WASHINGTON, Feb 24 (APP): The United States intelligence chief Mike McConnell has voiced optimism that the US and Pakistan would be able to go forward effectively in countering terrorism as he praised Pakistan’s vital role in the fight against terror under President Pervez Musharraf.
“Pakistan, led by President Musharraf, has been our best partner. We have been able to kill or capture more of the al Qaida leadership in partnership with Pakistan than anyone else,” he told cable news network on Sunday.
At the same time, he said the two anti-terror allies have been talking on how to do better in fighting terrorism.
Commenting on political scene in the country following February 18 polls as the country moves towards formation of a coalition government, McConnell said the US is carefully watching that.
“So we’ll be very carefully monitoring that, engaging with the Pakistani government as this goes forward.”
Referring to the success of moderate forces and defeat of those advocating a hard-line approach in last Monday’s election, he was optimistic that “we”ll able to figure out how to work with the Pakistani government going forward and be more effective.”