Obama using drone strikes for ‘political gains’

Pakistani Prime Minister, Yusuf Raza Gilani, said on Sunday that U.S. president Barack Obama is using drone strikes in Pakistan tribal regions for political motives.

Monday, June 11, 2012

Pakistani Prime Minister, Yusuf Raza Gilani, said on Sunday that U.S. president Barack Obama is using drone strikes in Pakistan tribal regions for political motives.Gilani’s statement came a day after U.S. President Barack Obama reportedly ordered a "sharp increase” in drone strikes in Pakistan’s tribal areas in recent months. "The United States is into the election year and (President) Obama’s decision has been aimed at gaining political mileage,” Pakistani Prime Minister said when a reporter asked him at his press conference in the eastern city of Lahore.The U.S. officials were quoted as saying that Obama’s decision to increase drone attacks reflected the "mounting U.S. frustration with Pakistan over a growing list of disputes”. On Thursday, the U.S. Defence Secretary Leon Panetta stated in Kabul that the United States was running out of patience with Pakistan. He alleged that the country was being used as a safe haven by insurgents from neighbouring Afghanistan. A day earlier he had stated in New Delhi that the United States will continue drone strikes in Pakistan’s tribal regions.