Partnership with Pakistan difficult to revive: Mullen

Adm. Mullen said in an interview with The Wall Street Journal that partnership approach he long championed had fallen short as it would be difficult to revive.’ I’m losing people, and Im just not going to stand for that.He informed the US Congress last week Pakistans military intelligence service were collaborating with a militant group that the US blames for attacks on Americans, including the shelling of the U.S. Embassy in Kabul on Sept. 13.The shift by Adm. Mullen angered officials in Islamabad, who deny allegatins, and cast a pall of uncertainty over the deteriorating US Pakistan ties.Explaining his switch in the interview, Adm. Mullen, like many other US. officials, said the Americans are now going to have to take a tougher line in demanding Pakistan rein in militant groups.I am losing people, and I am just not going to stand for that, he said. I have been Pakistans best friend. What does it say when I am at that point? What does it say about where we are?Adm. Mullen will step down this week after four years as chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, a position he reshaped through his outspoken views on U.S. wars, foreign policy and military policies, especially involving the repeal of the dont ask, dont tell ban on gays serving openly in the military.But he leaves with a muddled legacy on Pakistan, an area he made a top priority because its border region has been a haven for al Qaeda and other militant groups intent on attacking U.S. interests.He was disappointed when a major Pakistani offensive planned against Haqqani fighters in key tribal areas didnt happen, and a string of attacks by the militant group in recent weeks forced Adm. Mullen to drop his practice of refraining from public criticism of Pakistan.