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 Latest U.S. missile |
WASHINGTON – After Pakistan shut down the vital Khyber Pass supply route to Afghanistan following the Nov. 26 cross-border attack that killed some 28 Pakistani troops at Mohmand, the United States thought it would use the Northern Distribution Network, the only viable alternative route, through Russia, according to a report from Joseph Farah’s G2 Bulletin.
As it is, the U.S. sends about half of the supplies now through the NDN but at considerably greater cost.
With the Pakistani cutoff of a major supply route, the intent was for the NDN to carry as much as 75 percent of the supplies.
However, Russia now has threatened to cut off the route because of its strong opposition to a proposed ballistic missile defense system in Europe.
The Russians vehemently oppose the defense system and in response have decided to look at ways to bolster their own strategic missiles. They also are planning new deployments of advanced missiles in southern and western Russia, near Europe. This will include developing so-called cyber weapons that would attack missile defense computer networks and guidance systems.
Moscow always has been troubled by continued U.S. presence in the Central Asian region as the U.S. seeks permanent bases in Afghanistan following the announced 2014 pullout of U.S. troops.
If the Russians follow through with their threat to cut off the NDN supply route, all supplies to U.S. and coalition troops in Afghanistan would be cut off, affecting the entire U.S. and NATO mission.
There are an estimated 400 U.S. and allied bases in Afghanistan that rely on the supplies.
The cutoff of supplies also could have a profound impact on the ability of the government of Afghan President Hamid Karzai to survive.
For the rest of this report, and other Intelligence Briefs, please go to Joseph Farah’s G2 Bulletin:
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- Egypt: Expect the Muslim Brotherhood to score
- Iran: Claim of nuclear program disputed
- China/India/United States: A trilateral arrangement
- Iran/China/India/Switzerland: New partners?
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