July 28, 2009 at 09:37:17

How The US Can Win Hearts And Minds In Battleground?

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By Muhammad Khurshid (about the author)

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For OpEdNews: Muhammad Khurshid - Writer

The United States has been trying to win the hearts and minds of the people of tribal areas situated on Pak-Afghan border. It should be kept in mind before discussing this question that thousands of people have been killed in the fighting in tribal areas. Both the US and Pakistan have used all their resources for killing the people of tribal areas. Though they have come to tribal areas on the pretext that they have been carrying out an operation against Taliban and terrorists, but that was not happened. Only innocent people were targetted and terrorists were given the chance to flee from the scence. As usual they will reappear on the scene after ease in operation.

Today I have received a letter from an official in US administration seeking my view that how can the minds and hearts of the people can be won. The official, who is a Pakistani and my close friend sent me the message. I am putting his message here with the hope that you will help me in preparation of a response to the letter. At the moment I cannot disclose the name of the sender, but later on I will disclose his name. I want to take his permission before disclosing his name. The official has sent a night in my house in Bajaur Agency. The following is the letter.

Dear Khurshid,

Hope you are fine and doing well ! Its so nice to see you in face book after a long long time.

I am reaching out to you for your views of how would you evaluate the ongoing Pakistani and international response and explore how the United States can best utilize humanitarian assistance in the ongoing battle for "hearts and minds". I know you will be busy, so I don't want to take your time. Could you please give me some brief but comprehensive points for how the U.S Aid can best be used for winning the hearts and minds of the Pashtuns in a region which has been reeling under anti-Americanism.

I'll appreciate if you could give me few points, particularly in the rehabilitation process of the IDPs.

Many thanks and looking forward to remaining in touch with you.

Please send me your views today, if possible. just send me some points.

Best Regards,

Muhammad Khurshid, a resident of Bajaur Agency, tribal areas situated on Pak-Afghan border is journalist by profession. He contributes articles and news stories to various online and print newspapers. His subject matter is terrorism. He is also (more...)

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