Pakistan: Ally or Adversary?

How should Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf be viewed by the United States? 68% As a partner who is not always helpful, but is at least as good as the likely alternatives “I think that Musharraf is as good as most realistic alternatives, but we should put very heavy pressure on him nonetheless as he tolerates the Taliban and supports an array of jihadist activity against India that indirectly benefits militants linked to al Qaeda.” “Given anti-American sentiments in Pakistan, it is unlikely that any Pakistani leader will be more aggressive in the fight against terrorism.

But that does not mean stepped-up pressure is not necessary.” “This assessment is what really provides Musharraf with leverage in his relationship with the Bush Administration. The widely shared and often articulated belief that ‘after Musharraf the deluge’ allows him to limit the any pressure the United States attempts to apply to get him to ...