President Barack Obama today promised that he would continue to launch strikes against extremists in Pakistan, but only after “consulting” with that nation’s government. He insisted that this was part of a broad strategy to stabilize the Pakistani government and improve their economy as a means of destroying al-Qaeda.

At the same time the president seemed to rule out, at least in the near term, ground forces taking place inside Pakistan. He insisted that the current plan “does not change the recognition of Pakistan as a sovereign state,” while promising that the strategy will continue to be adjusted over time.

Obama’s “comprehensive, new strategy” for Afghanistan involved the escalation of the war in that nation, but seemed to center around massive increases in foreign aid to Pakistan and further escalation of the already routine American attacks in Pakistan’s tribal areas.

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