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Pakistan

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CTV News Interview: Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf Resigns
Analysis by Michael Shank, ICAR Ph.D. Student
Posted: 08/18/08

[Television Interview, CTV News, August 18, 2008] Michael Shank, a conflict analyst with the Institute for Conflict Analysis and Resolution at George Mason University, discusses the resignation of Pakistan's President Musharraf. Shank attributes Musharraf's ouster to his extreme unpopularity among the people of Pakistan and their disapproval of the close alliance with the U.S. and its War on Terror. He suggests that the United States should change tack and support the platform of the opposition parties in negotiating with tribal leaders, providing much needed economic development, investing in educational infrastructure, and supporting the nonviolent leadership of the Northwest Frontier Province's political parties. Interview conducted by Jacqueline Milczarek on August 18th, 2008. Video courtesy of CTV.WATCH BROADCAST

RECENT COMMENTARY

A New Policy for Pakistan
Saira Yamin, ICAR Ph.D. Student
Posted: 02/28/08

[Published, International Herald Tribune, February 28, 2008] The article "U.S. plans a stealthy expansion in Pakistan" (Feb 27) outlines a new U.S. policy that is finally a step in the right direction. The Bush administration's plan for economic assistance to Pakistan for 2009 must be applauded. Counter-terrorism operations that fail to address the root causes could go on indefinitely.READ MORE

Bhutto's Will Disappoints Democratic Hopes
Saira Yamin, ICAR Ph.D. Student
Posted:02/11/08

[Published, Christian Science Monitor, February 11, 2008] The Feb. 6 article, "Bhutto's party releases her will to bolster PPP support" brings into sharp focus Benazir Bhutto's legacy as an icon of democracy. Bhutto's handwritten will bears testimony that her commitment to dynastic politics was paramount in her desire to rule. That she had declared herself life chairperson of the Pakistan People's Party often led Pakistanis to wonder if others in the party would ever have the opportunity to come to the forefront in her lifetime, especially while she was in self-imposed exile. READ MORE

CTV News Interview: Scotland Yard's Conclusions on Bhutto's Assassination
Analysis by Saira Yamin, ICAR Ph.D. Student
Posted: 02/08/08

Saira Yamin, Ph.D. candidate and conflict analyst at the Institute for Conflict Analysis and Resolution, interviewed on CTV regarding the findings of Scotland Yard's Investigation into the cause of death of the former Prime Minister of Pakistan, Benazir Bhutto. Yamin discusses the investigation, politics in Pakistan, who stands to gain from Bhutto's death, and the dynastic trend of the Pakistan People's Party. Video Courtesy of CTV.ca WATCH BROADCAST

Looking Presidential on Pakistan
Saira Yamin , ICAR Ph.D. Student
Posted: 01/16/08

[Published, Foreign Policy in Focus, January 16, 2008] As the race for the White House heats up, Presidential candidates are using the turmoil in Pakistan to show off their foreign policy credentials. Unfortunately few of the candidates have demonstrated a clear understanding of the complexities Pakistan presents, including the political situation, nuclear safeguards, al-Qaeda, and terrorism. READ MORE

Democracy Was Never America's Nor Musharraf's Goal in Pakistan
Michael Shank, ICAR Ph.D. Student
Posted: 01/06/08

[Published, Arab News, January 6, 2008] The United States' response to the assassination of Benazir Bhutto has been, unsurprisingly, consistent: this attack by terrorists, while an affront to freedom, must not stop democratic reform in Pakistan, let the elections continue. This mirrors, almost verbatim, post-assassination utterances by Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf and Pakistan Ambassador to the US Mahmud Ali Durrani. The unfortunate irony of these statements is that democracy never mattered much to Musharraf, or his American donors. READ MORE

Assassination of Benazir Bhutto: Analysis by Michael Shank
Michael Shank, ICAR Ph.D. Student
Posted: 12/27/07

[Television Interview, CTV News, December 27, 2007] Michael Shank, a conflict analyst at George Mason University's Institute for Conflict Analysis and Resolution, analyzes the response by the United States and Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf to the assassination of Benazir Bhutto, prospects for democracy in Pakistan, and the future of US-Pakistan relations. Video courtesy of CTV.ca WATCH BROADCAST

War without Strategy
Saira Yamin, ICAR PhD Student
Posted: 12/26/07

[Published, International Herald Tribune, December 26, 2007] The news report "Pakistan diverted anti-terror aid" (Dec. 24) does not come as a surprise. However, the article is remiss in suggesting that the Pakistani military has not been sincere in its alliance in America's war on terrorism. Any Pakistani would tell you that the government has attempted to take on Al Qaeda, even if it may not have been a good move for the country. READ MORE

Pakistan: Myths and Realities
Saira Yamin, ICAR PhD Student
Posted: 11/30/07

[Published, Foreign Policy in Focus, November 30, 2007] In the aftermath of the imposition of emergency in Pakistan, there’s a sense of acute anxiety about what’s happening there and its implications for U.S. security. Fears that Pakistan’s nuclear weapons could fall into extremists’ hands, that anti-U.S. sentiments could ramp up, that there could be a regime change that leaves fundamentalists in power, and that there could be other fallout of instability, are being fanned by the media. READ MORE

The U.S. and Pakistan
Michael Shank, ICAR PhD Student
Posted: 11/30/07

[Published, International Herald Tribune, November 30, 2007] The article "For Musharraf, reduced power as a civilian" (Nov. 28) asserts that President Pervez Musharraf of Pakistan is left with "vastly reduced powers" now that he resigned from the role of military ruler. In fact, little will change. As civilian president, Musharraf remains the keeper of the purse. The $100 million in monthly U.S. military aid will not suddenly bypass the president. Furthermore, as president, Musharraf will keep the power to imprison the moderates who protest his unpopular policies. READ MORE

Pakistan Tempts the Democrats
Michael Shank, ICAR PhD Student
Posted:11/18/07

[Published, Foreign Policy in Focus, November 18, 2007] The Democratic presidential candidates have been salivating for a situation like Pakistan to come along the campaign trail. Eternally looking soft on security and stuck with no road map for Iraq and Afghanistan, Pakistan offers the candidates an opportunity to brandish new security strategies. With President Pervez Musharraf's violent crackdown on opposition parties, human rights organizations, media, lawyers, and the general populace, they have the perfect opportunity to posture. Trouble is, however, with Democratic White House hopefuls Obama, Biden, Clinton, and Edwards slating new strategies for Pakistan: they all have got their analysis flat wrong. READ MORE

Pakistan Isn't Iran
Michael Shank, ICAR PhD Student
Posted: 11/13/07

[Published, USA Today, November 13, 2007] Sen. Joseph Biden, D-Del., believes that Pakistan in 2007 is similar to how Iran was in the late 1970s. The senator is exhibiting an unfortunate lack of knowledge vis-à-vis Pakistan ("Biden warns that Pakistan's crisis is more dangerous than Iran's '70s upheaval," On Politics, USATODAY.com, Thursday).READ MORE

Tough Stand on Musharraf is Critical for U.S.'s Credibility
Michael Shank, ICAR PhD Student
Posted:11/07/07

[Published, The Hill, November 7, 2007] In the Nov. 6 article "Pakistan’s emergency may mean its aid is cut," Sens. Carl Levin (D-Mich.) and Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) are teaching the U.S. Defense and State departments a valuable lesson vis-à-vis the critical importance of a consistent U.S. foreign policy. Contrary to the muted response from Pentagon officials and passive criticism from the secretary of state, the chairmen of the Armed Services and Judiciary committees are threatening to pull aid from Pakistan. READ MORE

Talking Tough: How Obama Can Fight Extremism in Pakistan
By Michael Shank, ICAR PhD Student
Posted: 08/15/07

[Published, International Herald Tribune/Daily News, August 14, 2007] For those of us who believe in diplomacy, Senator Barack Obama’s recent pledge to dialogue with Cuba, North Korea and Iran offered a much-needed ray of hope. Amidst the security tough-talk by Democratic presidential hopefuls, at least one leading candidate was committed to a conversation. Ironically, undermining her own campaign slogan (“Let the Conversation Begin”) Senator Hillary Clinton quickly dismissed it as naive. READ MORE

American Heroics Needed in Pakistan
Michael Shank and Saira Yamin, ICAR PhD Students
Posted: 06/01/07

[Published, The Politico, May 1, 2007] Order and stability in Pakistan, a high priority for the national security policy of the United States, is in jeopardy. American military presence and Pakistan strong-arm tactics have fomented a rebellion in its tribal regions. Now the region—mainly the Waziristan Agency in Pakistan’s North Western Frontier Province, perceived as a haven for Taliban infiltrating the porous border—is on fire. Who is responsible? Fingers point to the US. READ MORE

Free Speech: Sink or Swim
Mark Jansson, ICAR Certificate Student
Posted: 07/03/07

In light of Michael Shank’s important article on the growing threats to free speech and democracy in Pakistan and Egypt, it is also troubling to note that censorship certainly has had its power-preserving successes in Iran and other places. Indeed, bad precedents have been set, so it's hard for Musharraf and Mubarak to resist censorship if, ultimately, they don't trust their people. READ MORE

Endpiece: Free Speech and Democracy
Michael Shank, ICAR PhD Student
Posted: 06/30/07

[Published, News International, June 30, 2007] A disconcerting trend is making its rounds among democratic nations. Countries are closing their doors to one of democracy's key tenets, that of free speech. The United States paved the way in Iraq by closing newspapers that failed to report favourably. Now US allies Egypt and Pakistan are following suit, shutting down blogs and censoring coverage of the armed forces and judiciary, respectively. READ MORE

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ICAR News Network Pakistan FEATURED COMMENTARY CTV News Interview: Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf Resigns Analysis by Michael Shank, ICAR Ph.D. Student Posted: 08/18/08 [Television Interview, CTV News, August 18, 2008] Michael Shank, a conflict analyst with the Institute for Conflict Analysis and Resolution at George Mason University, discusses the resignation of Pakistan's President Musharraf. Shank attributes Musharraf's ouster to his extreme unpopularity among the people of Pakistan and their disapproval of the close alliance with the U.S. and its War on Terror. He suggests that the United States should change tack and support the platform of the opposition parties in negotiating with tribal leaders, providing much needed economic development, investing in educational infrastructure, and supporting the nonviolent leadership of the Northwest Frontier Province's political parties. Interview conducted by Jacqueline Milczarek on August 18th, 2008. Video courtesy of CTV.WATCH BROADCAST RECENT COMMENTARY A New Policy for Pakistan Saira Yamin, ICAR Ph.D. Student Posted: 02/28/08 [Published, International Herald Tribune, February 28, 2008] The article "U.S. plans a stealthy expansion in Pakistan" (Feb 27) outlines a new U.S. policy that is finally a step in the right direction. The Bush administration's plan for economic assistance to Pakistan for 2009 must be applauded. Counter-terrorism operations that fail to address the root causes could go on indefinitely.READ MORE Bhutto's Will Disappoints Democratic Hopes Saira Yamin, ICAR Ph.D. Student Posted:02/11/08 [Published, Christian Science Monitor, February 11, 2008] The Feb. 6 article, "Bhutto's party releases her will to bolster PPP support" brings into sharp focus Benazir Bhutto's legacy as an icon of democracy. Bhutto's handwritten will bears testimony that her commitment to dynastic politics was paramount in her desire to rule. That she had declared herself life chairperson of the Pakistan People's Party often led Pakistanis to wonder if others in the party would ever have the opportunity to come to the forefront in her lifetime, especially while she was in self-imposed exile. READ MORE CTV News Interview: Scotland Yard's Conclusions on Bhutto's Assassination Analysis by Saira Yamin, ICAR Ph.D. Student Posted: 02/08/08 Saira Yamin, Ph.D. candidate and conflict analyst at the Institute for Conflict Analysis and Resolution, interviewed on CTV regarding the findings of Scotland Yard's Investigation into the cause of death of the former Prime Minister of Pakistan, Benazir Bhutto. Yamin discusses the investigation, politics in Pakistan, who stands to gain from Bhutto's death, and the dynastic trend of the Pakistan People's Party. Video Courtesy of CTV.ca WATCH BROADCAST Looking Presidential on Pakistan Saira Yamin , ICAR Ph.D. Student Posted: 01/16/08 [Published, Foreign Policy in Focus, January 16, 2008] As the race for the White House heats up, Presidential candidates are using the turmoil in Pakistan to show off their foreign policy credentials. Unfortunately few of the candidates have demonstrated a clear understanding of the complexities Pakistan presents, including the political situation, nuclear safeguards, al-Qaeda, and terrorism. READ MORE Democracy Was Never America's Nor Musharraf's Goal in Pakistan Michael Shank, ICAR Ph.D. Student Posted: 01/06/08 [Published, Arab News, January 6, 2008] The United States' response to the assassination of Benazir Bhutto has been, unsurprisingly, consistent: this attack by terrorists, while an affront to freedom, must not stop democratic reform in Pakistan, let the elections continue. This mirrors, almost verbatim, post-assassination utterances by Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf and Pakistan Ambassador to the US Mahmud Ali Durrani. The unfortunate irony of these statements is that democracy never mattered much to Musharraf, or his American donors. READ MORE Assassination of Benazir Bhutto: Analysis by Michael Shank Michael Shank, ICAR Ph.D. Student Posted: 12/27/07 [Television Interview, CTV News, December 27, 2007] Michael Shank, a conflict analyst at George Mason University's Institute for Conflict Analysis and Resolution, analyzes the response by the United States and Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf to the assassination of Benazir Bhutto, prospects for democracy in Pakistan, and the future of US-Pakistan relations. Video courtesy of CTV.ca WATCH BROADCAST War without Strategy Saira Yamin, ICAR PhD Student Posted: 12/26/07 [Published, International Herald Tribune, December 26, 2007] The news report "Pakistan diverted anti-terror aid" (Dec. 24) does not come as a surprise. However, the article is remiss in suggesting that the Pakistani military has not been sincere in its alliance in America's war on terrorism. Any Pakistani would tell you that the government has attempted to take on Al Qaeda, even if it may not have been a good move for the country. READ MORE Pakistan: Myths and Realities Saira Yamin, ICAR PhD Student Posted: 11/30/07 [Published, Foreign Policy in Focus, November 30, 2007] In the aftermath of the imposition of emergency in Pakistan, there’s a sense of acute anxiety about what’s happening there and its implications for U.S. security. Fears that Pakistan’s nuclear weapons could fall into extremists’ hands, that anti-U.S. sentiments could ramp up, that there could be a regime change that leaves fundamentalists in power, and that there could be other fallout of instability, are being fanned by the media. READ MORE The U.S. and Pakistan Michael Shank, ICAR PhD Student Posted: 11/30/07 [Published, International Herald Tribune, November 30, 2007] The article "For Musharraf, reduced power as a civilian" (Nov. 28) asserts that President Pervez Musharraf of Pakistan is left with "vastly reduced powers" now that he resigned from the role of military ruler. In fact, little will change. As civilian president, Musharraf remains the keeper of the purse. The $100 million in monthly U.S. military aid will not suddenly bypass the president. Furthermore, as president, Musharraf will keep the power to imprison the moderates who protest his unpopular policies. READ MORE Pakistan Tempts the Democrats Michael Shank, ICAR PhD Student Posted:11/18/07 [Published, Foreign Policy in Focus, November 18, 2007] The Democratic presidential candidates have been salivating for a situation like Pakistan to come along the campaign trail. Eternally looking soft on security and stuck with no road map for Iraq and Afghanistan, Pakistan offers the candidates an opportunity to brandish new security strategies. With President Pervez Musharraf's violent crackdown on opposition parties, human rights organizations, media, lawyers, and the general populace, they have the perfect opportunity to posture. Trouble is, however, with Democratic White House hopefuls Obama, Biden, Clinton, and Edwards slating new strategies for Pakistan: they all have got their analysis flat wrong. READ MORE Pakistan Isn't Iran Michael Shank, ICAR PhD Student Posted: 11/13/07 [Published, USA Today, November 13, 2007] Sen. Joseph Biden, D-Del., believes that Pakistan in 2007 is similar to how Iran was in the late 1970s. The senator is exhibiting an unfortunate lack of knowledge vis-à-vis Pakistan ("Biden warns that Pakistan's crisis is more dangerous than Iran's '70s upheaval," On Politics, USATODAY.com, Thursday).READ MORE Tough Stand on Musharraf is Critical for U.S.'s Credibility Michael Shank, ICAR PhD Student Posted:11/07/07 [Published, The Hill, November 7, 2007] In the Nov. 6 article "Pakistan’s emergency may mean its aid is cut," Sens. Carl Levin (D-Mich.) and Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) are teaching the U.S. Defense and State departments a valuable lesson vis-à-vis the critical importance of a consistent U.S. foreign policy. Contrary to the muted response from Pentagon officials and passive criticism from the secretary of state, the chairmen of the Armed Services and Judiciary committees are threatening to pull aid from Pakistan. READ MORE Talking Tough: How Obama Can Fight Extremism in Pakistan By Michael Shank, ICAR PhD Student Posted: 08/15/07 [Published, International Herald Tribune/Daily News, August 14, 2007] For those of us who believe in diplomacy, Senator Barack Obama’s recent pledge to dialogue with Cuba, North Korea and Iran offered a much-needed ray of hope. Amidst the security tough-talk by Democratic presidential hopefuls, at least one leading candidate was committed to a conversation. Ironically, undermining her own campaign slogan (“Let the Conversation Begin”) Senator Hillary Clinton quickly dismissed it as naive. READ MORE American Heroics Needed in Pakistan Michael Shank and Saira Yamin, ICAR PhD Students Posted: 06/01/07 [Published, The Politico, May 1, 2007] Order and stability in Pakistan, a high priority for the national security policy of the United States, is in jeopardy. American military presence and Pakistan strong-arm tactics have fomented a rebellion in its tribal regions. Now the region—mainly the Waziristan Agency in Pakistan’s North Western Frontier Province, perceived as a haven for Taliban infiltrating the porous border—is on fire. Who is responsible? Fingers point to the US. READ MORE Free Speech: Sink or Swim Mark Jansson, ICAR Certificate Student Posted: 07/03/07 In light of Michael Shank’s important article on the growing threats to free speech and democracy in Pakistan and Egypt, it is also troubling to note that censorship certainly has had its power-preserving successes in Iran and other places. Indeed, bad precedents have been set, so it's hard for Musharraf and Mubarak to resist censorship if, ultimately, they don't trust their people. READ MORE Endpiece: Free Speech and Democracy Michael Shank, ICAR PhD Student Posted: 06/30/07 [Published, News International, June 30, 2007] A disconcerting trend is making its rounds among democratic nations. Countries are closing their doors to one of democracy's key tenets, that of free speech. The United States paved the way in Iraq by closing newspapers that failed to report favourably. Now US allies Egypt and Pakistan are following suit, shutting down blogs and censoring coverage of the armed forces and judiciary, respectively. READ MORE News Network Homepage / Armenia / 2008 Elections / Afghanistan / Diplomacy/ Egypt / Environment / Global Peace Index / Health / Immigration / Iraq / Iran / Islam / Kosovo / Nuclear Proliferation / Pakistan / Palestine-Israel / Russia / Somalia / South America / Turkey /		About ICAR Student Information Prospective Students Faculty and Staff Alumni Career Services Academic Programs Library ICAR In The News Events Technology Resources ICAR Publications Point Of View Center Center for World Religions, Diplomacy & Conflict Resolution