BLAME GAME

U.S. Links Pakistan to Kabul Attack

Orders government to cut ties with Taliban-allied group.

The U.S. on Saturday ordered Pakistan to cut ties with a Taliban-allied network that is believed to be responsible for Tuesday’s attack on the U.S. Embassy and other targets in Kabul. The U.S. ambassador to Pakistan, Cameron Munter, said the Taliban-allied Haqqani network is responsible for the 20-hour siege that killed 16, including five Afghan police officers. Munter said Pakistan’s relationship with the militant group “must stop,” while Defense Secretary Leon Panetta warned that the U.S. will “do everything” it can to protect its forces from Pakistan-based militants. Washington has long blamed Pakistan for harboring those responsible for Afghan violence, and the Haqqani network is considered one of the most divisive issues between Pakistan and the U.S. Haqqani has denied being responsible for the Kabul attack.