Quoting New York Times, The Nation (of January 24) has reported that the US Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) is likely to step up drone strikes in Pakistan in reaction to Pakistan Armys stand on not opening any new front against militants in the coming months. Following the December 30 casualties of CIA agents in Khost, the spy agency has already struck back against militants in Pakistans tribal areas with the most intensive barrage of missile strikes since the covert drone attacks programme began. We can well imagine what a further escalation would mean in terms of the innocent people getting killed, which in turn, would create more unrest in our tribal areas and more suicide attacks on our cities. The report also states that by next year, the CIA is expected to get 14 of the latest model Reaper drones that are bigger, faster and more heavily-armed predators than the present breed being used in operations. Most ominous of all is the statement by the CIA spokesman that the Agencys counter terrorism operations are lawful, aggressive, precise and effective and would continue without pause. That means our National Assemblys resolution against drone attacks and protests at the highest level do not count. The American authority shall prevail on the matter. This is a very shameful state of affairs and should not be allowed to continue. It is quite obvious that the Americans are now moving their focus away from Afghanistan and their full concentration is now on destabilizing Pakistan with the ultimate aim of dismembering it or depriving it of its nuclear assets. That would be the only 'worthwhile achievement that could boost Barack Obamas otherwise sagging popularity and may even win him another term in the White House. -S. R. H. HASHMI, Karachi, January 24.