... and 'Pin-the-tail-on-the-donkey' continues ...

While the American President pulls over to the kerb having lost his map:



To his own nation, Mr Obama said: "The American people must understand that this (economic support) is a down payment on our own future."

His adversaries move into overdrive:



NEW YORK: Taliban leaders based in Pakistan have closed ranks with their Afghan comrades to ready a new unified offensive in Afghanistan as the US prepares to send 17,000 more troops there this year, the New York Times reported Friday.

The newspaper said that in interviews, several Taliban fighters based in the border region said preparations for the anticipated influx of American troops were already being made.

A number of new, younger commanders have been preparing to step up a campaign of roadside bombings and suicide attacks to greet the Americans, the fighters said.

The report said that the Taliban fighters sounded confident and predicted that 2009 was going to be a ‘very bloody’ year.

Comment:

1. How is throwing aid money at the Pakistani Government for ROZ etc, going to make any difference to the now united front of the Afghan/Pakistan Taliban? Are they all going to switch to day jobs making widgets in Waziristan?

2. The "Down payment on our future" refers to the 'Al-Qaeda' threat to US/Pakistan. But didn't the Americans conclude just a few days ago it had been seriously damaged and no longer effective? Then which 'Al-Qaeda' is this one?

Americans are still pinning the tail everywhere on the donkey except on its behind - and Pakistan isn't helping them to the correct spot either. Why should they? They know where the tail belongs and they will pin it there when it suits them.