Tougher Stance on Pakistan Took Months

The US has long counted on the Pakistan government to combat Al Qaeda, the Taliban and other terrorists in the region. But the US got impatient with Pakistani efforts after intelligence reports suggested that Al Qaeda has “established a safe haven” within Pakistan, along its remote northwestern border. US criticism prompted Pakistan to abandon a truce with tribal leaders in the region and launch offensive attacks. Respect for US military might was high immediately after the 9/11 attacks – but has dissipated quickly since the US invaded Iraq and failed to bring control there. So the US is in a dilemma, in an alliance with General Pervez Musharraf, who is steadily losing support among Pakistanis, largely because of his acquiescence with US requests. Musharraf is likewise in a difficult position, confronting a divided public at home, who demand open elections and worry about foreign interests taking precedence over domestic concerns. Pakistanis can’t help but wonder who controls their nation – their leaders or the foreign allies. – YaleGlobal