Beyond supplying billions of dollars in military aid, is it time for the United States and Europe to get more directly involved in Pakistan’s battle against extremists? According to this editorial from Germany’s Financial Times Deutschland, a failure to do so could lead to nuclear-armed Taliban in Pakistan.
“Now after the murder of Bhutto, the West must become more engaged: those who want to prevent another Afghanistan – but this time a nuclear armed one – must put Pakistan at the very top of their list of priorities.”
EDITORIAL
Translated By Ulf Behncke
December 28, 2007
Germany – Financial Times Deutschland – Original Article (German)
Up to now, the situation in Pakistan appeared to be on a better trajectory. After weeks of unrest, the situation in the country had calmed down somewhat. President Pervez Musharraf had lifted the state of emergency and abandoned the post of army chief of the nuclear nation. The murder of Bhutto again throws Pakistan into chaos.
Initially, hopes had risen that parliamentary elections scheduled for early January could stabilize the country. In a single stroke, all of these hopes have been squelched. The deadly attack on opposition leader Benazir Bhutto will strengthen those who have no interest in calming the situation. If the assassin – most likely from the radical Islamic milieu – intended to plunge Pakistan into chaos once more, things have gone as planned.
It’s not yet clear what the long-term consequences will be of this symbolic triumph for the terrorists. What is apparent, however, is that the enemies of a democratic form of government have taken an important step toward the Talibanization of Pakistan. If the authoritarian ruler Musharraf fails to get a grip on the situation, another permanent crisis looms in this already-troubled region.
Founder and Managing Editor of Worldmeets.US