A Review of AfPak and the Ongoing Challenge of Pakistan

• A Review of AfPak and the Ongoing Challenge of Pakistan [pdf], Pakistan Security Research Unit // Department of Peace Studies, University of Bradford, 10 December 2009

EXCERPT: "The focus of this study is on reviewing the latest policy adopted by the United States in respect to Pakistan and Afghanistan with the author taking the position that that there has been little substantive change. The author though accepting some of the arguments of American policymakers, military leaders and academics in calling for a more comprehensive approach when dealing with the Islamic violence in the region, asserts that the root problem is the nature of the Pakistani state. This is why the author agrees with Dr David Kilcullen, [Condoleezza Rice chief counter-terrorism adviser, when she served as Secretary of State] contention that America's military strategy in Pakistan, centering on Predator strikes, is counter-productive, as although the drone strikes are killing high-ranking al-Qaeda and Taliban leaders they also alienate the local population. In addition, the author accepts Craig Cohen and Derek Chollet contention that the massive aid provided by the United States to Pakistan has provided very little return. The author therefore holds that what is need is not an increase in spending but a rethink as to what causes the instability in Pakistan and by implication who should receive the aid money."

• Read the full report.