Pakistan and the War

President Obama has articulated a very broad strategy for Afghanistan, but there is no chance of defeating the Taliban and Al Qaeda, unless Pakistan's leaders to stop temporizing (and in some cases, work) and enter fully into the fight .
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After the Sept. 11 attacks, former President George W. Bush tried to bribe the military leaders of Pakistan, who pocketed millions of dollars in U.S. aid and continued to shelter the Taliban. Obama must demand more, while finding ways to strengthen the country's weak civilian leadership and soften the fight against the furies of America.

In a world of difficult diplomatic and strategic challenges, this may well be more difficult for Obama.

In his speech last week, Obama set a bookmark in Islamabad, saying that "we can not tolerate a sanctuary for terrorists whose location is known and whose intentions are clear." Privately, administration officials have been even more explicit, warning that Pakistan's leaders do not act if U.S. attacks even more unmanned aircraft.

These strikes have killed several top militants, but the program is highly unpopular in Pakistan and Mr. Obama should be careful about expanding it. That means three things very carefully the targets, there were no civilian casualties or as few as possible and without advertising.

The drones will not suffice. Civilian and military leaders of Pakistan must finally be convinced that this is not just the U.S. war is essential to their survival. In recent months, the Pakistan Army has gone after the Taliban fighters in the Swat valley and Waziristan. However, the Army leadership refused to strike at the heart of the Taliban command in Baluchistan province.

In part, doubt legitimate fear of retaliation. But there are many officials in Pakistan - and not just the intelligence services - which continue to see the Taliban as an ally and long-term representative to limit Indian influence in Afghanistan. To change that thought, Mr. Obama, you first have to convince Pakistanis that the U.S. is in it for a long time now. The president sent mixed messages in his speech, promising to Pakistan a long-term partnership "built on a foundation of mutual interest, mutual respect and mutual trust" but also suggesting that there will be a rapid reduction of U.S. troops in Afghanistan.

Obama has promised in private Pakistani military and civilian leaders what one attendee described as an association of "unlimited potential" in which Washington would consider any proposal put on the table Islamabad. Congress has already approved an aid package of 7.5 billion U.S. dollars over five years to schools, hospitals and other non-military projects. But this means nothing if it does not follow through and actually funding the program. The White House also should push Congress to pass long-stalled legislation to establish areas of special trade preferences to Pakistan.

Assuming that security needs can be met, President Obama should visit Pakistan to enable it to report directly to the Pakistanis that their fears of abandonment - or domination - are unfounded. Obama also must keep pushing India and Pakistan to improve relations. That may be the best hope for the release of resources and mindset in Pakistan to combat extremists.

Obama told a small group of reporters over lunch at the White House last week that the reduction of tensions between the two nuclear rivals, although very difficult, "is as important as anything in the long-term stability of the region . He's fine.