Spring Break
Pakistan deserves respect, U.S. should approach with caution
U.S. government policy toward Pakistan should be one of economic and political diplomacy.
By: Christopher Linebaugh
Issue date: 10/1/08 Section: Opinion
Because of such overwhelming poverty and dissatisfaction with the Pakistani government, residents in tribal areas are becoming more susceptible to recruitment by extremist groups. The rise of local terrorism was most recently displayed by an attack on the Marriott Hotel in Islamabad on Sept. 20. Pakistani militants rammed into the front of the hotel with a truck bomb, killing more than 50 people and wounding hundreds.
It is an issue of grave concern that a nuclear-armed country such as Pakistan is in such disarray. This is a situation that requires full attention and must be handled with caution.
To avoid further disaster, Washington needs to show interest in establishing partnerships with Zardari and other leaders in the Pakastani government so they can work together to address Pakistan's problems.
It is vital that we help the Pakistani government solve the economic and militant problems that infect the country. By working with Pakistani leaders through funding for education, health care and other necessary facilities, and by helping the military quell insurgents in the border regions, the country can move toward stability.
We must take caution not to antagonize the government with attacks on militant groups without the Pakistani government's consent. Such an approach provides the militant groups with more tools to recruit more tribal citizens.
A destabilized nuclear Pakistan presents a formidable problem that requires the utmost care and consideration. However, by forging new partnerships, providing much-needed economic aid and maintaining patience, we can hope to put the country on the path to stabilization and prosperity - something much needed in that area of the world.
It is an issue of grave concern that a nuclear-armed country such as Pakistan is in such disarray. This is a situation that requires full attention and must be handled with caution.
To avoid further disaster, Washington needs to show interest in establishing partnerships with Zardari and other leaders in the Pakastani government so they can work together to address Pakistan's problems.
It is vital that we help the Pakistani government solve the economic and militant problems that infect the country. By working with Pakistani leaders through funding for education, health care and other necessary facilities, and by helping the military quell insurgents in the border regions, the country can move toward stability.
We must take caution not to antagonize the government with attacks on militant groups without the Pakistani government's consent. Such an approach provides the militant groups with more tools to recruit more tribal citizens.
A destabilized nuclear Pakistan presents a formidable problem that requires the utmost care and consideration. However, by forging new partnerships, providing much-needed economic aid and maintaining patience, we can hope to put the country on the path to stabilization and prosperity - something much needed in that area of the world.
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