Former Pentagon official Michael Rubin stated that Pakistan initiated conflict with India by fostering terrorism and is now attempting to salvage its image, while India is the true victim.
New Delhi: Michael Rubin, a US defense expert and former Pentagon official, has bly reacted to the current tensions between India and Pakistan. He has urged the US to declare Pakistan a state sponsor of terrorism. Rubin is a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute and is considered an expert on global security issues.
India as a Victim of Terrorism – Rubin
In an interview with ANI, Rubin said, "Pakistan initiated conflict with India by supporting terrorism and is now trying to save face. India is the victim of this conflict, while its military has proven itself highly capable."
He also acknowledged that initially he felt Prime Minister Narendra Modi's response was delayed, but it is now clear that the Indian military responded with complete planning and restraint.
Pakistan Should Stop Digging its Hole – Rubin
Taking a dig at the Pakistani military's stance, Rubin said, "When one finds themselves in a hole, they should stop digging. Pakistan is now struggling to save its reputation, but Army Chief Asim Munir should understand that this situation is a result of their own decisions."
'Declare not just terrorist organizations, but Pakistan itself' – Rubin
Michael Rubin said it is time for the US to declare not only organizations like Lashkar-e-Taiba, but also countries like Pakistan, as state sponsors of terrorism. He said, "We have only cut off the octopus's arms; now we need to identify its head."
'Attempt to Divert Attention from Government Failures'
Speaking on Pakistan's internal situation, Rubin said that whenever the government there faces corruption, economic crises, or social failures, it targets minorities to divert public attention.
He also accused Pakistan of systematically driving out its minorities, while people of all faiths live together peacefully in India.
US Appeals for Peace
Meanwhile, US State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce informed that Secretary of State Marco Rubio has spoken to the leaders of India and Pakistan and appealed to both countries to exercise restraint and de-escalate tensions. Rubio spoke with India's External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, reiterating the need to maintain peace.
