The Turbulent Politics of Pakistan

U.S. Officials observing the portentous affairs of Pakistan Politics and its apparent dilemma for the future of U.S. and Pakistani relations are embracing for a potential setback. The current relations between Pakistan and the U.S. have been anything but favorable.

On July 31^st, President General Pervez Musharraf condemned a new U.S. aid package stating that "Linking aid for Pakistan to progress in cracking down on al-Qaida and other militants... could destabilize the long term strategic partnership between the two countries".

Pakistan is already among the world's leading recipients' of U.S. Military Aid with Israel and Egypt. U.S. Assistant Secretary of State, Richard Boucher told a congressional panel on July 12^th that the United States is currently paying around $100 Million a month.

He further revealed that this aid totals over $1.2 Billion a year and does not include other aid earmarked for education reform as well as social assistance. With mounting pressures by the Bush administration upon Musharraf to eradicate the growing insurgency as well as increasing pressures from within the transforming democratic Pakistani government, Musharraf seems to be playing both sides.

On one hand, Musharraf seems to be trying to appease some antagonists within the grassroots democracy efforts by portraying a hard line stance with the United States. He suggests that "the use of power is not the only way to combat terrorism" and that the U.S. "should expedite the funding of the tribal area economic development zone." This funding is part of an additional aid package of $750 million dollars meant to win the hearts and minds of the people inside lawless northern areas.

On the other hand, Musharraf has reportedly been working with the United States to ensure that he remains in power. Confirmed by the Asia Times, The U.S. and U.K. are endorsing a regime change that would potentially create a "civilian president with the power to handle national security and foreign affairs" as well as "a prime minister as chief executive".