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
When we look at southern Asia, it is easy to become overwhelmed by the multitude of problems in Pakistan. The latest problems result from a change in government, unraveling economy and a rise in Islamic militant groups in the border regions.
The most glaring problem seems to be Pakistan's housing of Islamic militants. In an attempt to deal with the issue, American-led helicopters and ground troops raided a border area in Pakistan on Sept. 3, firing on an al-Qaida target without consent of the Pakistani government.
While the strike may have killed some insurgents, this method will likely fall short in providing a long-term remedy for Pakistan. By looking more deeply at the problems facing the country, it will be easier to see how the solution is more complex and diplomatic in nature.
On Sept. 9, Asif Ali Zardari was sworn in as Pakistan's president. Zardari rose to power by riding the political coattails of his wife, Benazir Bhutto, the former Pakistani prime minister who was assasinated on Dec. 27, 2007.
Because of past charges of corruption and 11 years of jail time, the public is skeptical of Zardari and is waiting to see if he is going to work in their interest. The public viewed Pervez Musharraf, Zardari's predecessor, as an American lapdog, and they are expecting Zardari to behave differently.
This puts Zardari in a delicate situation. To strike against the militant groups plaguing his country, he must persuade the public that these actions are in the best interest of the people and are not simply out of obedience to Washington.
Zardari has complicated his situation by destroying an alliance with his political rival, Nawaz Sharif, leader of the Pakistan Muslim League. This obliterates any hope of a unified government free of political rivalry. Zardari is the man the U.S. must work with to calm the nation.
Perhaps the largest destabilizing factor in the country is its ailing economy. With a 70 percent unemployment rate in the tribal regions where al-Qaida is most predominant, the country is in dire need of reform. Because of high inflation, Pakistan's markets are losing the confidence of local and foreign investors, and the Rupee is trading near an all-time low.
The most glaring problem seems to be Pakistan's housing of Islamic militants. In an attempt to deal with the issue, American-led helicopters and ground troops raided a border area in Pakistan on Sept. 3, firing on an al-Qaida target without consent of the Pakistani government.
While the strike may have killed some insurgents, this method will likely fall short in providing a long-term remedy for Pakistan. By looking more deeply at the problems facing the country, it will be easier to see how the solution is more complex and diplomatic in nature.
On Sept. 9, Asif Ali Zardari was sworn in as Pakistan's president. Zardari rose to power by riding the political coattails of his wife, Benazir Bhutto, the former Pakistani prime minister who was assasinated on Dec. 27, 2007.
Because of past charges of corruption and 11 years of jail time, the public is skeptical of Zardari and is waiting to see if he is going to work in their interest. The public viewed Pervez Musharraf, Zardari's predecessor, as an American lapdog, and they are expecting Zardari to behave differently.
This puts Zardari in a delicate situation. To strike against the militant groups plaguing his country, he must persuade the public that these actions are in the best interest of the people and are not simply out of obedience to Washington.
Zardari has complicated his situation by destroying an alliance with his political rival, Nawaz Sharif, leader of the Pakistan Muslim League. This obliterates any hope of a unified government free of political rivalry. Zardari is the man the U.S. must work with to calm the nation.
Perhaps the largest destabilizing factor in the country is its ailing economy. With a 70 percent unemployment rate in the tribal regions where al-Qaida is most predominant, the country is in dire need of reform. Because of high inflation, Pakistan's markets are losing the confidence of local and foreign investors, and the Rupee is trading near an all-time low.
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