The United States faces few greater challenges than Pakistan – a nuclear power with 170 million people, a weak government and a terrorist safe haven in its Northwest areas. In recent weeks, the government of President Asif Ali Zaradari has faced challenges both from its political opponent Nawaz Sharif and from a civil society movement demanding the reinstatement of Supreme Court Chief Justice Iftikhar Chaudhry. However, the latest incident is another reminder of how dangerous and fragile Pakistan remains. To play a positive role and help stabilize Pakistan, the United States should work to strengthen Pakistani democracy, engage the region in diplomacy, condition security assistance, and increase development assistance.
