Is America Really Concerned About Its Own Interests Regarding the TRF Terror Tag?
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Synopsis
The United States' recent classification of The Resistance Front as a terrorist organization has ignited debate among Indian defense experts. Is this move merely a diplomatic maneuver, or does it reflect a genuine commitment to combat terrorism?
Key Takeaways
- The US has designated TRF as a terrorist organization.
- This designation was seen as a delayed diplomatic action.
- Experts question America’s genuine commitment to combating terrorism.
- Pakistan's military relies on terrorism for its governance.
- International exposure of TRF's actions led to the US designation.
New Delhi, July 18 (NationPress) The recent announcement by the United States to label The Resistance Front (TRF), a proxy organization of Lashkar-e-Tayyiba (LeT) funded by Pakistan, as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) and Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT) has sparked significant backlash from Indian defense analysts. They perceive this action as belated and driven more by diplomatic motives than genuine concern.
Retired Wing Commander Praful Bakshi, in an interview with IANS, expressed doubts regarding the authenticity of America's commitment to combating terrorism.
“Currently, America is attempting to clarify its position concerning terrorism. It aims to project itself as a defender against terrorism. However, is the United States truly against terrorism? It appears that America prioritizes its own interests above all. When necessary, it won’t hesitate to support or even instigate terrorism to achieve its goals. A historical example includes America's collaboration with Pakistan to create the Taliban in opposition to Russia,” he remarked.
“The United States reacts only when terrorism becomes a threat to its own security, as seen during the 9/11 attacks. Merely eliminating leaders or changing group names fails to address the ideological roots of terrorism,” he continued.
On the subject of Pakistan, Bakshi stated: “Pakistan operates fundamentally on terrorism. Its military relies on terror tactics to maintain control. Without this, Pakistan would struggle to sustain its claim over Kashmir. Thus, terrorism will persist as an ideological weapon against India.”
Colonel Shivdan Singh (Retd.), another defense analyst, provided further insight, suggesting that the recent actions by the US were an attempt to restore its tarnished image after being criticized for downplaying Pakistan's involvement in terrorism.
“To clarify, shortly following the Pahalgam attack, the US supported Pakistan’s role as Chair of two anti-terror committees at the UN, which was astonishing. However, once India raised its concerns and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar emphasized the issue on various global platforms, it became evident that TRF, with backing from Pakistan, was responsible for the attack. TRF even acknowledged its involvement,” he explained.
“This global exposure negatively impacted America's standing in India. To rectify this, they were compelled to officially designate TRF as a terrorist organization. Furthermore, Lashkar-e-Tayyiba had misleadingly portrayed TRF as a grassroots movement for Kashmiri rights opposing India, rather than a terrorist group. India successfully revealed the facts, forcing the US to act,” he added.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed the designation, stating: “This action underscores the Trump Administration’s dedication to safeguarding our national security, combating terrorism, and fulfilling President Trump’s promise of justice for those affected by the Pahalgam attack.”
He noted that TRF, acting as a proxy for LeT, was responsible for the most devastating civilian assault in India since the 2008 Mumbai attacks, resulting in the deaths of 26 civilians in Jammu & Kashmir on April 22, 2025.
Point of View
It is essential to approach the recent U.S. designation of TRF with an unbiased lens. While the implications of this move must be examined in the context of international diplomacy, the underlying issues of terrorism in South Asia remain complex and multifaceted. A balanced perspective acknowledges the need for accountability while also considering the broader geopolitical landscape.
NationPress
20/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Resistance Front (TRF)?
The Resistance Front (TRF) is a Pakistan-backed terrorist organization acting as a proxy for Lashkar-e-Tayyiba (LeT), involved in various attacks in India, particularly in Jammu & Kashmir.
Why did the US designate TRF as a terrorist organization?
The US designated TRF as a terrorist organization to address its diplomatic image after criticism regarding its approach to Pakistan's role in terrorism, especially following the Pahalgam attack.
What are the implications of this designation?
The designation may lead to increased international pressure on Pakistan regarding its support for terrorism and could impact diplomatic relations between the US, India, and Pakistan.
How does this affect India's security?
This classification could bolster India's stance against cross-border terrorism and enhance its efforts to combat terrorist organizations operating in the region.
What role does ideology play in terrorism?
Ideology is a fundamental component of terrorism, as it fuels the motivations and actions of terrorist groups like TRF, making it a persistent issue that cannot be solved solely through military means.
