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WASHINGTON: Pakistan may be perceived as "the breeding ground for terrorists" and its reliability as an ally in the war on terrorism questioned, but two former US officials would still like to "keep Pakistan on our side."
"In the wake of the foiled terror plot in London involving British Muslims with Pakistani connections, all eyes are again on Pakistan as the breeding ground for terrorists, Richard L Armitage, and Kara L Bue said in an Op-Ed article in the New York Times on Sunday.
While the arrests may serve as proof to some that the country cannot be relied on as an ally in our fight against Islamic extremism, we would argue that the recent events should harden our resolve to support it, said the two officials who now work as international business consultants.
Pakistan must increase efforts toward a lasting peace with India and eliminate the home-grown jihadists who threaten that peace, acknowledged Armitage, deputy secretary of state from 2001 to 2005, and Bue, deputy assistant secretary of state from 2003 to 2005,
And, given the exposure of the arms bazaar run by its top nuclear scientist, AQ Khan, it must prove itself a reliable partner on technology transfer and nuclear non-proliferation, they said. Much also remains to be accomplished, particularly in terms of democratisation, the two said.
However, Americans must applaud the counter-terrorism steps that have been made so far, which have been taken at great personal risk to General Pervez Musharraf, who has faced several assassination attempts.
As Pakistan has pursued change, so too has the United States in its policy toward the country, Richard Armitage and Kara Bue noted.
Armitage and Bue saw a slide in US efforts with Pakistan. "There appears to be far less immediacy than warranted. We are not overlooking the tremendous economic and military support the United States has provided, including the decision this summer to sell 36 F-16 fighter aircraft to its air force."
