Brig (Retd) Mahmood Shah

There have been several incursions by the US into Pakistan since 2001. Why is the government opposing it only now?

The frequency and intensity of the action has gone up dramatically. The US never engaged in any land operations earlier. With a democratic dispensation at the Centre and free flow of information, voices are being raised against the action now. At present, the anti-US sentiments are at a high pitch.

Lt Gen (Retd) Talat Masood, an Islamabad-based defence and strategic analyst

Proportionately, the incursions have increased since Pervez Musharraf resigned. In his nine years, there were 36 incursions whereas the present government has already seen 24 in less than six months. I think the deal between the US and Benazir Bhutto asked for greater vigilantism and repulsive action.

Gen (Retd) Hameed Gul, former ISI chief

US President George W Bush hailed Pakistan as its “most trusted” ally on the war on terror. Then why is Pakistan’s territorial sovereignty being violated so much?

The US elections seem to have a bearing on the heightened action in the tribal areas. Bush wants to go down in history as the man who weeded the world of troublemakers. Ever since he announced the withdrawal of troops from Iraq, Israel has been edgy. Hence Pakistan has to be chastised.

Hameed Gul

Does Pakistan run the risk of harming ties with the US because of its retaliatory action? What are the options before Pakistan to register its protest?

... contd.