US watching Pak-Taliban deal with caution

New Delhi: As international concern is growing over Pakistan signing a deal with the Taliban leaders in the restive NWFP, US has said it will seek a fuller explanation from Islamabad on the issue.

The US has also increased its troop count in the border with Afghanistan.

The US appears to support Pakistan's peace deal with the Taliban. State Department spokesperson Gordon Duguid said, “As I understand it, Islamic law is within the constitutional framework of Pakistan. So I don't know that is particularly an issue for anyone outside of Pakistan to discuss.”

The statement suggests the US differs with its own allies Britain and NATO, both have warned that the deal will create safe havens for terrorists and encourage further violence by the Taliban.

Hillary Clinton's remarks did nothing to clear the air.

"The decision that was announced by the government of Pakistan has to be thoroughly understood and we are in the process of pursuing that at this time,” said Clinton.

In Swat and Mingora, pro-Taliban groups celebrated the government bowing to their demand for Islamic Sharia law in the tribal region.

Pro-Taliban cleric Sufii Mohammad was quoted in Pakistan's daily Times as saying, “From the very beginning, I have viewed democracy as a system imposed on us by the infidels. Islam does not allow democracy or elections.”

There's no sign though of Sufi Mohammad being able to fulfill his part of the deal to get the Taliban including his son-in-law Mullah Fazlullah to lay down arms.

Meanwhile, US President Barack Obama has approved the deployment of 17,000 more US troops in neighbouring Afghanistan.

“I’m in the process of a strategic review of our approach in Afghanistan,” Obama said.

Obama also underscored his concern over the Taliban insurgency in Pakistan but did not indicate whether he supported the peace deal with the Taliban or whether he was even consulted on it.

Analysts believe Islamabad is readying its trump cards ahead of Pakistan Army Chief General Kayani's visit to Washington on Sunday.

Kayani may bargain for better terms and financial assistance to Pakistan and of course military aid.