Carnegie Endowment for International Peace
The next president of the United States will inherit the challenge of persuading the Pakistani leadership that it needs to continue prosecuting an unpopular, but necessary, war. Two fundamental changes need to be made by the next administration - it will have to strengthen the civilian government in Islamabad, while still maintaining a cooperative relationship with the Pakistani military.
On September 6, 2008, the Nuclear Suppliers Group decided to break a 16-year ban and allow nuclear trade with India. Now President Bush must prove to Congress that the proposed trade deal meets the requirements of the Hyde Act.
The process of political evolution towards democracy needs to be supported regardless of the leaders it produces. The next U.S. president must pursue a balanced strategy toward Pakistan that simultaneously strengthens the civilian government—the best hope for Pakistan’s long-term stability—without alienating the Pakistani army.
The next U.S. president must pursue a balanced strategy toward Pakistan that simultaneously strengthens the civilian government—the best hope for Pakistan’s long-term stability—without alienating the Pakistani army.
The Army is the most powerful political party in Pakistan. With an acceptance rate similar to Ivy League institutions (one out of ten applicants), the army remains the most prestigious institution in Pakistan. Pakistan spends 3.4% of its GDP on the military, compared to 1.2% for the social sector; a stark reminder of its economic footprint in a country still struggling with poverty.
Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf’s resignation this week places new focus on the nation’s uncertain political future and relations with the international community. In a new Q&A on Musharraf’s departure, Frederic Grare assesses how civilian and military relations might change in the aftermath and the implications for the U.S. and Afghanistan.
The Nuclear Suppliers Group can help bring India into the nonproliferation mainstream by imposing conditions on civilian nuclear trade with India or else risk significant damage to itself and the nonproliferation regime.
Behind the scenes at the G-8 summit, U.S. and Indian officials appear to be moving forward on an agreement that would lift the U.S. ban on nuclear trade with India and allow it to assist India’s civilian nuclear program. Ashley Tellis discusses the details of the deal on NPR’s Morning Edition and notes that it is unlikely to make India a closer U.S. ally.
The next U.S. administration needs a clear strategic vision for Asia befitting the region’s status as the new global “center of gravity.”
The next U.S. administration needs a clear strategic vision for Asia befitting the region’s status as the new global center of gravity. That will require steps that include continuing the Strategic Economic Dialogue and avoiding coalitions based on democracy and common values.