Rather than allow an increased US presence, the New York Times reported that Pakistan and the US are discussing other joint efforts, such as increased use of armed Predator surveillance aircraft over the tribal areas and identifying ways the US can speed intelligence information to Pakistani security forces.
The paper said the Jan. 9 trip by McConnell and Hayden came five days after senior administration officials debated new strategies for dealing with Pakistan. It had reported previously that no decisions were made at that meeting of the National Security Council, which included top administration officials, but not US President George W. Bush.
The New York Times quoted a senior official as saying "the purpose of the mission [by McConnell and Hayden] was to convince Musharraf that time is ticking away" and that the increased attacks on Pakistan would ultimately undermine his effort to stay in office.
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