Pakistan is the epicentre of terrorism, Manmohan Singh tells Obama.

Pakistan is the epicentre of terrorism, Manmohan Singh tells Obama.

"Explained to Obama the difficulties that we face,
 given the fact that the (presence) of terrorists
 still remains focused in Pak," Singh said.

Washington | 29 Sep 2013 ::  Pakistan was in sharp focus at the Manmohan Singh-Barack Obama summit in Washington on Friday with the Indian Prime Minister telling the US President of the difficulties in dealing with its neighbour as terrorists "still remained focused in Pakistan". Manmohan Singh and Barack Obama described the relationship between two nations as indispensable after an hour long meeting. Issuing a statement after the meeting, Manmohan Singh said, "India needs US standing by our side. We have a relationship based on both principles and pragmatism.The atmosphere was more like a farewell meeting. Both Barack Obama and Manmohan Singh thanked each other profusely for helping each other and continuing support. Manmohan Singh said that he had always maintained an excellent relationship with the US and thanked the previous president George Bush and the current President Obama, who he said have made this possible. Sending out a strong message to Pakistan, the Prime Minister said that the epicenter of terrorism was still in Pakistan and it was posing a major threat to India's stability. President Obama once again mentioned the 26/11 Mumbai attacks and thanked India for engaging Pakistan in peace talks. He said that India's support was much needed to stabilise both Pakistan and Afghanistan. Describing India as a world power and not just a regional power, the US President said that America was interested in a strong India. He said, "For a very long time, they (India and US) have invested in peace and prosperity, people-people ties, business, science, academics and other areas". A smiling Obama then went on to say, "even Miss America (Nina Davuluri) is of Indian origin." He emphasised more on the conflict in Syria, tension in Iran, Afghanistan's slow march towards peace and stability and sought India's support. Referring to controversial civil nuclear deal between both the nations, Obama said that the deal between an American company and India was a good sign. A visibly tired Manmohan Singh said, "Indo-US relationship is growing and expanding. We have explored new areas like defence, security, energy and environment." He added that despite a slowdown American investment in India is growing. Obama returned the compliment by saying that India is growing at an amazing rate. Obama stressed more on the relationship Manmohan Singh shared with him and his predecessor Bush. It was almost like a farewell speech. There was a feeling of personal warmth and affection during the meeting. Manmohan Singh's visit to the US is being described as his last visit as India's Prime Minister.(Courtesy:IBN Live)

Iranian diplomat threatens to kidnap Obama’s daughter if U.S. attacks Syria.

Iranian diplomat threatens to kidnap Obama’s daughter if U.S. attacks Syria.

U.S. President Barack Obama with his daughters
Malia and Sasha. (File photo: AFP)

Al Arabiya | 07 sep 2013 :: An Iranian strategic expert has warned that one of the daughters of U.S. President Barack Obama will be kidnapped and raped if America carries out a military strike on Syria, reported the Daily Mail on Friday.

Alireza Forghani, the former governor of the Kish Province in southern Iran, threatened mass murders and abductions on U.S. citizens in the event of an American-led attack on Syria.

“Hopefully Obama will be pigheaded enough to attack Syria, and then we will see the … loss of U.S. interests [through terrorist attacks],” the website reported him as saying.

“In just 21 hours [after the attack on Syria], a family member of every U.S. minister [department secretary], U.S. ambassadors, U.S. military commanders around the world will be abducted. And then 18 hours later, videos of their amputation will be spread [around the world].”

According to media reports on Friday, the United States intercepted an order from an Iranian official instructing militants in Iraq to attack U.S. interests in Baghdad if the attack goes ahead.

The State Department issued a warning on Thursday telling U.S. citizens to avoid all but essential travel to Iraq.

The United States has been preparing for a military strike on Syria, evacuating non-essential embassy staff from Beirut. It has also warned Americans to avoid all travel to Lebanon and southern Turkey.

Obama is still awaiting the Congress’ authorization for military action. The lawmakers will reconvene on Monday and the president will address the nation on Tuesday.(courtesy:Al Arabiya)

Obama plans Nato summit on Afghanistan next year.

Nato summit on Afghanistan next year: Obama.

US President Barack Obama meets Nato Secretary 
General Anders  Fogh Rasmussen in the Oval  Office 
of the White House in  Washington. -Reuters Photo

WASHINGTON: US President Barack Obama said Friday that Nato will hold a summit next year on the “final chapter” in its Afghan war and on a new training mission for after combat troops withdraw at the end of 2014.

Obama made the announcement as he met Nato Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen for White House talks, also focusing on modernizing the alliance's forces and the need to stabilize Libya's borders.

But the US president would not say whether the talks also focused on the building regional security challenge posed by Syria's civil war, or any contingency plans that Nato might be making to intervene.

Obama said he and Rasmussen talked about steps that could be taken after 2014 to ensure that “Afghan security forces are effective and can control their own borders and that Nato members can be assured that Afghanistan will not be used as a base for terrorism in the future.”

”What we agreed to is that in order for us to facilitate this entire process, it would be appropriate for us to have another Nato summit next year,” Obama said.

He added that the summit, with a date and venue yet to be confirmed, would “underscore this final chapter in our Afghan operations,” and throw light on Nato's future non-combat, training mission in the country.

Rasmussen said that the Nato mission in Afghanistan would next year reach an “important milestone” with the withdrawal of combat troops and transition to a training, advising and assisting posture.

“Our goal is in sight,” Rasmussen said, defining that goal as “an Afghanistan that can stand on its own feet but the Afghans will not stand alone.

“We are prepared for an enduring partnership with the Afghan people.” Obama did not respond to shouted questions by reporters about whether Syria came up in the talks.[Courtesy:Dawn].