An expert on South Asian affairs in the Congressional Research Servicethe United States Congress' own think tankhas told lawmakers that anti-American sentiments are widespread in Pakistan despite the recent democratic upheaval in that country.
K Alan Kronstadt, appearing before the Senate Subcommittee on International Security, which is part of the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, said, "While not without successes, US policies toward Pakistan since 2001 have largely failed to neutralise anti-Western militants and reduce religious extremism within Pakistan, in turn hindering efforts to stabilise neighbouring Afghanistan."
Kronstadt acknowledged that Pakistan's recent upheavals may offer an opportunity to alter the nature of the US-Pakistan relationship, since the 2008 elections had indicated that 'Pakistanis are moderates not driven by extreme, militant religious worldviews'. But he argued, "Still, anti-American sentiments are widespread in Pakistan."
He said they were "apparently rooted in general disapproval of US global policies and a specific resentment of US policy toward Pakistan itself," and added "reducing these negative perceptions will be necessary to advance US interests."
Kronstadt said, "This goal is overshadowed by shorter-term policies that may fuel the very distrust the United States seeks to overcome. The salience of mutual trust and respect is often understated in assessments of the US-Pakistan strategic relationship."
Kronstadt noted, "In the political realm, Pakistanis resent a perceived US meddling in their country's internal politics."
"In the security realm, many Pakistanis believe the United States relies too heavily on military efforts, thereby damaging Pakistan's legitimate interests and sovereignty," he added.
The expert said, "Given President Musharraf's status as a moderate, pro-Western ally of the United States, his political diminishment and potentially ignominious exit from power complicates US policy making."
Kronstadt said, "For the first time in years, the United States must deal with a political structure in Islamabad that has fundamentally differing views on how to combat religious extremism. Pakistan's new civilian leaders, re-engaging efforts at negotiation with religious extremists, claim that military confrontation has allowed militants to become stronger. Most Pakistanis, though not all, appear to welcome this policy shift."
