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Pakistan is called the "Front line State" in the War against Terror. There are number ofoccasions, which have raised the issue of Pakistan sincere role in the war.

Before commenting on the sincerity of Pakistan it will be better to understand the role ofPakistan in the War against Terror. Pakistan is sharing the largest border with

Afghanistan. Traditionally both the countries never enjoyed good relations. The role ofPakistan in Afghanistan is very old and important. Pakistan has always tried to havegood relations with Afghanistan in order to fully concentrate on its border with India.This role was further increased in 1970's when former Soviet Union sent troops to

Afghanistan on the request of then Afghan Communist Government. It was at that timethat USA along with the Western allies and Middle Eastern partners came to Pakistan.They came in different forms. Some gave money, some gave equipments, someprovided manpower and some just supported politically.

The situation in Afghanistan forced former Soviet Union to pull out. It was sweetrevenge of Vietnam for the US. At that point Pakistan expected continued support buteveryone showed their back and Pakistan was left alone with burning Afghanistan.

Since Pakistan's national interests demanded its stay in Afghanistan therefore itsupported nearly every regime at Kabul. When Taliban came on the scene it was onlyPakistan, which continued its consulate and ambassador at Kabul. Further it alsoallowed Taliban ambassador in Islamabad. The whole world was trying to change thestance of Pakistan but no one was successful. Pakistan even spoiled its relations withIran.

After 9/11 all of a sudden the whole world started praising Pakistan. It became front linestate and the world was expecting Pakistan to act as they wished. What the whole worldcommunity forgot was that for more than a decade Pakistan was helping Afghanistan.The world community forgot both the countries and then all of a sudden theyremembered that Pakistan is important in this war.

Pakistan is important for the US and NATO because it provides the shortest supplyroute via sea to Afghanistan. Trade via sea is only possible through Pakistan. USAcannot opt for Iran as the relations are worst between the two and secondly the routevia Iran is long.

Pakistan has infrastructure and military set up to support USA and NATO. Its army istrained and can fight in the terrain, which for most of NATO personal is alien.

Additionally Pakistan has links with Taliban leadership. All these factors combine andmake Pakistan an important partner in the war against terror.

Now coming to the issue of sincerity of Pakistan. It is an obvious fact that every statehas its own national interest. Pakistan wants an active role for those who have softcorner for Pakistan. USA denied this by installing a puppet government which is hostileto Pakistan. This forced Pakistan policy makers to change their policy. They cannotafford to see current hostile elements against Pakistan as victors. Naturally Pakistan willgo for other options and will not do as USA wants.

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Pakistan is always wary of the Indian role in Afghanistan. In order to please India USAand particularly its Western allies are encouraging India to have active role in

Afghanistan. Officially Pakistan has protested on several occasions but it was not takenseriously. This attitude of West forced Pakistan to play the game according to its ownset of rules and not according to the wishes of others.

Pakistan has evidences of other countries involvement in the terror incidents insidePakistan. Many states are supporting terrorists to fight against Pakistan. Officially orunofficially Pakistan had to send signals to these states but things are none the lesssame. The states involved have their own agendas and their own axe to grind. This alsoforced Pakistan to revise it strategy in the current war on terror.

If someone is blaming Pakistan for not doing enough the person must be very simple orignoring the national interests of Pakistan. Every country in the world is promoting itsown national interests. It is true for all and if Pakistan is doing so no person or state canstop Pakistan from doing so.

It will be better for the US to listen carefully to the concerns of Pakistan. This will help inbuilding confidence and trust. Pakistan has very little to lose it is for the US to act inrational and prudent manner in order to get maximum out of this situation. Instead ofblaming Pakistan the policy makers at the Washington should look at the ways in whichthe national interests of the US and Pakistan do not collide otherwise the question ofsincerity will remain.

Background

The events of September 11 impacted international polices and the regional situation

within Pakistan necessitated change to its internal policies. Pakistan found that it had no risk-free options:

all polices were full of danger and risk of varying degrees. The test was to adopt such a policy and course

of action that could minimize the risk and offered the best possible option in the given circumstances.

Geo-strategic location of Pakistan and links with Taliban administration absolved Pakistan to remain

unaffected immediately after the attack. Moreover Pakistan was among the three countries, which

recognized the Taliban government. Any effort of US and World coalition against Taliban could not have

been succeeded without active cooperation of Pakistan.

After declaringAl-Qaeda and Osama bin Laden as a prime suspect U.S. President George W. Bush said,

"Every nation in every region now has a decision to make. Either you are with us or with the

terrorists."

The Taliban were asked to hand over Osama and close down bases of his Al-Qaeda network or

face the consequences. The rest of the world was told that there could not be any neutral party in

the war against terrorism.

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Pakistan, due to its strategic importance and close relation with the Taliban regime, was asked to

cooperate. Military President Pervez Musharraf, was told to either abandon the support of Taliban or

be prepared to be treated like the Taliban. The military government, due to Pakistans compulsions

or concerns, Pakistan security and stability from external threat, the revival of economy, its nuclear

and missile assets and Kashmir cause decided to join US led coalition on war against

terrorism[clarification needed]

. So once again, under another military ruler, Pakistan became front line

state.