Holbrooke theory on Kabul attack upsets New Delhi

New Delhi has reasons to be upset at the views of Richard Holbrooke, special US Representative for Pakistan and Afghanistan, who has rejected reports that the terror strikes in Kabul specifically targeted Indians.

Holbrooke’s statement in Washington on March 3, was seen by Indian officials as a blatant US bid to underplay the Taliban terror attack. On February 26, six Indians were killed in a series of blasts that targeted guest houses in Kabul where Indians were staying.

Suicide bombers targeted the Noor guest house, where the Indian army medical mission was stationed. Two army officers were among those killed. The Park Residence guest house, home to many Indians working in the embassy, was also attacked.

"In regard to this attack, I don't accept the fact that this was an attack on an Indian facility like the (Indian) embassy. They were foreigners, non-Indian foreigners hurt. It was a soft target. Let's not jump to conclusions," he told reporters in a news briefing.

His statement came despite the strong clues pointing that the Kabul attacks suspected to have been launched by Pakistan-based terror outfit Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT) were aimed specifically at Indians along with Afghan President Hamid Karzai's statement establishing the same.

"I understand why everyone in Pakistan and everyone in India always focuses on the other. But please, let's not draw a conclusion for which there's no proof," Holbrooke added.

Indian officials are surprised and annoyed with Holbrooke's statement, especially because they don't believe his assessment is based on specific information. India has pointed to a statement made on March 2 by a senior Afghan intelligence official who said he has proof that the Laskar-e-Toiba (LeT) was involved in last week's attacks.

While the Taliban have claimed responsibility for the suicide attacks, India says that an LeT angle makes it clear that Indians were very much the focus of the terror strikes. Meanwhile, National Security Advisor Shiv Shankar Menon is travelling to Afghanistan this week to assess how security can be improved for Indians there. Afghan President Hamid Karzai has termed it as an attack on Indians.

Holbrooke noted that both India and Pakistan have an interest in Afghanistan. "This is my own personal feeling about these three countries – Afghanistan, Pakistan and India. The three countries are vastly different in culture, socioeconomic standing, political development, and – but they share a common strategic space," he said, adding that in order to understand America's policy and America's policy dilemma, one has to understand that both India and Pakistan have legitimate security interests in the region.

Noting that the US has good relations with both India and Pakistan; Holbrooke said: "It is our view that it is in our national interest to improve relations with both countries, not at the expense of the other.

- Asian Tribune -