One of the problems in Pakistan
Thursday, December 17, 2009 at 11:16PM
Thomas P.M. Barnett

ARTICLE: Pakistan's Zardari resists U.S. timeline for fighting insurgents, By Karen DeYoung and Griff Witte, Washington Post, December 16, 2009

The basic interlocking problem:

The Pakistani military, which ruled the country for a decade until Zardari's election last year, retains significant control over defense and foreign policy. It has been reluctant to shift its focus away from what it sees as an ongoing threat from neighboring India toward increased counterinsurgency against al-Qaeda and the Taliban. Closer Indian-U.S. ties and the expansion of India's conventional capabilities have increased suspicion of U.S. aims.

Trying to get Pakistan to enforce a hard border to the north while feeling nervous to its south seems a non-starter. We'll get a show for our money alright, but not a lasting effect.

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