Pakistan’s Role in Terrorism

“The India-Pakistan Conflict Lies Threatening in the Wings” (Commentary, Dec. 23), by Mansoor Ijaz, is interesting. He is right to point out that Kashmir has become the “last haven on Earth” for the Al Qaeda terrorists fleeing from Afghanistan. Unfortunately, the government of Pakistan (including its president, Gen. Pervez Musharraf, and the Inter-Services Intelligence agency) created, nurtured and supported the Taliban, Al Qaeda and other terrorist organizations.

The Bush administration and, especially, Secretary of State Colin Powell, should rein in Musharraf rather than giving unconditional military and financial aid. Pakistan continues to arm and finance terrorist organizations like Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed, which assassinate moderate Muslim Kashmiri leaders, government officials and police, terrorize civilians and carry out attacks on the Indian Parliament.

Arun J. Mehta

Northridge

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Ijaz provides inaccurate information. Musharraf displaced the elected government to pursue his intentions of terrorist war in Kashmir. He also trained, financed, aided and abetted the Taliban and Al Qaeda. He was one of the few who recognized the Taliban as a government. His scientists provided nuclear materials and training to Al Qaeda. He is a principal terrorist and should be treated as such.

B.V. Bhimani

Winnetka