Back in September 2001, George Bush gave the world an ultimatum. He told other states that “You are either with us or with the terrorists.” For Bush, choosing sides was nowhere more difficult than in the Islamic Republic of Pakistan where the country’s military leadership had close links with the mullahs, and where there were already longstanding ties with extremists in Afghanistan.
Accepting Pakistan’s pledge of support was equally risky for the U.S. where critics contend the country belongs more on the axis of evil than on the list of allies. Relations were further strained with recent news of Pakistan’s nuclear garage sale, but the U.S. continues to support the Musharraf government, putting millions behind his efforts to capture Al-Qaeda leaders.
Guests:
Ashraf Jehangir Qazi, Pakistan’s ambassador to the United States.