ISLAMABAD (AP) — Pakistan's army says it'll be at least six months before it's ready to expand its offensive against militants.
Defense Secretary Robert Gates says he's "comfortable" with that.
Gates has been meeting with officials in Islamabad today.
During the visit, the Army's chief spokesman told reporters that it would take "six months to a year" to consolidate gains the army has made in the Swat Valley and South Waziristan. The rationale is twofold: the government has limited military resources and it can't risk getting ahead of the Pakistani people's acceptance of a campaign that involves killing fellow Muslims.
In the past, the U.S. has publicly pressured Pakistan to be more aggressive in confronting extremists hiding along the Afghan border. But today, Gates took a softer tone, saying Pakistani leaders have to be comfortable with the pace of the fight.
In meetings today, Gates called Pakistan's antiterror operations a success so far. A Pentagon spokesman adds the U.S. is "not trying to prescribe a timeline" on Pakistan.
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<<CUT …150 (01/21/10)>> 00:16 "of Pakistan's sovereignty"
Secretary of Defense Robert Gates
On his way to Pakistan, Defense Secretary Robert Gates says that while he won't give away specifics, he will try to make sure ultimate missions are upheld.
<<CUT …151 (01/21/10)>> 00:14 "we'll talk about"
Secretary of Defense Robert Gates
On his way to Pakistan, Defense Secretary Robert Gates says he has several issues to discuss with Pakistani leaders.
<<CUT …152 (01/21/10)>> 00:11 "into the future"
Secretary of Defense Robert Gates
On his way to Pakistan, Defense Secretary Robert Gates says he has one main point to make with Pakistani officials.
<<CUT …153 (01/21/10)>> 00:08 "closer to home"
Secretary of Defense Robert Gates
On his way to Pakistan, Defense Secretary Robert Gates says when one terror group succeeds it empowers others.
<<APPHOTO BKB105 (01/21/10)>>
: Pakistani Ministers from right, Shaukat Tarin, Rehman Malik and Ahmad Mukhtar listens to Anne Patterson, US ambassador in Pakistan as US Secretary of Defense Robert Gates looks on in Islamabad, Pakistan on Thursday, Jan. 21, 2010. The Pakistani army said Thursday that it cannot launch any new offensives against militants for six months to a year to give it time to stabilize existing gains. Pakistan Defense Minister Ahmad Mukhtar seen second from right.
