Pakistani government Commentary

Awakening Afghanistan

To win the war in Afghanistan, we can’t focus on nation-building. We have to train Afghan forces to be self-reliant, freeing us to deal with al-Qaeda.

Going South in Afghanistan

Obama’s plan for Afghanistan is the right idea, but directed at the wrong place. Instead of sending troops to Taliban strongholds, we should bulk up Kabul’s defenses.

Envoys to Nowhere

Despite the excitement surrounding Obama’s selection of Richard Holbrooke and George Mitchell as peace envoys, it’s very unlikely that anything will change in the Middle East or south Asia.

The Indispensable Ally

The Mumbai attacks highlighted Pakistan’s shortcomings as an ally in the war on terror. But Islamabad is far too important to leave by the wayside.

Avoiding a Deluge

Without Musharraf, Pakistan’s future seems less clear and less stable than ever. The United States must take a fresh look at its policies toward the country and the region.

Solving FATA

The lawless border region between Afghanistan and Pakistan poses a huge challenge to Western security. A way to make things better in FATA.

Speed Bump Ahead

Barack Obama has been saying that Iraq is a diversion and calls Afghanistan the “right” war. But if things get worse in Pakistan, the traditional Republican lead on national security could hand John McCain the advantage.

Politics as Usual?

Positively in Pakistan, elections were held and main opposition parties are in talks to form a coalition. But if they don't learn from past mistakes, this attempt at democracy is also destined to fail.

Taking Stock of Barack

Do Obama's past foreign-policy positions—and the way he talks about them now—reveal anything about how he would conduct affairs of state if elected?

Interview with Pakistani Ambassador

TNI executive editor Justine A. Rosenthal interviewed Pakistan’s Ambassador to the United States, Mahmud Ali Durrani.

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May 26, 2012