Pakistan: "U.S. Weighs Sharif As Partner In Pakistan," by Jim Perlez, New York Times, 25 March 2009
The big question Perlez poses in this article is: Can the U.S. trust Nawaz Sharif? Sharif is a former two-time prime minister (1990-1993 and 1997-1999) who:
1. Once pressed for Islamic law for Pakistan
2. Tested a nuclear bomb
3. Was accused of undemocratic behavior (whatever that means...)
These things would seem counter to what the U.S. would desire, but...
"Some diplomats and analysts argue...that Mr. Sharif’s affinity with the Islamic parties could now be an asset as Washington tries to win Pakistani support to fight the militants. 'We, and all sensible Pakistanis, need the support of Saudi Arabia and the more moderate Islamist parties, particularly Jamaat-e-Islami, if we are ever going to tame the jihadis,' said a former American ambassador to Pakistan, Robert B. Oakley. 'Nawaz’s good standing with them is very, very important.'"
"Maleeha Lodhi, a former Pakistani ambassador to the United States, said Washington’s suspicions of Mr. Sharif might actually be helpful. 'He is sufficiently distanced from the United States to be a credible partner in the eyes of Pakistanis,' she said."
One thing is certain, the status quo is not working in Pakistan. The situation continues to deteriorate, and Pakistan has been identified as THE big contributing factor to the decline in the security situation in Afghanistan. I'm no Pakistan expert, but it would seem now is a good time to try something new.
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