Zardari Slams US Following Criticism

In the face of growing criticism from top officials in the Obama Administration over Pakistan’s inability to capture high ranking Taliban and al-Qaeda officials, Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari issued an unusual condemnation of US foreign policy.

“In its fight against the Soviets, the US supported the most radical elements within the mujahedeen, who would later become the Taliban and al-Qaeda,” the Pakistani president noted.

Zardari was also critical of the US government for backing former military juntas in Pakistan, most recently the government of General Pervez Musharraf, which Zardari’s administration replaced.

Though Pakistan is fighting several offensives across its north right now at America’s behest, the US is ratcheting up criticism of the nation for not attacking even more regions at once. Officials have expressed growing annoyance at America’s impatience, as the Pakistani military is already pushed to its limits with the wars it is currently fighting.