Afghanistan, Pakistan split over US presidential hopefuls

PAKISTAN: From Pakistani tribesmen to violence-weary Afghans there are hopes but few expectations, on the frontline of the "war on terror", that the next US president can solve the problem of Islamic militancy.

US military incursions in Pakistan have made next month's US election a big deal in the nuclear-armed nation, while Afghanistan is entering its eighth year as host to thousands of American troops fighting the Taliban and Al-Qaeda.

But with Democratic candidate Barack Obama and Republican John McCain split on what is increasingly a key foreign policy issue in the White House race, opinions are divided in this corner of the world too.

Afghans largely welcome Obama's pledge, made in a recent debate with McCain, to "take out" extremist havens in Pakistan - while Pakistanis resent it.

"We do not expect any positive change in US policy towards tribal areas, but Obama's gestures are aggressive," said Malik Habibullah Khan, a tribal elder from the remote Pakistani region of Bajaur.

His tribe joined an anti-Taliban military operation launched by the army last month - but it has also pledged to take up arms against any US forces which intrude into Pakistani territory.

"I do not know much about McCain, but think he might be better than Obama," added Khan.

Pakistani Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani this week sought to assure his countrymen over the tensions with Washington ahead of the elections, including clashes between Pakistani and US troops on the Afghan border.

"Whosoever comes, they will be needing Pakistan," Gilani said on Thursday. "Whether it is McCain or Obama, I have contacts with both of them ... As far as America is concerned, they have to respect soverignty and integrity of Pakistan," he added.

McCain criticised Obama for saying in a televised debate last month that he supported US action in Pakistan - although the Republican's vice-presidential pick, Sarah Palin, unwittingly backed Obama's position days later.

But others in Pakistan are pessimistic.

Islamabad, Sunday, AFP