer destiny
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Dec 10, 2015 11:15am
If you are talking peace, I want you to fight.
If you fight, I want you at peace.
Isn't it biggest confusion of this era!!
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Dec 10, 2015 11:23am
The man has a point. How many wars have Pakistan and India Fought?. How many innocent people have lost their lives. Pakistan and India have one of the largest armies in the world. Nobody wants war, just keep talking.
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Dec 10, 2015 11:58am
imagine...pak n india wants peace...n usa is not happy with it... what a strange world.
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Dec 10, 2015 12:03pm
Pakistan's biggest folly is that it's allied with US......This country will live in perpetual state of chaos and fear because the US wants it that way....India on the other hand is leaping miles ahead because it has kept the US at arms length and only maintained trade relationships.....Pakistan should follow the same path....
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Dec 10, 2015 12:05pm
Note...this came right after when Pakistan and india had talks and figured out all its problems and going in the right track and Modi's visit in 2016 in Pakistan. Amerika just don't like peace between pak-ind.
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Dec 10, 2015 12:10pm
Nobody wants to see Pakistan and India come together and live in peace and do trade because we both nations are giants in asia, we buy loads of weapons from west to fight each other and ofcourse if pakistan and india started living in peace then west can not sell us weapons bcuz we wouldn't need it and their weapon business will go out of business . The west want to see pakistan and india poor,hungry fill with hatred toward each other. my people it is the right time to realize we are being played we can end Hunger and poverty in sub continent just by living in peace and helping each other.
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Dec 10, 2015 12:27pm
What an idiotic statement. Is he really a secy. of state or merely a head clerk?
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Dec 10, 2015 12:32pm
They are right. Only fools will ignore their advice.
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Dec 10, 2015 12:40pm
you cant manage your Trumpet...how do you pass comment on the full brass band?
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Dec 10, 2015 12:46pm
@AUB Ha Ha Ha. The fact indeed.
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Dec 10, 2015 12:48pm
nice statement to stay popular on social and electronic media...
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Dec 10, 2015 01:13pm
It is far more easier to be friends, compromise a little and live with dignity rather than go to war, kill loved ones and ensure future generations will also fight.
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Dec 10, 2015 01:14pm
STUPID US.......No Way of WAR. India & Pakistan has already put a new step towards peace.
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Dec 10, 2015 01:46pm
Fix Kashmir and India pakistan can be friends. Simple solution but politicians don't want it. Simply ask the Kashmir people if they want to be with India or not. After all India says it's a democracy.
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Dec 10, 2015 03:21pm
I still don't understand the reason why US publish such reports from time to time. 6 months ago I read the same thing and now. Does US think tanks don't have anything to do else.
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Dec 10, 2015 03:30pm
Thanks for your concern but democratically elected Govt in both the country is capable enough to deal with such situation. It does not look good to hear such advice from a country who is the originator of all international mistrust and wars. US should not poke its nose when both the country have agreed to resolve their issues bilaterally and peacefully.
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Dec 10, 2015 03:53pm
@BRIJ Yes it will be sad for us too to see our Indian brothers die. But that happens in war I guess.
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Dec 10, 2015 03:54pm
I dream of a day, when we can travel, trade or work across either side of the border without any checks or even a raised eyebrow. When the borders are no more than a line on the map. When we treat each other with respect and are allies against any external threats to either.
BUT our ruling elite on either side will never let this happen. Our religiouus fundos will make sure we see each other as the enemy.
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Dec 10, 2015 05:11pm
US would not like to see good relations between Pakistan and India. I think both countries will be better off to establish good relationship. Some of the good things both countries can do, like no visa between the two countries and Free Trade between India and Pakistan. It will benefit. We should not be fearful from some fanatic groups causing trouble and do not wanted to see strong ties. After all both nations have lot in common.
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Dec 10, 2015 06:12pm
Hopefully India and Pakistan are mature enough to resist war temptations even though some of the ' friends' will try hard to push them into it. Any spark can start it but who will lit the spark? a common Pakistani and Indian knows it all too well. Commercial and power hunger can do anything.
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Dec 10, 2015 06:17pm
Ever since the second world war ended USA has pursued a foreign policy which has believed in creating regional unrest in every corner of the world be it S America or Middle East or Asia or Eastern Europe. Only they left Africa alone because it did not serve any economic purpose.
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Dec 12, 2015 02:30am
Let India and Pakistan show statesmanship and quickly resolve their differences over Kashmir or go to arbitration!
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Dec 12, 2015 05:42am
Let the Kashmirees prove first that they can evolve singl United administrative entity and then claim neutral independent status.All the parties will Benifit with permanent peace
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Dec 12, 2015 05:53am
@Desi Bhai "India and Pakistan are not as stupid as you may think..." I'm afraid they are. We have destroyed the future of our children by spending on weapons and have fought 4 useless wars. We spend on military and expensive weapons when we can't even provide drinking water to our countrymen and infrastructure is in a poor shape. If that's not being stupid, then what is?
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Dec 12, 2015 12:11pm
Why need to add 'US garam masala' to Great 'India-Pak Curry'? When will our govt(s) learn? US does nothing but 'failaawa' raaita everywhere.
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Dec 12, 2015 03:03pm
@the right left wonderful thoughts.... I have often dreamt of this and hope to live to see that day.
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Dec 12, 2015 03:08pm
@Timeto stopthis you seem to one those people who worships and believe all that the goras do and say. Anyway who is the U.S. to analyse or make observations or poke their noses??
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Dec 12, 2015 03:13pm
@kkk further just imagine if both the countries could reduce defence spending and use that money for education, hospitals and developing infrastructure??? Are we not fools to think of war which only causes destruction on both sides.
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Dec 12, 2015 03:14pm
@kamran not strange, if there is peace what happens to their arms industry????
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Dec 12, 2015 04:53pm
Yeah we know that it may spark a war....and we also know that you people will do that, conduct a terror in India and India will blame Pakistan or conduct a terror attack in Pakistan and Pakistan will blame India.....
Both the fools will keep on buying weapons for such cases and your industry will be working for forever!
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Dec 12, 2015 06:49pm
@BRIJ true, totally agree with you. No point living in denial.
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Dec 12, 2015 08:47pm
America don't want India and Pakistan to be united
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