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

Posted: 10/1/08

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.

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.