Home pagePress CenterIn the Media Rick Barton, codirector of the CSIS Post-Conflict Reconstruction Project, had a commentary published in the Boston Globe, "A New Course for the U.S. and Pakistan."
In the Media | Detail
Rick Barton, codirector of the CSIS Post-Conflict Reconstruction Project, had a commentary published in the Boston Globe, "A New Course for the U.S. and Pakistan."
AS PAKISTAN faces two near-term crises, parliamentary elections on Feb. 18 and increasing extremist violence, the United States has an opportunity to build a new and constructive relationship with the country. In the past, America has been reactive, driven by fear and uncertainty, with the end-result a military dominated policy. Now, there is a chance to forge a more values-centered partnership.
Pakistan's champions of democracy are warning that the election will not be free or fair. They cite recent violence, a biased elections commission, intelligence community meddling, and the absence of an independent judiciary. While the major democratic parties are expected to win, the rewriting of the rules by President Pervez Musharraf will probably produce a political stalemate or a public rejection.
The Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) is a private, tax-exempt institution focusing on international public policy issues. Its research is nonpartisan and nonproprietary. CSIS does not take specific policy positions; accordingly, all views, positions, and conclusions expressed in these publications should be understood to be solely those of the authors.
