APROPOS the article ‘The ‘2/7 problem’ (July 18). The fact that so far Pakistan has been unable to ‘persuade’ the Taliban/Haqqanis to come to the negotiable table and start peace process clearly means that Pakistan does not really have clout and control over them.

That being so, the US will not accept from Pakistan anything less than the start of a no-holds-barred operation against the Taliban/Haqqanis. Of course, with Pakistan starting such an operation there could be a serious blow-back against Pakistan and Islamabad would want guarantees/assistance from the US.

That means the US wants to play the same dirty game in Pakistan which it has earlier on played in Libya and Syria.

After shifting to Afghanistan of the Islamic State terrorists from Syria and Iraq, even our Afghan brothers are left in no doubt about the real intentions of the US.

The best and only course for the US is to cut further losses, pack up and go home.

Surely, Afghanistan’s neighbours, who have a natural interest in peace in the region, will be able to sort things out with a Chinese-led mission.

Riazul Hasan

Karachi

Published in Dawn, July 25th, 2018