FACTBOX-Reaction to Obama's Afghanistan plan

[ProSense]

FACTBOX-Reaction to Obama's Afghanistan plan

27 Mar 2009
Source: Reuters

March 27 (Reuters) - U.S. President Barack Obama on Friday unveiled a new Afghan strategy, saying: "The situation is increasingly perilous."

Here is some reaction:

AFGHANISTAN

PRESIDENTIAL SPOKESMAN HUMAYUN HAMIDZADA

"We welcome the announcement made by President Obama, agree with all major conclusions and the main outline of the strategic review."

"We particularly welcome the recognition of the regional aspect of the problem in Afghanistan and specifically recognition that the al Qaeda threat is mainly emanating from Pakistan."

PAKISTAN

HUSAIN HAQQANI, PAKISTAN'S AMBASSADOR TO UNITED STATES

"The government of Pakistan ... believes that it is an extraordinarily positive sign that the Obama administration is thoroughly re-examining its policy toward our region, re-evaluating and reinvigorating our common efforts to contain terrorism and extremism."

"We have been especially pleased by the new level of consultation and partnership ... It bodes well not only for a stronger regional approach to a clearly regional problem, but to a more mature bilateral relationship between the United States and Pakistan."

UNITED STATES

SENATE FOREIGN RELATIONS COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN JOHN KERRY

"President Obama's new strategy for Pakistan and Afghanistan is realistic and bold in a critical region where our policy needs rescuing."

"Many of us have long advocated more troops for training Afghan security forces and a clear mission for our forces that are risking their lives, and this new policy is a downpayment in that direction."

SENATOR DICK LUGAR, SENIOR REPUBLICAN ON FOREIGN RELATIONS COMMITTEE

"The importance of the tasks in Afghanistan, and severity of the threats in Afghanistan and Pakistan, unites our sometimes fractious political debate."

"The emergent Afghanistan-Pakistan strategy properly directs the deployment of substantial additional civilian capacity."

"There should be no doubt that Afghanistan is a crucial test for NATO and the international community."

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES SPEAKER NANCY PELOSI

"I support the president's comprehensive strategy for Afghanistan and Pakistan. The president's plan is the result of a detailed study and is wisely centered on dismantling al Qaeda and denying safe havens in both Afghanistan and Pakistan to those who would attack the United States."

NATO

NATO SPOKESMAN JAMES APPATHURAI

"The announcement of substantial new resources for this international effort is very welcome. This will be an important contribution to the discussion at the NATO summit on NATO's overall approach to helping build security in Afghanistan."

[Aloha Spirit]

1. I know somebody on the diplomatic team over there... If I ever get any inside news, DU will hear

about it.

I still think the odds for "success" are low, but the details of today's announcement are encouraging.

[ProSense]

2. The governments of Afghanistan and Pakistan welcome the change n/t