Mumbai: While India has been anxious ever since his statement on the Mumbai terror attacks yesterday evaded the role of Pakistan, it took a Mumbai girl to force US President Barack Obama to utter the P-word.
Progress in fighting terrorism in Pakistan is not as quick as we like to see, Obama said today during his interaction with students at St Xavier's College here.
I am absolutely convinced that the country that has the biggest stake in Pakistan's success is India, Obama said.
Obama hoped that in time, there is more trust between India and Pakistan and dialogue on less controversial issues.
Obama said India and Pakistan can prosper and live side by side. He said the US can be a partner but cannot impose this process.
India and Pakistan have to arrive at an understanding, said Obama. He also said a stable Afghanistan is achievable.
On a pointed question on his thoughts on jihad, Obama said one of the challenges we face is how to isolate those who have distorted notions of Islam to justify violence.
The notion that violence is the way to mediate differences must be rejected, Obama said.
He said an overwhelming majority of people following Islam want peace, justice, fairness and tolerance. All religions teach one to treat others with respect and dignity, Obama said.
The students perhaps took a cue from First Lady Michelle Obama's statement exhorting them to ask tough questions to her husband and keep him on his toes.
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