Pakistan: Issues & Developments

A stable, democratic, prosperous Pakistan actively combating religious militancy is considered vital to U.S. interests. U.S. concerns regarding Pakistan include regional and global terrorism; efforts to stabilise neighbouring Afghanistan; nuclear weapons proliferation; the Kashmir problem and Pakistan-India tensions; democratisation and human rights protection; and economic development. Pakistan is praised by U.S. leaders for its ongoing co-operation with U.S.-led counter-terrorism and counterinsurgency efforts, although long-held doubts exist about Islamabad’s commitment to some core U.S. interests. A mixed record on battling Islamist extremism includes ongoing apparent tolerance of Taliban elements operating from its territory, although some evidence from early 2010 suggests a possible shift here. This book reviews key current issues and developments in Pakistan and in U.S.-Pakistan relations.