Pakistan and the War on Terror

Pakistani Militants roam the streets of Pakistan armed

In recent years, Pakistan has become a hot spot for terrorism and violence. Up until the events of 9/11, Pakistan supported the Taliban in Afghanistan to bring stability to the region, to have an easy passageway to Central Asia (through Afghanistan) and to have an ally against India in Kashmir. Right after the 9/11 attacks, the Pakistan Government was forced to choose between alliance with the US and alliance with the Taliban. In the end, although the relationship had been rocky at points, the Pakistani government chose to ally with the US, who’s relationship was once against brought close by the War on Terror. In order to enter into this new War on Terror, the current leader of Pakistan, Musharraf, dismissed some of his Pro-Taliban senior army members to show support for the US alliance and complete isolation of pro-Taliban ideals. Pakistan then aided in the negotiations with the Taliban to turn over or deport Osama Bin Laden which in the long run failed. Another added benefit for Pakistan and their alliance with the US was that the Pakistani Government received approximately $600 million in aid per year from the US. The US and its allies launched Operation Enduring Freedom which, within two months, was able to accomplish its goal and drive the Taliban out of power, but were unsuccessful and were not able to capture Bin Laden. Recently in the news, Osama Bin Laden was found and killed by the US government in Pakistan which has brought resent controversy to the alliance between the two nations and the validity of the Pakistani’s War on Terrorism. Although much is still unknown about the current situation of Pakistani terrorism cooperation, Pakistan is a vital ally to the US in the War on Terror and is one of the most dangerous places on earth.