Gates: Troops Could go to Pakistan [View All]

[tekisui]

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- U.S. Secretary of Defense Robert Gates said Thursday that the United States is "ready, able and willing" to send troops to Pakistan if the government of the South Asian nation is interested.

U.S. Secretary of Defense Robert Gates says any move to send troops would depend on Pakistan.

U.S. military officials have told CNN that commanders are reviewing a classified planning order that could result in troops going to Pakistan for training purposes if Pakistan's government approves.

The announcement comes as Pakistan's government faces what Gates called increased efforts by al Qaeda.

Musharraf and other Pakistani leaders, however, have repeatedly said it is their military -- not that of the United States -- that will fight elements of al Qaeda and the Taliban that are believed to live and train in the mountainous region of Pakistan that borders Afghanistan.

"It's obviously been a subject of ongoing dialogue," Gates said. "Pakistan is a sovereign country; they clearly have the right to decide whether or not forces from another country are going to operate on their soil.

"We will continue the dialogue, but we would not do anything without their approval."

Analysts say the visible presence of U.S. troops -- particularly a large ground force -- could provoke anti-American sentiment among many Pakistanis.

more at link: http://www.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/asiapcf/01/24/us.pakistan/