Pentagon Official's Comments
Former Pentagon official Michael Rubin denounced Pakistan Army Chief General Asim Munir for the comments he made while visiting the United States. Rubin likened the actions of Munir to the actions of former Al-Qaeda chief Osama Bin Laden.
According to Rubin, it was inappropriate that Pakistan's Army Chief would have such statements on US soil. Rubin says that the comments are of concern regarding the capability of Pakistan to serve responsibly as a nuclear state.
Call for Diplomatic Action
Rubin declared Munir's words lessened Pakistan's credibility as a responsible state. He advocated diplomatic action against Pakistan. Some officials in the Trump administration criticized Munir's comments and proposed that he should have been deported from the United States.
Support for India
Rubin voiced backing of India in the case of recent US tariffs imposed on Indian imports. Prime Minister Narendra Modi was commended by him for defending India's national interest. Then-President Donald Trump was criticized by Rubin for his strategy towards India, citing that business diplomacy can result in unfounded peace and ultimately in conflict.
Details of Munir's Remarks
General Munir made the remarks at a meeting with the Pakistani community in Florida. He asked for the question of Indus River waters and threatened that Pakistan would blow up dams if they were constructed to clog the flow of the river. He also mentioned that if Pakistan was in danger of extinction, the nation might employ nuclear weapons to destroy most of the world.
India's Response
India rejected Munir’s nuclear threats. It stated that it would not be intimidated and would take necessary steps to ensure its security.
