A Reasonable Approach on Pakistan
Posted by Ilan Goldenberg
As I’ve written before and many have agreed we are stuck in total policy paralysis on Pakistan much the way we were in the final days of the Shah. I have a proposal in my inbox this morning from Senator Obama seems like an utterly reasonable first step (I'll link to it if I find it). A good way to start pressuring Musharraf while not undermining the counterterrorism mission or hurting the Pakistani people.
Basically, what Obama is arguing for is maintaining support for the counterterrorism mission and economic aid and development assistance. But temporarily cutting off aid for a good chunk of the military hardware (we all know that this is aimed at India). Once democracy is restored and the Pakistanis demonstrate that they have a clear plan for how to deal with the Taliban and Al Qaeda in the Northwestern tribal areas, the aid can resume.
One of the key elements here is that the Bush Administration has asked for $300 million in Foreign Military Financing. Much of this goes towards tactical missile defense system (that you imagine are to be used against India), anti tank missles (Last I checked Al Qaeda’s vehicle of choice is not the tank), Naval weapons systems that are to be used for in close range (I don’t think the Pakistani military will be fighting any naval battles with Al Qaeda anytime soon). There’s also a $380 million that will be a direct cash transfer into Pakistan’s treasury and that we have little oversight over.
This approach seems utterly reasonable to me. Rather than blindly continue to support the Pakistanis, use this to pressure Musharraf without undermining the counterterrorism mission or development aid.
Update: Biden says something similar and also quite reasonable.
Update II: Obama's release.
Do we give the same kind of military aide to India as well? Because if we are, a more rationale approach would be to, I don't know, stop funding a regional Cold War.
Posted by: Mike M. | November 08, 2007 at 12:29 PM
*The way it's supposed to work in Pakistan is first parliamentary elections and then the newly elected parliament selects the president. So Musharraf had the presidential selection first (selecting him) and now we're pressuring him for parliamentary elections, and to take off his uniform. Big deal. The current problem for Pakistanis is the 'emergency' with its court dismissal and harsh crackdowns.
* The US gives Musharraf $1.4 billion in untraceable cash annually. Neither the US nor certainly Mushy is about to give up this relationship. Security trumps democracy every time, and money talks. (To the US it says "goodbye".)
http://www.tpmmuckraker.com/archives/004658.php
* Pakistan is powerless against AQ in NWFP. That's been proven. In fact, Islamic fundamentalists are taking over the Swat valley.
* Guess what foreign country has the most influence in Pakistan? China, on Pakistan's border. And China's terrorism concerns outweigh those of the US.
http://chinamatters.blogspot.com/2007/11/in-shadow-of-lal-masjid.html
*Who is the real enemy of Pakistan? As has been suggested, India is. India has just built its first foreign base in Tajikistan (thus bracketing Pakistan) and has influence in Karzai's Afghanistan, which could be countered in the future by a return of the Pakistan-friendly Taliban.
How can the current crop of amateurs at State deal with all this? They can't.
Posted by: Don Bacon | November 08, 2007 at 02:18 PM
Fact is that if Pakistan has any real enemy, it is Pakistan itself.
Posted by: Matt Mathew | November 08, 2007 at 03:59 PM
I gain some pw Gold from other players.
Posted by: cheap Perfect World Gold | January 07, 2009 at 02:20 AM
I hope i can get kamas in low price.
Ibuy dofus kamas for you.
Posted by: dofus kamas | January 20, 2009 at 03:58 AM
And I think the eve iskgive me the chance. let us meet in the eve online isk.
Posted by: eve isk | March 03, 2009 at 11:10 PM
My friends and I like to buy Anarchy credits. They understand me so well, Anarchy online gold is my favorite.
Posted by: Anarchy online gold | March 19, 2009 at 09:22 PM
UGG Boots is your best ugg boots sale online Outlet where you can buy the cheapest
Ugg Boots.
Posted by: ugg boots sale | June 09, 2009 at 04:07 AM
Authentic Products uggsline.co.uk provides all kinds of UGG Boots in high quality but lowest prices possible from UK. We frequently update the styles of uggsline Boots so please check back to choose your favourite Boots.
UGG boots sale
Posted by: zachariah | September 14, 2009 at 05:18 AM
Thank you for your sharing! I like i very much!
Posted by: cheap coach handbags | January 28, 2010 at 10:56 PM
The FRANCK MULLER Watch Santa FRANCK MULLER Watch Monica-based
Posted by: bvlgari watches | February 26, 2010 at 09:32 PM