In your opinion, which of the following countries have good
relations with Pakistan?
Saudi Arabia 87%
USA 2%
Religious extremism is a serious problem in Pakistan.
Disagree 9%
Agree 90%
Do you think that Pakistan should cooperate with the United
States on its war against terror?
Disagree 80%
Agree 18%
The United States should partner with Pakistan in
conducting drone attacks against extremists.
Disagree 76%
Agree 21%
Do you have a favorable or unfavorable opinion of the nation of India?
Favorable 41%
Unfavorable 54%
Do you have a favorable or unfavorable opinion of the nation of
Afghanistan?
Favorable 45%
Unfavorable 48%
Do you have a favorable or unfavorable opinion of Afghan
President Hamid Karzai?
Favorable 21%
Unfavorable 69%
Do you think that the Karzai government in Afghanistan is
pro-Indian?
Pro-India 74%
Anti-India 15%
If you had a choice between a stable and prosperous Pakistan
that was ruled by a military dictatorship or a democratic
government that led to an unstable and insecure Pakistan,
which would you choose?
Democracy 75%
Dictatorship 23%
What is your main source of information?
TV 78%
Radio 9%
Newspaper 7%
Internet 3%
How credible are these information sources?
TV 80%
Radio 56%
Newspaper 55%
Internet 22%
So why is Pakistan's opinion of the U.S. so low? Maybe this has something to do with it.
Massive war games showcase deepening India-US ties
PM-Obama meet in mind, India and US move on n-fuel talks
India test-fires nuclear-capable missile
Lessons Learned?
Approach the problem set as AF/IN/PAK.
Bring in the Saudis and have them use TV in Pakistan to spread the message.
Listen to the advice of the Saudis.
Turki al Faisal former head of Saudi intelligence and ambassador to the U.S. had an op-ed in the Washington Post. Excerpt below.
As President Obama considers what to do about Afghanistan, it is important that he hear perspectives from all sides concerned about that critical region. In Riyadh, it is clear that the Taliban is weak in Afghanistan. Their record in government is well remembered by Afghans, including large numbers of Pashtuns, all of whom suffered greatly at the hands of Mohammad Omar's Taliban cohorts.
The Taliban is not a cohesive or uniform political party with a chain of command and a political manifesto. Rather, any disaffected, rebellious or aggrieved Afghan who overtly opposes the government by military means and otherwise has come to be identified as a member of the Taliban.
Osama bin Laden has become not only the symbol of opposition to world order in general and to the United States in particular, but he is looked upon by disaffected youths -- and not just Muslims -- as an indomitable, untouchable Robin Hood. Even if he no longer organizes and executes terrorist acts, the fact that he survives reinforces that appeal every day and adds to his charisma. Bringing him to account is a necessity, whether by capture or by death.
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