Stiffening Pakistan's Resolve Against Terrorism: A Memo to President-elect Obama

Publication Date: December 2008

Publisher: Heritage Foundation (Washington, D.C.)

Author(s): Walter Lohman; Lisa Curtis

Research Area: Government

Keywords: Pakistan; Presidential transition; Terrorism

Type: Brief

Coverage: Pakistan United States

Abstract:

Moving the U.S.-Pakistan relationship away from its current turbulent track and setting it on a more even keel will be a tremendous challenge. Convincing Pakistan to make fundamental shifts in its security perceptions of the region will be difficult. But over the long run, the U.S. will be more successful in defeating the international terrorist threat emanating from Pakistan if it works in cooperation with the Pakistani leadership and engages in respectful dialogue that acknowledges Pakistan's regional security concerns.