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The Tampa Tribune

Published: November 4, 2007

Why is Pakistan important to the United States?

Osama bin Laden may be hiding there. Intelligence experts say a resurgent al-Qaida and Taliban run training camps in tribal territories along the Afghan border. Their strategists operate openly in Pakistani cities. Also, the country possesses what the West most fears terrorists might obtain: nuclear weapons.

Is there any evidence bin Laden and al-Qaida are in Pakistan?

A U.S. National Intelligence Estimate in July traced several terrorist attacks, including the London subway bombings, to the tribal regions in Pakistan's North West Frontier. The intelligence report says a revitalized al-Qaida has created a new command structure in the area and planned international attacks.

If bin Laden is in Pakistan, why can't authorities capture him?

The Pakistani army has been bloodied and embarrassed in the hunt. Hundreds of troops have been killed and captured in the tribal areas. President Pervez Musharraf changed tactics and negotiated cease-fires with tribal leaders. The truces were designed to let the tribes deal with the militants. Instead, the region has become a sanctuary for Islamists. Musharraf also has tied the hands of U.S. troops because their presence is unpopular.

What role does politics play in the hunt for bin Laden?

Politics are fractured, and the president is weak. Although most people don't support the jihadists, they don't like the alternative, either. Musharraf is unpopular and weakened by his failed attempt to oust the chief justice. He is disliked by those yearning for democracy. Also, many Pakistanis harbor deep sympathies for Muslim militants, dating back to the Soviet occupation of Afghanistan in the 1980s. They fought shoulder-to-shoulder with the mujahedeen and saw them as heroes. Such loyalties are not easily displaced.

If Musharraf is unpopular, why was he re-elected president?

The president is not chosen directly by the people. He is elected by members of the national Parliament and four provincial legislatures. Musharraf won re-election last month, but the results have been challenged in court. Many opposition parties boycotted the election. They argue Musharraf was not eligible to run because he has not stepped down as army chief. Opponents also disagreed with the timing. They contend the presidential vote should have been held only after a general election expected in January. They say Musharraf is not likely to have enough support in the new Parliament and legislatures to win the presidency.

Why did Benazir Bhutto return from exile?

Bhutto intends to lead her Pakistan People's Party in the general election. She hopes to become prime minister. She has said she wants to prevent terrorists from taking over the country. Her strength comes from poor people who admired her father, the country's first prime minister, and see her as a symbol of democracy. Some of her supporters, however, are disillusioned by a power-sharing agreement she negotiated with Musharraf before her return.

What's in the power-sharing agreement?

Musharraf agreed to drop corruption charges against Bhutto. He also is willing to repeal a law that limits the prime minister to two terms. Bhutto has already served two terms. The pact seems designed to allow Musharraf to remain as president and Bhutto to serve as prime minister.

How does the United States view that arrangement?

Favorably. The United States has strongly backed Musharraf since forcing him to choose sides after the Sept. 11 attacks. His tight grip on the army is seen as the best bet for keeping nuclear material out of the hands of extremists. Bhutto, meanwhile, is seen as the best candidate to restore democracy.

What is the status of Kashmir?

Kashmir, formally known as Jammu and Kashmir, is a disputed territory between India and Pakistan. Its leaders decided to join newly independent India in 1947, but Pakistan objected. It thought the Muslim-dominated region belonged to Pakistan. The nations have fought two wars over the area. The region is under an uneasy truce, with each nation controlling part of the territory. Al-Qaida and the Taliban launch terror attacks from Pakistan across the dividing line to try to drive India out. India has threatened war if the attacks don't stop.

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