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WASHINGTON: In his last State of the Union address on Tuesday night, US President Barack Obama urged American lawmakers to authorise the use of military force against Daesh, the Arabic acronym of the militant Islamic State (IS) group.
While underlining the challenges the United States may face in the near future, Mr Obama warned that both Afghanistan and Pakistan were among the countries that would continue to face instability and turmoil for decades.
The IS militants — although concentrated in Iraq and Syria — are also establishing bases in the Pak-Afghan region.
US lawmakers urged to authorise use of military force against IS
President Obama devoted part of his address to militant groups like IS (also known as ISIS and ISIL) and Al Qaeda, telling lawmakers that they needed to back the administration’s efforts if they wanted to defeat them.
“If this Congress is serious about winning this war, and wants to send a message to our troops and the world, you should finally authorise the use of military force against ISIL. Take a vote,” he said.
Mr Obama also identified a link between militancy and instability and warned that some unstable regions might become safe havens for terrorists.
“Instability will continue for decades in many parts of the world – in the Middle East, in Afghanistan and Pakistan, in parts of Central America, Africa and Asia,” he said.
“Some of these places may become safe havens for new terrorist networks; others will fall victim to ethnic conflict, or famine, feeding the next wave of refugees.”
On the state of the union night, the US president addresses a joint session of Congress, explaining his policies for dealing with the domestic and international challenges the United States may face in the new year. But since this was President Obama’s last speech for his final term, he used this occasion to highlight the challenges the US might face in “the next 10 years, and beyond,” as he said.
Mr Obama warned that “America will always act, alone if necessary, to protect our people and our allies; but on issues of global concern, we will mobilise the world to work with us, and make sure other countries pull their own weight”.
The president also used this occasion to warn politicians — such as Republican front-runner Donald Trump — not to use anti-Muslim rhetoric as it hurts efforts to combat militancy.
‘When politicians insult Muslims, whether abroad or our fellow citizens, when a mosque is vandalised, or a kid is called names, that doesn’t make us safer,” he said.
Mr Trump has constantly called for banning some mosques, making a separate database for Muslims and carpet-bombing some Muslim countries. Last week his supporters forced a Muslim to leave his rally because she was wearing a sign that identified her as a Muslim.
“That’s not telling it like it is. It’s just wrong. It diminishes us in the eyes of the world. It makes it harder to achieve our goals,” Mr Obama said. “That may work as a TV sound bite, but it doesn’t pass muster on the world stage.”
This was the most emotionally charged moment of his speech and earned Mr Obama an enthusiastic applause from the audience. Although in their response to the speech, Republicans rejected Mr Obama’s policy proposals but they too attacked politicians who were using anti-Islam rhetoric for political gains.
The president acknowledged that the Islamic State posed a “direct threat” to the United States, but said the group did not “threaten our national existence” and the danger needed to be kept in perspective.
The US media described Mr Obama’s failure to mention the war in Afghanistan — the longest in the US history — as “the most glaring omission of his address”. Last year, Mr Obama reneged on his pledge to bring all American forces home from Afghanistan, due to the resurgence of the Taliban and Al Qaeda.
As expected, the president cited the nuclear agreement with Iran and the restoration of ties with Cuba as the two major achievements of his eight-year reign. But he made only a cursory mention of the brutal war in Syria.
But Mr Obama failed to acknowledge that like Afghanistan, the fight in Iraq too had become an open-ended war, forcing him to recommit US troops.
Published in Dawn, January 14th, 2016
Comments (168) Closed
tell me one country that wont face turmoil in the next decade
Obama is right... Pakistan and Afghanistan's destiny is intertwined both politically and economically... Both countries should create joint defence platform to counter emerging threats and not let its land be used by any South Asian country to conduct proxy war... People of Afghanistan and Pakistan share strong vibrant culture and historically have supported each other at the time of need and shall continue to do so…
@syed abbas define turmoil mr rocket scientist!
Let's prove him wrong boys. Let's put Pak house in order as quick as we can, go Pak go.
Obama was one of the the sympathetic president s towards Pakistan . imagin the prospects of a Republcan President. Read Donald Trump . That' a terrifying sinario. Someone needs to smell the coffee.
Let's prove him wrong boys. Let's make Pak the most peaceful country on earth.
“Instability will continue for decades in many parts of the world – in the Middle East, in Afghanistan and Pakistan, in parts of Central America, Africa and Asia,” Well, who brought instability to each and every one of these regions? It was the US intervention and adventures in these regions that brought instability. Mr.Obama failed to mention this underlying cause of instability.
Pakistan is one off the most powerful Islamic state. Obama must have to mention that how they have created Taliban with funding and after getting there work done they just leave them without given them any strong direction. Where as it comes to Pakistan. Do you people really think that terrorism is our problem at all. It's the world which we are saving. Pakistani's are victim of terrorism as thousands of civilian with the soldiers have been died.
Good words for Muslims is good. About Pakistan this is a reflection and we must think and act for improvement.
Unless until religious tolerance will not created situation will remain challenging.
Lets prove him wrong... this coild be achieved if we had sincere leaders, bent on reforms.
Except for wrong and greed oriented foreign policy of America, the World politics can stabilize. In all the hot spots of the world it is only the arm sales effort of America to keep its economy alive that the hot spots are going bad to worse because America don't want settlement. Settlement in all the hot spots will means closure of Arms industry of America hence economic doom for the American economy.
Pakistan has withstood worst turmoil in the world and will continue to do so, other countries will fall apart but not Pakistan, we will emerge even stronger.
Here we go, another achievement.
Ironic, US invades Afghanistan, causes a prolonged conflict the fall out of which spills into pakistan. Then Obama thinks Pakistan will have turmoil. He is talking from US perspective. He knows as long as Americans are in Afghanistan there will be turmoil everywhere. There was peace in Pakistan before US showed up in Afghanistan.
Mr Obama- US came and left. Soviets , came and left. Everyone came and left. Pakistan has been here and will be here- it will not leave.
Donald Trump is underestimating the power of Muslims. Let him come to power and see how his policies prove wrong.
@Zak Hardcore optimist.Hope you will be proved right.
The fact is that his legacy has more failures than successes. I don't like him because he visited and favored India and not Pakistan. Good that he is going out. The future is even brighter for Pakistan!
We are used to turmoils and challenges. Pakistanis are resilient, vibrant, talented, wise people and they know how to frustrate the external conspiracies being hatched against them.
Much of the mess is attributable to US sir. You talked of a free world while attacking Iraq and Afghanistan. Where is that?? Please don't drag Pakistan into it again by such statements.
@Zak Funny but not funny.
Daish are former TTP militants which fled to Afghanistan before or after military operation by Pak Army. Judging by the US media, Americans hate Muslims - and their government keeps on bombing, dismembering and pressurising Muslim countries across the globe. Thank you very much D.C. for bringing death and destruction.
India Pakistan and Afghanistan make one bloc and defeat terrorists first otherwise next ten year will be more violent.
Wishful thinking by Obama and his cohorts. Pakistan will be just fine and we dont require analysis from outsiders. Ever since Zardari and those PPP crooks stepped down things have gotten much better.
@Antonyooty Who cares? If trump wins it'll be America in turmoil and nobody else
@Zak Thats correct brother.
Yes...of course, because western powers have seeded the turmoil, extremism, hatred, prejudice, instability and poverty in other countries' soil. Capitalistic ideology and mindset have been bulldozed the humanity...what the post modern civilized world gave the underdeveloped countries...wars & conflicts....????????
Daish has no chance in hell of gaining a single traction in Pakistan. More Daish militants have come from india and bangladesh, hardly a single one from Pakistan
Better Education,Human Rights,Health Facilities ,Gender Equality are Dreams in Many Countries.
As Long As this do not spread to all peoples of the world,there will be problems.
Respecting Human Lives is Most important.
@Zak Get rid of corruption first, then the financial debt.
Is nt he the same president who gave rise to ISIS? He poured billions into Syrian Rebels and now we have this uncontrollable monster.... He should concentrate on American Turmoil.. Where no Muslim American is safe...
Atleast Pakistan is doing something about it tell me any other which is doing as sincerely as Pakistan
@Zak ; Good to live in a dream. Every one has a right to wish. God bless you.
Putting things into perspective.
Afghanistan on the west side, with Taliban and NATO troops fighting it out.
Indian occupied Kashmir, probably around 700,000 Indian army personnel trying to stifle a rebellious movement with no end in sight.
Constant exchange of fire between India and Pakistan across the border and LoC.
Pakistan's very own internal war against the TTP in FATA.
The fact that Pakistan can hold its own is a miracle in itself.
He knows some thing that we don't... Remember they are the instigator of turmoils in the world... so when Obama speaks listen... listen to him carefully cos he is much a lesser evil than the world is going to see in future...folks..American policy seems to be wed to a perpetual state of war. Why? History shows that the world will always be in flux or turmoil, with different peoples competing for visibility and power. The U.S. cannot fix the fate of every nation..American Politics is the art of looking for trouble, finding it everywhere, diagnosing it incorrectly and applying the wrong remedies....
@syed abbas The gravity of turmoil will be highest in Pak and Afgan... coz they are in stage of confusion and poor economy is proving to be more virus to them. remaining country would be effected bu impact would be less as they would be absorbing the impact through investment in intelligence network and other tools.
We muslim countries are far apart from the system of governance of developed world.Our rule of Centralisation of power and curbing the rights of common men has brought sufferings and fight for the rights.So the only solution is justice,merit, localisation, ownership, truth, rights, equality and good governance as applied in most of the non muslim countries.Everyone want to live peacefully and care for his family.
“Instability will continue for decades in many parts of the world – in the Middle East, in Afghanistan and Pakistan, in parts of Central America, Africa and Asia,”. i think he has made sure that it happens that way :))
"Pakistan among states that will face turmoil for decades"
And USA will be among states which will continue to decline in prosperity, influence, economy and tolerance.
Ya Thanks to you Yankees Thanks to you its not Pakistan Only Whole world will keep facing , Mind it.
How can he be so sure? Something not right.
we need sincere leaders like imran khan, who can reform our policing system & other institutions... make institutions strong & most importantly educate & unite nation, so they can differentiate between friend & foe, good or bad, right & wrong....
that's the way forward...
We muslim countries are far apart from the system of governance of developed world.Our rule of Centralisation of power and curbing the rights of common men has brought sufferings and fight for the rights.So the only solution is justice,merit, localisation, ownership, truth, rights, equality and good governance as applied in most of the non muslim countries.Everyone want to live peacefully and care for his family.
As IS will be down in Iraq they will concentrate on pak-afgan region... to create islamic state.... still there is time for pak to set its house in order.. otherwise next war as well as proxy war of saudi iran india america will be in afgan pak.. thats what Obama is trying to convey..
After this Obama message I feel China will withdraw the CPEC funding. Who would put bets on dying horse!
This is known to all. Is this a mild acceptance that wherever US got involved there we have a problem. Or is it a statement congratulating your people that we created a turmoil that cant be handled. The day US stops giving money to Pakistan and starts investing in manufacturing and services in Pakistan ....most of the problems will go away as it would mean employment.
Time to realise what's impression Pakistan carries. Time to take appropriate measures.
Need of the time strong SAsia cooperation against terrorism and social evil ..like poverty unemployment etc
Mr. Obama, please keep your business outside Pakistan, we will manage on our own, Thank You very much, any country that US interferes with, turns to dust.
President Obama compared to some of the current contenders for Presidency, looks a paragon of virtue. Definitely shows the caliber of the hopefuls in this race. The world needs level headed politicians in the current era of Geo Political disputes and tensions, to prevent the situation spiraling out of control.
There is no presence of IS or Al-Qaida(Global terror outfits) in Pakistan and no such thing is going to happen in the country unless foreign sponsored, hired terrorists are sent to Pakistan for sabotage and destruction. Pakistan has undergone destruction for the last 14-15 years more than a country can afford.Those involved in terrorists activities inside Pakistan will be exposed and every person will see their faces and reasons as to why they caused miseries to the people of Pakistan just for the sake of money.
So he mentioned all the world except the west? He forgot to mention Europe which is a hotbed of IS sympathizers and recruits.
Dont agree with Barak, Pakistan will survive, a key for its well being is friendly relations with India and vice versa... We been around for 5000 years Barak...
Stop using terrorism to achieve strategic objectives
US is likely to face turmoil for decades to come because hate mongering is on the rise where even the leaders like trump are fully committed to divide society on religious considerations. Nothing is going to happen to Pakistan except we will face poverty for some time to come.
This is their agenda. We should not forget that they made these groups for their agenda.
He is speaking as if the US is itslef the one propagating the turmoil and instability
Dear, he just not only mentioned Pakistan, he also included many countries, there is no deny in the fact that ISIS is worst form extremism, and all countries in the world should join hands together to get rid of this menace not only Pakistan. But we have to work and prove the world that Pakistan is a safe place.
@N_Saq
Lets hope for Good!! Indian are with you guys.
@Zak Agree with you ZAK!
Lets prove him wrong
Sad but true perhaps
@N_Saq I appreciate you. But will the politicians do their part?
This is a USA policy statement.
Yes...of course, because western powers have seeded turmoil, extremism, hatred, poverty, and prejudice in other countries' soil. What the post modern civilizations gave underdeveloped countries...wars & conflicts...????? Capitalistic ideology & mindset have bulldozed the humanity...!!!
the solution of ISIS is not possible without the solution of Syria issue. Firstly, it is necessary for all Syria stakeholders to come at same page, like Saudia and Iran, America and Russia. When they all agree to solve Syria isssue, ISIS get benefit from the division of World Powers. Syria is big threat for World. Powers not focus on the root of tree, but trying to cut the tree. that is not solution.....
Exactly! Thanks to the US/FBI, they have made a mess of this beautiful planet. We will definitely face turmoil for decades - thanks to your "war for terror".
Let's face the wake-up call! It's a fact that illiteracy, political apathy and a bureaucratic cabal is continuing in Pakistan. Laws and implementation is urgently required with no muk muka. Salams
For decades, the world will remember an African American President who went to White House with false promises and did nothing. Obama is Americas most useless President to be remembered by Pakistanis too. He lacked the Super power charisma and his wrong polices had revived the Russians Lion - Putin to roar.
Think about French revolution... 1945 when Germany was more than on a turmoil.. What made them to prosper... Unity and peace! If unity among all castes, creeds, sections and regions prevails and Peace is maintained, we shall also prosper like any thing.
Pakistan has already been through worst however Pakistan is no Libya,Syria,Iraq, or afghanistan now Mr president is worried that how we continue to be stronger .
This impression should be obliterated.
lets put our house in order and build CPEC, all will be fine. In past we let outsiders play dubious games in Pakistan and in the end we suffer.
@Farhan That's not how the world works !
@Ahmed USA Apart from a common religion, more or less, we share nothing with Afghanistan but discord. The religion is common to 37 other countries - do we share vibrant culture with them too?
@Ahmed USA Who is he to intervene in our affairs? you can advise and suggest but you will not be allowed to use military power! you have already destroyed Iraq and Afghanistan didn't you?
Pakistani leaders should show some sincerity
Obama is a failed president, so his wording credibility is zero. And let me clear that Pakistan is not same like Afghanistan because Pakistan is upcoming economic power according to Economist. Pakistan have No.1 Army General of the world with very strong arm forces and credible Government.
Obama should have also taken responsibility of that unrest. Going around the world invading and bullying countries would obviously not bring stability.
@N_Saq I wish you all the best. I hope your wish of a stable and peaceful Pakistan comes true very soon.
There is turmoil everywhere Mr. Obama. Every next decade that comes will have more turmoil than the one before. Some countries will have turmoil related to terrorism and others will have because of poverty, wealth inequality, breakdown of family and society etc etc. Take your pick.
@khanm they are applying the exact remedies that they need. However, it might not work for the others.
"Pakistan among states that will face turmoil for decades"
my deepest thanks to US for that.
Barrak Obama's crystal ball gazing and predicting the future is no different from any of his predecessors. always proven wrong!!! I challenge, tell me one prediction that has come right. Good in making speeches and writing books but otherwise useless waste of time.
Muslim countries are responsible for their present fate. We are guided by foreign leaders who are our enemies. Why all leaders of Muslim countries can not sit together, think with no personnel benefits and resolve internal differences? We all shall dies one day whether king or president or Prime Minister? What future we are leaving for our future generations? Our ancestors had given their lives for our future and we are only worried for our present without thinking that when enemies shall dictate our destiny, then all our efforts for our own sons and generators shall die and will find under their control? Today we are not in control of our own destiny, dear sir, think all Muslims please, How long we will die, kill or bomb self and call terrorist being victims and our lands occupied.
@Waqas you are powerful only when economically strong.
I wish the rural Pakistani wakes up !!! Pakistan doesn't need anything, it just needs Pakistanis
Who is Obama to predict Pakistan's future? And all those who commend his comments are not in their senses. Since 2001 America and NATO forces are in Afghanistan and they have not been able to defeat Taliban. So the turmoil is America's future. It is also very disappointing to note that neither the Foreign Office nor one of our politicians have had the courage to issue rejoinder.
Thanks but no thanks mr. Obama, American are back stabbed, by giving us some goodies won't help us to forget 71 and onwards, tell me which country in the world actually helped you in fighting terrorism more than Pakistan yet your congress finds ways to embargoed Pakistan, leave us alone, we have seen worst than this and will come out as winner with our heads high. Long live Pakistan.
@M Jamal At least one sane voice !!!! In short you need democracy....
@rahul that's what you think but if Pakistan and Afghanistan are not stable there can't be any peace in the region and will seriously affect Indian Economy. Pakistans only problem currently is corruption and not economy and that's what we are sorting. Once corruption is on the decline economy will be booming as we have lot of resources and manpower. Thanks to Geneva Raheel Shareef and Imran Khan
Who is responsible for all these uncertainty in the world. Just 20 years ago this world was a peaceful place. Arabian gulf was in particular was a peaceful & progressive place. Everything has gone wrong now.
The opinion of Obama should be taken in good spirit and work towards disproving it . If forecast pf Obama proves correct then it will be bad news for India.
President Obama said parts of Pakistan and we cant disagree to that. We need to take action towards prosperity of those regions through education and development.
Wish full thinking. Some nations clearly are not happy with Pakistan rising and asserting itself. The tool of terrorism against Pakistan to weaken it from within has failed miserably and we have shown our builtin resilience to the world. We have achieved this this despite having one of the most corrupt political elite in the world.
Obama is giving direction to Congress or stating CFR's policy - to keep Pakistan in turmoil for coming decades. IS can be fully crushed in Iraq and Syria by Iran alone if she steps in with all forces, and Pak Army is battle hardened now and can eliminate the menace of IS within Pakistan and in Afghanistan as well if need be. We know who is funding and protecting IS.
@Arslan , Yes, you are right; Saudi, Turkey etc.
So how does Obama know that Pakistan will remain destabilised for the next few decades unless US is the one trying to create this desalination?
Sad but true
The whole world at large still wants peace. See what political ambitions of various countries have done to this world. My prediction is there will be a Nuclear war which will end this world and the peace will prevail back with the new generation. Lets not forget there are only 1 religion that is humanity. If we all follow then we don't need guns.
The truth is bitter. Obama's words are sincere. May be they were also responsible in the creation of Taliban and other extremists. But, the sad truth is nobody now has any control over these extremists; and these extremists are spread over whole of Afghanistan and certain parts of Pakistan, constantly moving from one side to the other side.
Listening to the comments of my Pakistani friends here I feel one thing very clear that you people are waiting for someone else to clean up this mess. Yes America created Taliban, yes America is partly to be blamed for your mess, but let by gones be by gone, get up, try to stand on your feet and face the adversity head-on.
Remember Japan faced two atomic bombs by America, they didn't sulked or cursed America but worked hard and prooved their mettle in the whole world in less then 2 decades. That should be the spirit, wrong things happen to good people, but we have to take it in our stride and keep working hard to make life better for our younger generations
@Antonyooty Nothing new for us Pakistanis. We have and we will face all the challenges in days to come. US first should deal with North Korea and doomsday economic scenerio in decades to stay.
@Xenia , ISIS is not outsiders coming from somewhere. It is an ideology. With money and threats, it can recruit locals.
@Amit Singh
The Japanese capitulated completely. This is one of the saddest episode of history. I consider it an insult to be asked to emulate their example as a nation.
@Amit Singh All we need is to get rid of corruption and raheel shareef is doing a good job. Let him and likes of him continue the work and we will handle any and every situation from our own resources.
PIA taught many airlines how to fly (thou is seems to be forgetting now), South Korea and others followed our economic models half a century back. we even once lend to Germany! the list in long. Our nuclear capability is no fluke, its just small achievement given our capabilities. We know our stuff. We just need leader who can keep corruption and nepotism at bay.
Untill you want it will be carried on.
USA is the real failed state and terror financer. After years of spending trillion of US dollars in Iraq and Afghanistan it has failed and made world more vulnerable.
This certain message is alarming! If US stops meddling in all these areas world would be a lot more safer and peaceful!
As long as US and other are not supporting this instability covertly, we should be fine.
and this is the result of fault policies of white house in past
@syed abbas sir, please stop defending the wrongs in the country.
A constant state of world war is sadly a necessity for certain super-states, serving well their military-industrial complexes, espionage apparatuses, and to keep their citizen's attention diverted outside their countries to prevent fissiparous tendencies among them. Therefore, if the United States wants all the turmoil in the world to end it ought to hold back its fundamental policy makers.
US is the main cause of IS and it is playing a game of Double-Standards and Propaganda. PAKISTAN IS NEARLY WIPING OUT TALIBAN. WE HAVE A COMMON ENEMY. ITS TIME TO RECOGNISE IT BEFORE ITS TOO LATE.
@Zak and will continue to do so, what a wish
All these troubles are brewing in the belt between Pakistan and Afghanistan Pakistan agencies are most capable to handle each and every sort of criminals whether habitual, political or religiously motivated they can handle the religiously motivated criminals / terrorists inside the country if they have been given full authority but controlling terrorists hiding and operating from the most treacherous of land between Pakistan and Afghanistan our Government has to use Nukes ones and for all
@M Jamal "Our rule of Centralisation of power and curbing the rights of common men has brought sufferings" I cannot say anything better than it ! you hit the right nail our so-called democratic governments who always talks about the democracy never wanted to hold Local Bodies Elections it is Supreme Court who forced them to comply with the provisions of Constitution the so-called democratic governments complied with to save their skins but they usurped the powers of local Government representatives hence left them ineffective
Pakistan is not Afghanistan nor Iraq. Domestic extremist is our problem. We need to close Saudi funded Islamic school/Madrsas. Educate people living in remote areas. Lets not forget Pakistan help America in Afghanistan war against soviet Union. Pakistan is strong and nuke power in Islamic world. Our leaders do not have guts to talk. God bless Pakistan.
wise words by a great US president, very helpful for forming future policies in Pakistan, Afghanistan and beyond to avoid any turmoil and further distress to humanity.
Pakistan is more progressive and powerful in Muslim countries. They have nukes. They have to rein in extremist and Jehadi elements. Both India and Pakistan cooperate economically. Then military expenditure will go for welfare of the people and both the countries will be at the top. Then Obama and Americans will talk very positively about Pakistan and India as well
Please stop sponsoring it first. You are ones who brought it here ... going back to 79'
These are rewards of participating in US's so-called war on terror. One thing you must care and never forget, if Pakistan face turmoil, USA will face the same situation because of same globe.
We may pick holes in Mr. Obama's statement as to what he said, but honestly the real threat to Pakistan's future is the religious ideology of extremism created by Mullah's and nurtured by past military dictatorship.
The nation has to find a way to get back to the principles which inspired the founders for the creation of Pakistan.
This is you USA bringing instability in the world attacked Afghanistan. .created alqaeeda..attacked middle east created isis.
He forgot to mention that all those countries facing turmoil had an American intervention in some way shape or form.
Most of the comments here reflects our non seriousness towards an imminent threat. Its like the tribe of Prophet Noah who said we will climb the mountains if your god tried to drown us through flood.
Policies of US has been same, based on the greed and power, and it will not change. So what has to change? the denial state of mind of people who is getting affected, and who is getting affected MOST, its the common people from Afghanistan and Pakistan. And that is exactly what Mr. Obama is saying... this is last speech on his final term, it is kind of advice (or warning, however you take it)... The wise thing to do is to really think rationally, understand the deep meaning of it, act on it, and FIX it. As long as common people doesn't come out of denial stage, it won't help the cause! PEACE!!!!!
@Mian Shahid Mehmood Arm sales are only one revenue channel; Take a look into the top 100 companies of the world; how many are US companies.
Time to prove Obama wrong inshaAllah, we have done it in the past and we can do it again. Work hard my fellow countrymen
This is just sad, sad, sad. I am going to educate my children enough that they can have a better life outside Pakistan.
@N_Saq Obama is a visionary person. No one will know how complex his brain model is, but his wisdom and experience is really important. He used the word "decades" based on last fifteen years of his experience of Middle East and South Asia. But that time frame can be changed. One recommendation to Pakistani people. Be tolerant to other religions, avoid extremism, bring justice to masses, get 100% education uptill 12 grade education, develop a welfare system for deprived to have a decent life, and so on. Then you can disprove Obama's prediction about Pakistan. Otherwise he could be right!
Thanks to Mr. Obama
100% agreed.
@Azmat ShahHe has been busy setting right (or at least trying) the US economy, healthcare, civil rights, gun control and immigration, trade, opposition politics, Osama bin laden etc, etc. Where is the time for him to create problems elsewhere and f0r what?
What a serious joke?
Likelihood is Donald trump will come to power with his anti-Muslim rhetoric and then it will be business as usual.
Who knows better than the script writer!
The IS militants — although concentrated in Iraq and Syria — are also establishing bases in the Pak-Afghan region.
This is thanks to USA and Russia dragging Pakistan into the Afghan conflict. It is despite the fact that Pakistan cared for Millions of Afghan refugees for years.
@An investor ''All we need is to get rid of corruption'' Easier said than done.
trump will never win. they just brought him in picture so Hillary clinton dont face any sober, serious or mannered opposition in elections. hillary will be next president of US and we all will see
If you have listened to his speech, you will notice that he was reluctant to take Pakistan's name. He said it with some hindrance. Unfortunately, the truth is that Pakistan Army is doing a great job but this type of war requires the Police system to be modern and well equipped. Unfortunately, we don't have a strong system. Government is keen on starting new mega projects yet they do not pay attention to making the Police strong. I hope PM will take notice. Even one occasional incidence is good enough to show an unstable Pakistan.
The US President Barack Hussein Obama The Second has been a most thought-provoking influence in world affairs and in so far much as that is true I personally consider him a very successful president.
President Obama is a sincere leader who genuinely cares for the people. His last State of the Union address was inspiring, yet disappointing as he gave a wish list of all the important things that needed to be done. eg. equal pay for equal work, gender equality, ending police brutality, ending gun violence in USA, ending discrimination against minorities and other religions, bringing stability in the Middle East, Afghanistan and Pakistan etc. etc.
During his Presidency he travelled all over the world. He visited India twice, but did not visit Pakistan, a nation which greatly looked up to him as the front-line state fighting the global War on Terror. The question is why did he not achieve them in the two terms he had? He had the historic opportunity, but failed to achieve them which would become his legacy. The people of Pakistan still love him and wish him well.
Inshallah Pakistan will develop very soon, Pakistan is going to be the top country of the world in the near future. those who used to do planning for double games are going to be trapped in their own games.Pakistan and Muslim are peaceful people and wants peace for the whole world not only for Pakistan. Pakistan Zindabad.
@rahul You are grossly underestimating the resources, Intelligence network and projected economic growth of Pakistan my friend. Afghanistan and Pakistan has no comparison. Come out of dream sooner the better!
We have the will and means to prove Obama wrong , bless you, Gen-Raheel, the nation is looking upto you, please prove to the world how great Pakistani nation is.
Anwar Iqbal sahib, Obama did not mention Pakistan but once and that too when he referred to the school tragedy.
They all speak (Presidents) truth prior to their retirement only.
Well. There is quite a bit of truth in it. Problem is that no Pakistani is willing to accept that we have lots of black sheeps among us. Mullahs preach hatred with full freedom and our whole nation especially the leaders do corruption with utmost freedom. I don't see any hope in such a situation. Indeed it is getting worse by every day and most of us are continue blaming others and doing absolutely nothing to fix it.
@Abdul Basit Is Russian or Americana fighting in Daesh? What a crooked logic. We must learn to accept our mistakes and fix rather than blaming others.
@syed abbas Syed bhaijaan; take it positively and we all good people should come on road yes on road against bad people.. else you know all countries and common man suffering from it... Will you come out at Lahore or Karachi on road??
We will prove you wrong Mr. Obama. For your information, we are in much better condition that we were an year ago. Our situation will continue to improve Inshallah while you sitting on the sidelines can continue predicting our doomsday.
USA created IS in the first place so that it could justify it's military presence anywhere it wants
Sure we will be in turmoil if the population continues to elect PPP, PLM-N. What are you expecting ... Miracle?
@bajwa It is known as looking at the details, if a country is going in the wrong direction in literacy and life expectancy then the indicators are already there. There is lot's that is not right, provided one is willing to look at the faults
Adviser to the Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz Is wrong and Obama is right. It all means that Pakistan needs to be prepared to fight all forms of terrorism including Economic Terrorism. The fight is already on and Pakistan is winning but it can be a long fight.
@Zak US is the still lone superpower in the world. Whether it is serious about eliminating terrorism is debatable but it certainly has the capacity to do so if it is willing to.
No one and no one has ever blamed and brought the Bush and Blair duo to dock for the havoc that buries the Middle East today. Yet President Bashir has been declared a war criminal and Taylor is serving his term. Can Obama tell the world why, when he states that Pakistan and Afghanistan, among other countries, will stay in turmoil for decades? It is sheer hypocrisy on the part of the Yanks, as always.
@Catalyst - Look inside and you shall find the cause of instability.
Pakistan is more stable than US. Please check reality!!!!
America would never want peace and stability anywhere since that would essentially render Big Brother USA entirely useless.
@syed abbas , How it helps you?
@Catalyst , blaming others is not bring solution for you.
He said instability will continue in parts of Pakistan (not in all of Pakistan). The text of the full speech is at "https://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2016/01/12/remarks-president-barack-obama-%E2%80%93-prepared-delivery-state-union-address"
The exact words are: "... instability will continue for decades in many parts of the world -- in the Middle East, in Afghanistan, parts of Pakistan, in parts of Central America, in Africa, and Asia..."
will you tell how?
@Farhan I believe you are right. These words of President Obama must have crossed in the mind of Chinese . Chinese are very intelligent long term planners. They know where 'their' interest lies. Business likes political stability. After all, who wants to lose his investments.
Pakistan should stabilize conflict between Iran and Saudi Arabia and then solve the issue in Yemen on permanent basis. To start with Pakistan should encourage consulates in Both countries, put Peace keeping Pakistan Army in Yemen. Both countries should avoid interfering in each other internal affairs. Later they can encourage talk on all issues with mutual agreement or with involvement of Pakistan. Pakistan should keep military presence in Saudi Arabia all the time.
@Muneer You said "Time to prove Obama wrong inshaAllah," Actions, not wishes are needed to prove Obama wrong .