| ID | 086167 |
| Title Proper | What is happening in Pakistan |
| Language | ENG |
| Author | Synnott, Hilary |
| Publication | 2009. |
| Summary / Abstract (Note) | Because of the importance attached to military operations to destroy al-Qaeda, Pakistan is often viewed in the context of Afghanistan. As a result, events in Pakistan are usually assessed in terms of their effect on US objectives for Operation Enduring Freedom and on the operations of NATO's International Security Assistance Force. Their implications for Pakistan as a whole have been neglected and sometimes poorly analysed. But the well-being and stability of Pakistan is of supreme importance in its own right. This importance needs to be reflected in a sound and coherent strategy towards the country. The formulation of such a strategy requires an informed understanding of Pakistan's history; social, political and economic dynamics; and key personalities and influences. And the strategy needs to be underpinned by resources which are commensurate with the importance of the interests to be protected and advanced. Unfortunately, the customary means of acquiring real-time knowledge of events and personalities - diplomacy, media, commercial and other contacts - have been and still are impeded by the hazardous security situation in much of the country. Without a good understanding, actions taken for tactical purposes may have negative strategic consequences which outweigh the hoped-for benefits, as has occurred on several recent occasions.
The challenges in southwestern Asia need to be considered in three separate but related contexts: Afghanistan, the Afghan-Pakistani tribal belt, and Pakistan. In the present conjuncture, Pakistan is arguably the most important of the three. With nuclear weapons and a huge army, a population over five times that of Afghanistan, and simultaneous security, political and economic crises, it now seems less able, without outside help, to muddle through its challenges than at any time since its war with India in 1971. |
| `In' analytical Note | Survival : the IISS Quarterly Vol. 51, No. 1; Feb-Mar 2009: p.61-80 |
| Journal Source | Survival : the IISS Quarterly Vol. 51, No. 1; Feb-Mar 2009: p.61-80 |
| Key Words | Pakistan ; Al-Qaeda ; Afghanistan ; International Security ; NATO's ; Political ; Economic Dynamics ; Diplomacy |