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An American War in Pakistan
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While the media preoccupies itself with Michael Jackson’s death, the war in Pakistan continues. A military campaign launched by President Zaradari to reclaim parts of Pakistan (taken just recently by the Taliban and their allies) has resulted in a massive refugee crisis. More than 2 million Pakistani citizens are fleeing their homes to escape the violence, resulting in a UN plea for $543 million in aid.
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Zaradari’s decision has been controversial. Like other Pakistani leaders before him, he walks a fine line between appeasing his citizens and satisfying the US. Previously, Pakistanis would not support a pro-American or openly anti-Taliban leader. However, Zaradari needs to take some action against insurgents or risk losing US support. Pakistan has accepted billions of dollars in US aid to combat the Taliban and its allies. Despite growing popular support for anti-Taliban action (resulting from Taliban attacks on civilians), the Pakistani government takes great strides to hide the extent of US aid for fear of public outrage. This fear is legitimate.
However, now may be the best time to start lessening America’s anonymity while emphasizing cooperation between the Pakistani and US governments. Recent aid is slated not just for military operations, but for job creation and reconstruction of devastated areas. America must show that it does not care about Pakistan as just a battleground, but as a country. Less secrecy may also allow the US and Pakistani governments to cooperate more openly, increasing efficiency and lowering the price tag of the war.
For more information:
An overview of the Afghan-Pakistan militant nexus.
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