Pakistani Taliban behind Times Square bomb attempt: US

"Pakistan is the "centre of terrorism" and all terrorist activities, whether in Afghanistan or US, could be traced to Pakistan"._____________Home minister of India P Chidambaram

 'It looks like he was working on behalf of the Pakistani Taliban,' Brennan said. The finding 'underscores the serious threat that we face from a very determined enemy', he said.

The finding could increase US pressure on Pakistan to clamp down on the terrorist network. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has already warned Pakistan that if a terror attack like the New York bombing were to be successful and found to be originated from that country, 'there would be very severe consequences'.
 

Hillary Clinton warned of an arms race if Iran acquires a nuclear bomb

If Iran acquires a nuclear device it could trigger a nuclear arms race in the Middle East, which would create "dangerous" problems in the region.

"Everyone who I speak with in the Gulf, including the leaders here and leaders elsewhere in the region, are expressing deep concern about Iran's intentions," she said, calling Iran "the largest supporter of terrorism in the world today."


If Iran gets a nuclear weapon, she said, the hope of a nuclear-free Middle East disappears "because then other countries which feel threatened by Iran will say to themselves, 'If Iran has a nuclear weapon, I better get one, too, in order to protect my people.'
"Then you have a nuclear arms race in the region," she said.

Netanyahu told Greek Prime Minister George Papandreou on Monday that if Iran managed to develop nuclear weapons, the rest of the Muslim world would follow suit, as Egypt, Turkey and Saudi Arabia would soon begin their own nuclear programs, an Israeli official told Reuters.

Iran is becoming a military dictatorship

"Even today, in 2010, women are still targets of violence," she said Sunday. "And all too often, religion might be used to justify it. But there is never a justification for violence against women. It is not cultural. It is criminal. And it is up to religious leaders to take a stand for women, to call for an end to honor killings, child marriages, domestic and gender-based violence."

Imitation everywhere is unwarranted

Iran intimidates western powers

U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said on Wednesday Iran's intentions were unclear following its election and that President Barack Obama's offer of talks with Tehran was not open-ended.

US plans to halt Iran by ‘defence umbrella’

The US secretary of state, Hillary Clinton, warned Tehran on Wednesday that Washington may extend a “defence umbrella” over the Middle East to negate any advantage Iran might seek in developing nuclear weapons. Previously, senior US government officials maintained Iran ultimately would be prevented from building a bomb. Tehran insists its nuclear programme solely for the peaceful generation of electricity.

“We want Iran to calculate what I think is a fair assessment: that if the United States extends a defence umbrella over the region, if we do even more to support the military capacity of those in the Gulf, it’s unlikely Iran will be any stronger or safer, because they won’t be able to intimidate and dominate, as they apparently believe they can, once they have a nuclear weapon.”

“Gulf leaders are very worried about Iran’s nuclear programme –it’s their top priority at the moment, even more than the Israeli-Palestinian question. Of course, these countries will also end up financing any defence umbrella.”

We have to look for ways to support those who oppose terror

New Delhi (PTI): US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton on Monday said there has been "real will" on the part of Pakistan to tackle terrorism and that her country will enlist the help of India in fighting the menace.

"I have seen a real will on the part of Pakistan government to tackle terrorism...It is their government which is being attacked and people who are being mistreated," said Ms. Clinton while addressing students of Delhi University here.

She also said, "We have to look for ways to support those who oppose terror".

Emphasising that combating terrorism is the "number one" challenge, Ms. Clinton said the US will enlist the help of everyone including India.

Acknowledging India's growing stature, she said the world is now wanting to know where it is headed to.

"Military strength does not define greatness of nation... Soft powers are more appealing," she said.

Ms. Clinton also noted that the relationship between India and the US was growing day by day and wanted to use diplomatic tools to seek common ground.

Dismantle terror outfits, Hillary tells Pakistan

However, she said was satisfied with Pakistan’s efforts towards cracking down on the perpetrators of the Mumbai terror attacks. “The days to come hold the promise of greater commitment and concerted efforts from that country …Much greater effort and commitment to combat terrorism has been seen at the government level,” and more so from civil society, she said.


Referring to Friday’s bombing in Jakarta, Ms. Clinton said such acts of “violent extremism” were “ruthless, nihilistic and must be stopped.” Vigorous efforts were needed to create more space for “progress, peace and prosperity” and less for “intolerance, violence and pain.”

The goal of the United States is to disrupt, dismantle, and ultimately defeat Al Qaeda

"Our national security as well as the future of Afghanistan depends on a stable, democratic, and economically viable Pakistan. We applaud the new Pakistani determination to deal with the militants to threaten their democracy and our shared security," Ms. Clinton said on Wednesday.


In Afghanistan and Pakistan, Ms. Clinton said, the goal of the United States is to disrupt, dismantle, and ultimately defeat Al Qaeda and its extremist allies and to prevent their return to either country.


"Yet Americans often ask why do we ask our young men and women to risk their lives in Afghanistan when Al Qaeda's leadership is in neighbouring Pakistan? That question deserves a good answer," she said.