A U.S. Strategy for Achieving Stability in Pakistan: Expanding Educational Opportunities
Abstract
At present, Pakistan is probably the most pivotal coalition partner in the war on terrorism. Its geographical proximity to Afghanistan and Central Asia gives it tremendous strategic importance. It is the world's second most populous Islamic state. The country's cooperation helps prevent the war on terrorism from becoming a conflict between Islam and Christianity. Pakistan also has an effective military and intelligence service and thus could serve as an important ally for anti-terrorist operations. Clearly, the United States would like to see Pakistan become a stable, developing state where religious based extremists do not find support or recruits. As such it could provide a model for other Islamic states and play a leading role in building regional stability and prosperity. This positive outcome is certainly not preordained. Pakistan could disintegrate into a nightmare of ethnic conflict, sectarian violence, and humanitarian disaster. Under such conditions, religious extremists could ally with sympathetic military officers, seize political power, and thus control nuclear weapons. Which path the country goes down will depend ultimately on the policies adopted by Pakistan's leaders. For his part, President Musharraf has emphasized the theme that "Pakistan is a moderate Muslim country." He has spoken of his country's "greater jihad against illiteracy, poverty, and hunger," and enthusiastically detailed his hopes for reshaping his country's crumbling educational system and reforming its controversial religious schools.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 02, 2002
- Accession Number
- ADA524825
Entities
People
- Robert E. Looney
Organizations
- Naval Postgraduate School