News
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
US should assist Pakistan rebuild institutions
By Khalid Hasan
WASHINGTON: The United States, says a report issued on Monday, must develop a strategic framework that works simultaneously and in a coordinated manner towards restoring democratic politics, rebuilding governance institutions, and providing security from the growing threat of militancy. Issued by the Centre on American and Global Security at Indiana University, the report identifies key issues in US-Pakistan relations and makes recommendations for next steps in the US policy. It says that “the worst of all possible worlds” for the US would be finding itself taking a unilateral military action in a “failed-state Pakistan against violent extremists all too happy to open another front in the global war against the United States.” The report offers 10 specific recommendations for future US policy towards Pakistan. Some of them are: ending Pakistan’s support for terrorism through comprehensive anti-militancy policies; strengthening Pakistan’s counterinsurgency capabilities; helping sustain the democratic gains produced by the Feb 18 election; improving Pakistan’s judiciary by working with the civilian government to help restore the independence of the judiciary and enhance its capabilities.The report is based on the recommendations of a workshop of noted South Asia experts such as Marvin Weinbaum, Christine Fair, Sumit Ganguly and Fredric Grare.
Courtesy Daily Times