As President Obama decides on a future course for Aghanistan policy, his administration would be wise to factor in the broader regional context. The first element of that equation is of course Pakistan. The failure of the Pakistani leadership to consolidate its national identity and to address the social and economic problems of its people lies at the heart of its failure to be a partner that the United States can count on in all dimensions of its security concerns. For insight into Pakistan's failure to manage its own house see the Conversations with History interview with Tariq Ali
For an analysis of Pakistan's failure to help the United States in solving the Afghanistan problem after 911, see the Conversations with History interview with Ahmed Rashid
Finally, until the serious conflict between India and Pakistan is made part of a regional settlement, President Obama's increasing the number of US troops is unlikely to solve either the Afghanistan war or the deteriorating situation in Pakistan. For a discussion of the India Pakistan conflict and the challenges posed by nuclear weapons, see the Conversations with History interview with T.V. Paul
Comments