An eventfull week -- Questions abound -- Pak-US relations, MemoGate, IjazGate ....

Over a week back the MemoGate scandal broke making headlines around the world. Ijaz Mansoor accussed Pakistans then Ambassador to the United States Dr. Husain Haqqani as the princple architect of the memo.The Ambassador denied Ijaz's claims, was summond by President Asif Zardari to present a briefing on the Memo to Islamabad, and after a series of high level meetings Haqqani requests Prime Minister Gilani to accept his resignation, or so how it was presented to the public.

After much deliberation by the PPP-P leadership former federal minister Sherry Rehman was appointed as Ambassador to succeed Husain Haqqani as Pakistans envoy to Washignton D.C. The new Ambassador having barely settled in, let alone hasm't yet departed for Washington and the countries faced with a situation on the Afganistan-Pakistan border. Last night (U.S. PST) NATO allegedly launches an unprovoked attack on a Pakistani border check post killing 28 Pakistan Army soldiers include civilians.

In the immediate aftermath of NATOs attack Islamabad shut down NATO supply routes through Pakistan and sent notice to the United States to vacate Shamsi Air Base , which is allegedly the launch pad for NATOs unmanned drones in the province of Balochistan within 15 days.

Based on sketchy media reports and tweets found under #Pakistan and #NATOAttack hashtags it would appear like the unprovoced attack was a result of mis-communication between NATO and Pakistani forces. Which is believable. Not related but there was a similar incident of friendly fire between U.S. forces a couples weeks back resulting in lose of life.

Additionally earlier today their was a tweet shared that reported senior White House officials have apologized to Pakistan, and vowes to conduct a detailed probe into the attack. Which was confirmed by an ABC News report on the Obama Administrations formal apology to Pakistan. On the face of things the situation appears like it's under control, however the sentiment on the ground hasn't changed, sabre rattling and anti-America stance is abound. To make matters worst Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaaf chairman Imran Khan addressing a scheduled rally today adds further fuel to the popular sentiment.

With the Obama adminstrations appology the onus now rests on the Gilani (civilian) government to issue an equivalent and measured statement, as General Kiyani has already issued a statement ordering an "effective response" to the attack, whatever that's suppose to mean.

So now what? Appears like its a closed and shut case. Well not entirely. As there is still the issue of The Memo and Mansoor Ijaz. On the face of things it would appear to be seperate and isolated issue. However the timing of events is suspect, and a clear give away of a deeper plot in the works.

Having said that who is it thats behind the Memo? Why did Mansoor Ijaz decide to break his silence now? Is Ijaz acting independently, or does he have support? If he infact has support then who could it be, are they internal or external to Pakistan? It would seem whoever was behind the Memo and the suspected broader plan precieved Ambassador Haqqani as a threat, and his removal was / is critical to the future success of the Plan.

The events of the past several days have done nothing other than further weaken the civialian apparatus in Islamabad with the resignation of it's most imporant spokesperson In Washington at the behest of the military establishment. Though I don't doubt the incoming Ambassador-select Sherry Rehman's abilities,  I do wonder if her boots are able to measure up to Husain Haqqani's footprints. Rehman is stepping into a hot seat, all eyes will be upon her to quell misunderstandings, as she chalks out a renewed US-Pak partnership.


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President Obama Awarded 2009 Nobel Peace Prize

Interesting, yet surprising. Less than a year in office, amidst increased war efforts in Afghanistan, troop deployment in Pakistan and a dire economic health at home. I wonder whether the timing is appropriate ... what do you think? Sounds premature, if you ask me. Or perhaps this is just what the Obama Administration needed to help them push through the massive opposition they're confronted with atop Capitol Hill and deliver upon their campaign promises, starting with: (1) Revamping Health Care,

(2) Addressing the Energy crisis, and (3) Education issue to name a few pressing U.S. centric issues.

Though, what about Obama's foreign policy agenda? Have significant steps been taken thus far to reduce tensions across ethnic, religious, and economic boundaries?

Don't get me wrong, personally I supported President Obama, and continue to offer my support however it's disappointing to see a continuation of the DC status quo of "big talk" and "no action" on the Hill. The question is, how will the Administration leverage this to finally deliver?

Continue reading at Reuters ...

October 15th Reception with President Obama in San Francisco

Friend -

It gives me great pleasure to inform you that President Barack Obama will visit San Francisco on Thursday, October 15th. This is the President’s first visit to the Bay Area since he took office. We are delighted to welcome President Obama back to our region and community where he received some of his early support, which played an important role in the last historic election.

That said, I'd like to invite you to a Reception with the President that will benefit Organizing for America, a project of the Democratic National Committee (DNC) that's aimed at mobilizing people in California and across the country to support President's legislative agenda on health care, climate, education and other top priorities.The reception will take place at 5:00 PM at Westin St. Frances Hotel in San Francisco.

If you would like to attend the reception, please sign up here,https://www.democrats.org/page/contribute/SFOct15Reception?custom1=AR+Rafiq

You are also invited to attend the dinner following the reception by signing up here,https://www.democrats.org/page/contribute/SFOct15Dinner?custom1=AR+Rafiq

Feel free and reach out to me with any questions that you may have.Once again thank you for your support and leadership. Hope to see you at the event on October 15th.Best

Regards,


AbdulRahman Rafiq
Event Co-Host
(805) 708 - 1976 (c)

Click for Reception Facebook Page