This article uses a historical approach to identify the reasons Pakistan has turned to Islam as a means to deal with its security dilemma. It then examines the role of education especially that which is oriented toward Islam, in alleviating and/or exacerbating Pakistan’s sense of insecurity. In 1984, while reflecting on Pakistan’s political […]
IS THERE ANY HOPE FOR PEACEBUILDING IN AFGHANISTAN?
In 2001, as a reaction to the September 11 terror attacks, the United States led an international campaign to capture those members of al-Qa’ida responsible for the attacks. A second objective focused on rebuilding Afghanistan so that after decades of conflict, its people would have a better future. However, despite a huge commitment by the international community, Afghanistan remains highly unstable and volatile. This article explores the reasons the international effort in Afghanistan has failed to deliver peace, security, and stability.
U.S. Policy Toward Pakistan and Afghanistan under the Obama Administration
The study examines how the United States has come to deal with Afghanistan-Pakistan, a key foreign policy challenge for the Obama administration. It focuses on President Obama’s new policy known as AfPak, the Kerry-Lugar Act, and other U.S. initiatives adopted since 2009 in order to help stabilize the situation in South Asia. The author concludes by arguing that the new initiatives will not substantially improve the situation in Pakistan, because they fail to address the country’s core problem: lack of strong democratic institutions.
Pakistan and the Challenge of Islamist Terror: Where to Next?
This article examines Pakistan’s role in the “war on terror” in light of the transition from the Musharraf presidency to that of Zardari. It opens with Musharraf’s tenure and proceeds to discuss some of the key challenges faced by the current administration in this respect.
Pakistan on the Tightrope
PAKISTAN ON THE TIGHTROPE Isaac Kfir* This article examines Pakistan following the assassination of Benazir Bhutto and the recent parliamentary elections within the confines of the challenges that arise from the need to embrace democracy. The article accepts that Pakistan must contend with a powerful military, rising Islamism, tribalism, an unstable political […]
The Crisis of Pakistan: A Dangerously Weak State
Middle East Review of International Affairs Published by the GLORIA Center, Interdisciplinary Center, Herzliya Volume 11, No. 3, Article 8/9 – September 2007 Total Circulation 25,000 THE CRISIS OF PAKISTAN: A DANGEROUSLY WEAK STATE Isaac Kfir* This paper explores several key elements undermining the viability of the Pakistani state: Islamism, tribalism, ethno-nationalism, and quasi-secularism. […]