U.S. warned against strikes in Pakistan

NEW YORK, July 22 (UPI) -- The Pakistani foreign minister says U.S. military strikes in his country's tribal regions to fight militant violence would only worsen the situation.

Speaking Sunday on CNN's "Late Edition with Wolf Blitzer," Khurshid Kasuri said it would be a better to rely on the Pakistani military to fight the resurgent Taliban and al-Qaida militants, as about 85,000 of its troops are already positioned in those areas.

"The Pakistani military is already there in the tribal area," Kasuri said. "Pakistan's commitment cannot be doubted by anybody."

Kasuri said any unilateral U.S. military action would only result in America losing the war and the battle for the hearts and minds of the people.

"Our commitment is total, but this war -- or whatever you would like to call it -- can only be won if we have hearts and minds on our side," he said.

White House Homeland Security Adviser Frances Townsend reportedly told Fox News and CNN that U.S. President George W. Bush is leaving all options open to combat the terrorist groups, which have taken sanctuary in Pakistan's tribal areas as well as along the border with Afghanistan.