Pakistan would have a problem with any attempt to include other countries in the fight against terrorism, Pakistan's ambassador to Ireland signalled yesterday.
"These indications of it broadening do fill one with a sense of foreboding," said Ms Rifat Iqbal, for the past four months Pakistan's first resident ambassador to Dublin. She said that "a new policy decision" would have to be made in the light of "any new aspect" - such as an attack on Iraq. Her president had been assured by the West of a "swift, targeted" campaign "without any collateral damage" against the Osama bin Laden al-Qaeda network in Afghanistan, she said.
Conflicting reports of American intent and remarks by the British Prime Minister, Mr Tony Blair, this week suggest military action against other countries harbouring terrorists - particularly Iraq - may be envisaged.
Ms Iqbal said her country had taken a bold stand against terrorism in the current crisis. "Terror is an evil that ought to be rooted out. Its causes should be analysed," she said. "Pakistan's commitment is based on national security interests, on moral imperative, as well as international obligations," she maintained.
Asked if the long-term solution to terrorism would have to entail a shift in Western policies Ms Iqbal said: "Yes, Pakistan has consistently called for an examination of the root causes of terrorism. The West should give that a thought."
Ms Iqbal said that in Ireland she found "a lot of understanding" of Pakistan's dispute with India over Kashmir.