Pakistan says it's part of Saudi-led anti-terror coalition

ISLAMABAD (AP) — Pakistan has confirmed it's part of a Saudi-led "Islamic military alliance" against terrorism in the Muslim world but remained vague about when exactly it joined the new alliance.

Foreign Office spokesman Qazi Khalilullah told reporters Thursday in Islamabad that, "yes, we're part of it."

He also denied media reports from Wednesday that claimed Pakistan was "surprised" when its membership in the 34-member group was announced on Tuesday. He insisted Foreign Secretary Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry had earlier only said that Pakistan was "ascertaining details" about the announcement.

Khalilullah went on to say that Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have been exchanging ideas on how to deal with terrorism.

The new coalition does not include Shiite-led countries of Iran, Iraq and Syria, raising questions whether it can be a unified front against extremists.


-- (c) Associated Press 2015-12-18

Shia participation or not is hardly the caveat that raises questions about "whether it can be a unified front against extremists." The real issue is whether a party who is a part of a coalition that promotes terrorism can really be a meaningful part of a coalition of anti terrorism. In this regard the entire premise is brilliant- Manage the expectations and appearance of battling terrorism while simultaneously sponsoring or nurturing proxy and state terrorism. It was not always necessary to manage the appearance of battling themselves but it is increasingly. By mechanisms such as this terror sponsors and actors extend the range that they can continue to use terror without real rebuke or repercussions. Manage both side of the battle. Brilliant equation, and the West is stupid enough to buy it, or even sponsor it. Does anyone really think a Saudi/Paki/Etc coalition to battle terrorism is anything more than seeding a Sunni Super Cell that will primarily oppress their own people and better manage their terror apparatus?

Khalilullah went on to say that Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have been exchanging ideas on how to deal with terrorism.

Well, both of you could start by stopping to support terrorism. I know it's a novel approach, but may be worth looking into...

they probably didn't understand the question

Saudi led anti-terror.

Clean your own house first savages and stop trying to kill 15-year olds for nothing.