As tensions between India and Pakistan escalate following Operation Sindoah, former Pentagon official Michael Rubin has come out in support of India’s military actions in response to the Pahargam terrorist attacks. He has also criticized Pakistan, calling it a “sponsor of terrorism,” and believes the United States should clearly align with India in this context.
Rubin remarked, “The US has designated individual terrorist groups like Lashkar e Tayba, yet Pakistan itself has not been labeled as a national sponsor of terrorism. It’s time to address the root problem instead of focusing on the branches.”
He emphasized the responsibility of Democratic leaders to safeguard their citizens, noting that Prime Minister Modi is unifying the nation under the perception that all Indians are under threat.
“It’s a fact: while they succeed in India, Pakistan has actively pushed minorities out,” Rubin pointed out, referencing comments from Pakistan’s Army Secretary General regarding Hindus and Muslims.
He described Pakistan as a “failed state,” asserting that whenever the country faces internal issues—be it corruption, economic troubles, or social strife—it tends to shift blame onto its minorities to distract the populace from governmental failures. Rubin praised India for its approach of fostering open discussions among its citizens.
Notably, Rubin had previously condemned the Pahargam terrorist attacks on April 22, which resulted in the deaths of 26 individuals, highlighting Pakistan’s ongoing involvement with various terrorist factions.
He stated, “We recognize that numerous terrorist groups operate within Pakistan, including Lashkar e Tayba. The reality is that due to Pakistani diplomats’ interactions with the West, there is a lack of cooperative counter-terrorism efforts; they play all sides, including in Bangladesh and India.”
In retaliation, India executed a coordinated missile strike on nine locations in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, reportedly killing around 70 terrorists in an operation designed to maximize damage while minimizing detection.
Conversely, Pakistan responded with “arbitrary and indiscriminate firing” across the Line of Control, resulting in at least 16 civilian casualties in Jammu and Kashmir. The Indian military’s response was deemed appropriate.
As a result of these rising tensions, Indian aviation authorities have temporarily closed 24 airports, including those in Chandigarh, Srinagar, Amritsar, and others. Schools in regions such as Punjab, Rajasthan, and Haryana will also remain shut until Saturday.
