Fisssures Forming Between Pakistan's Civilian Leaders And Its Military

Pakistan's President Asif Ali Zardari (L) looks over at U.S. President George W. Bush during their meeting at the United Nations General Assembly in New York, September 23, 2008. REUTERS/Jim Young (UNITED STATES)

US Pressure Deepens Divide Between Pakistan's Military and Civilian Leadership -- Voice Of America

Analysts and U.S. officials say American pressure on Pakistan over counterterrorism policy has strained the relationship between that country's government and its military. As VOA Correspondent Gary Thomas reports, the two camps differ over how much approval and assistance Pakistan should give to stepped-up U.S. anti-terrorist operations.

The honeymoon between Pakistan's powerful military establishment and the newly elected civilian government appears to be short-lived. Analysts say an increase in U.S. unmanned drone attacks and covert operations against suspected terrorist sanctuaries have inflamed public opinion in Pakistan and driven a wedge between the generals and the politicians.

Larry Goodson, a professor at the U.S. Army War College, says that crack could widen as Pakistan faces more lethal pressure internally from militant attacks and political pressure externally from the United States.

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My Comment: A military coup in Pakistan would only make the situation worse. The civilian government was elected by the people in Pakistan under free elections .... if the Pakistani military overturns this vote will only poison the political process and discredit everyone. Pakistan's enemies are Al Qaeda and the Taliban .... not the stupid politicians in Pakistan's Parliament.