Patraeus: Afghanistan, Pakistan 1 theater

WASHINGTON, April 1 (UPI) -- Strategically speaking, it makes sense for the U.S. military to view Afghanistan and Pakistan as a single theater, Army Gen. David Petraeus said Wednesday.

But the commander of the U.S. Central Command told the Senate Armed Services Committee that despite that overall philosophy, the U.S. government recognizes the differences between Afghanistan and Pakistan, the American Forces Press Services reported.

"Although the additional resources will be applied in different ways on either side of (their mutual border), Afghanistan and Pakistan comprise a single theater that requires comprehensive 'whole-of governments' approaches that are closely coordinated," Petraeus said.

He said beefed up U.S. forces will improve security, pursue extremists, support the development of Afghan security forces, reduce illegal narcotics trafficking and to help stabilize the Afghan government.

Petraeus also asked the senators to approve funding for the State Department and the Agency for International Development.

The general said Pakistan's fragile democracy needs to be supported as it seeks to root out insurgents from the border area near Afghanistan.

"It is in Pakistan that al-Qaida senior leadership and other transnational extremist elements are located," he said. "Thus, operations there are imperative, and we need to provide the support and assistance to the Pakistani military that can enable them to confront the extremists who pose a truly existential threat to their country."

He said the U.S. military will focus on helping the Pakistani military build counterinsurgency capabilities.

The military also will help to promote closer cooperation along the Afghan-Pakistan border. American troops will train with Afghan and Pakistani soldiers while providing equipment and intelligence capabilities, Petraeus said.