Musharraf exit raises security headache
Wednesday, 20 Aug 2008 14:36
Dealing with Pakistan's tribal areas is a major security issue
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Pervez Musharraf's departure from politics leaves the prospects for security in
Pakistan uncertain, a counterterrorism expert has warned.
Andy Hull, senior research fellow on international security at the Institute for Public Policy Research thinktank in London, told
inthenews.co.uk he believes Pakistan has "paid a heavy price" for Mr Musharraf's policies.
The former president's public support for the 'war on terror', which saw hundreds of violent extremists arrested in Pakistan, has also seen the country's internal security situation deteriorate since the US-led invasion of Afghanistan in 2001.
"Hundreds of Pakistani civilians have been killed in suicide bombings; over 1,000 Pakistani troops have been killed fighting militants; and Musharraf himself has been the target of at least half a dozen assassination attempts," Mr Hull said.
"Yet, in Pakistan's tribal belt, from where the Helmand insurgency is being directed, a new Pakistani-Taliban now amasses, suspected of the assassination of Benazir Bhutto last year.
"And Pakistani Inter-Services Intelligence, which introduced Osama bin Laden to the Taliban in 1996, continues selectively to manipulate, misdirect and frustrate western intelligence efforts in the region."
Commentators are now concerned Mr Musharraf's departure will leave a power vacuum which the coalition government's two main partners, the Pakistan People's party and the Pakistan Muslim League (N), will waste political energy seeking to fill.
An uncertain domestic political scene is the result. Question-marks hang over the national reconciliation ordinance, who will be Mr Musharraf's successor and the possible reinstatement of judges sacked during last November's state of emergency.
Through western eyes these issues raise doubts about the extent to which Pakistan will continue its commitment to tackling terrorists operating within its borders.
Mr Hull added: "A military dictator's departure is a welcome step towards democracy, but what it will mean for security in Pakistan – and for the UK-Pakistani connection which has been a primary conduit for al-Qaida's work – is not yet clear."