From RAND
With the top U.S. general in Afghanistan apologizing for flip remarks about his civilian bosses, it's hardly good news that the Obama Administration's Pakistan policies also come under criticism by researchers in Santa Monica, even as a noted writer on South Asia visits the Southland for a free, public conversation. The broadside at key elements of the American 'Af-Pak' strategy finds that too much attention has gone to short-term, immediate military moves by Pakistan, with U.S. aid and encouragement, against militant groups that have surged within its borders and poured into Afghanistan, too, often with the support of the Pakistani intelligence services and military. Yes, the U.S. drone strikes and Pakistani military sweeps in lawless border areas have achieved some key gains. This approach, however, has undercut tougher, long-term strategies that need to be developed and put in place if terrorist organizations like Al Qaeda really are to be put down, researchers say. They say these steps would include Pakistan creating real rule of law, building up local police and courts, providing for greater economic development and aid to the combat displaced. Meantime, William Dalrymple, a noted journalist who earlier this year penned a disturbing Op-Ed that reminded about how fast things can go south for foreign forces in Afghanistan, will be on the Westside talking about his well-received new tome and the 'Nine Lives' and more that he found in his treks across India.
An unfavorable critique of long-, short-term U.S. policy in Pakistan
Click here for the full RAND report on Pakistan
Searching for sacred in 21st Century India
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