Gates warns turmoil in Pakistan could hamper operations in Afghanistan

[kiwi]

Associated Press - November 9, 2007 11:23 AM ET

CRAWFORD, Texas (AP) - Defense Secretary Robert Gates says the longer the political turmoil in Pakistan continues, the greater the risk it will distract from the fight against terrorism.

It's the first time Gates has aired concerns that President Pervez Musharraf's (pur-VEHZ' moo-SHAH'-ruhvz) emergency declaration and the protests and arrests it has spawned could interfere with operations in Afghanistan.

Still, he echoed White House views that Musharraf has been a staunch ally, and praised his plan to hold parliamentary elections in February. They had been scheduled for January.

Meanwhile, Pakistani police have detained opposition leader Benazir Bhutto (BEN'-uh-zeer BOO'-toh) at her Islamabad home and reportedly rounded up 5,000 of her supporters to block a mass protest. The White House has called on Musharraf to free the former prime minister and the protesters.