The Hindu : International : Bush urges anti-terror allies to cooperate

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Friday, Sep 29, 2006
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International

Bush urges anti-terror allies to cooperate

Kabul, Islamabad to step up efforts against terrorism

WASHINGTON: In a White House appearance arranged to show warmth and unity, the leaders of Pakistan and Afghanistan shook hands with President George W. Bush but not with each other.

Pakistani President Gen. Pervez Musharraf and Afghan President Hamid Karzai, whom Mr. Bush considers key bulwarks against Islamist radicalism in a volatile region, barely looked at each another as Mr. Bush appealed for cooperation against the common enemy of terrorism. ``I look forward to having dinner with friends of mine who don't happen to share the same faith I do but nevertheless share the same outlook for a more hopeful world,'' Mr. Bush said in a brief Rose Garden appearance before Wednesday's light dinner of soup, sea bass and salad.

The meeting was a command performance for leaders who have joined their fortunes to Mr. Bush's anti-terror drive since the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks but who for months have picked at each another's efforts to fight terrorists along their long, remote, mountainous border.

They actually did shake hands before joining Mr. Bush in appearing before reporters. ``These two men are personal friends of mine,'' Mr. Bush said. ``They are strong leaders who have an understanding of the world in which we live. They understand that the forces of moderation are being challenged by extremists and radicals.''

Bland statement

After the private meal, the White House issued a bland statement that called the session a ``constructive exchange'' but outlined no new agreements or initiatives. The White House did not make any officials available for questions.

``They committed to supporting moderation and defeating extremism through greater intelligence sharing, coordinated action against terrorists, and common efforts to enhance the prosperity of the people of Afghanistan and Pakistan,'' said the statement from press secretary Tony Snow.

Mr. Bush's three-way dinner party, just weeks before the November 7 congressional elections, came as he works to persuade voters that Republicans are best able to guide the U.S.-led war against terrorism. He faces declining American support for both the U.S.-led war in Iraq and the U.S. military commitment in Afghanistan.

Afghan officials claim that Pakistan lets Taliban militants hide out and launch attacks into Afghanistan. Gen. Musharraf says Mr. Karzai has bad information and notes that Pakistan has deployed 80,000 troops along the porous border.

Mr. Karzai says Gen. Musharraf turns a blind eye to hatred and extremism being bred at Islamist schools in Pakistan. At one point, Gen. Musharraf said Mr. Karzai was behaving ``like an ostrich,'' refusing to acknowledge the truth and trying to shore up his political standing at home.

Standing between the pair, Mr. Bush emphasised ``the need to cooperate, to make sure that people have got a hopeful future'' in both countries. — AP

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