News

Statement by  President  Obama on Pakistan National Day

On behalf of the American people, I send my best wishes to the people of Pakistan and all those of Pakistani descent here in America and around the world observing Pakistan National Day.  Seventy years ago, Muhammad Ali Jinnah and those of the independence generation declared their dreams of self-determination and democracy.  Today, the people of Pakistan are carrying on the great work of Quaid-e Azam.  In these efforts, the American people are proud to join in the education, health and economic partnerships that can improve the daily lives of Pakistanis and their families.  Here in the United States, our country is enriched by the many Pakistani Americans who excel as doctors, small business owners, students, members of our armed forces and in many other fields.  On this National Day, we give thanks for the contributions of these fellow Americans, and the United States pledges to remain a partner of all Pakistanis who seek to build a future of peace and prosperity.

Status of White House Egg Hunt

PAKPAC has been invited by White House to have Children from the Pakistani American Community participate in the White House Annual Egg Roll tradition. President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama have announced that this year’s White House Easter Egg Roll will be held on Monday, April 5, 2010 with the theme of “Ready, Set, Go!” promoting health and wellness.

PAKPAC asked the community members interested in this event to email to us with the name and age of participating child, only one child per family or household is allowed. Within hours we received requests from over 150 children interested in participating in this event.  PAKPAC was allocated only 12 tickets for children and chaperons allowed to enter White House South Lawn.  

Given the high level of interest in the Pakistani American Community, PAKPAC has reached out to its contacts at White House requesting them to increase the number of allocated tickets. At this time we have not received a response from White House, as soon as we hear from White House we will be able to finalize the list on a first replied first confirmed basis.

We plan to finalize the list of participants no later than Tuesday Mar 30^th.  For out of town participants please do not make any travel plans till you hear from us. We aim to maximize the number of children and limit the number of chaperons. We will also setup a waiting list in the event someone cannot participate. PAKPAC thanks you for your interest.

"Bad Company: Lashkar e-Tayyiba and the Growing Ambition  of Islamist Militancy in Pakistan" -  Shuja Nawaz

South Asia Center Director Shuja Nawaz testified before the House Foreign Relations Committee, Subcommittee on the Middle East and South Asia (MESA) on the topic of Islamist militancy in Pakistan. Below is the full text of the testimony.

Mr. Chairman, Ranking Member Congressman Burton, Members of the Committee, I am honored to be invited to speak before you today.

I speak as a Pakistani who follows closely developments inside Pakistan and the US-Pakistan Relationship. At the Atlantic Council, we are committed to “Waging Peace” in the region and to finding practicable solutions to the security, economic, political, and social challenges facing greater South Asia and Central Asia. Last year we issued a detailed report on Pakistan, warning of troubles ahead if we did not support that country’s fledgling democracy as it took on a rising insurgency. We are shortly going to issue another report that focuses on the progress made to date but warns of dangers ahead if we ignore systemic issues domestically and in the US-Pakistan relationship.

Today’s topic is at the heart of the dangers that confront Pakistan today. The Lashkar e Tayyiba represents a Frankenstein’s Monster created for the purpose of assisting the Kashmir freedom movement but that ended up becoming a powerful Sunni Punjabi movement with an agenda that appears to have taken on a broader regional role. It was born out of the US-backed Afghan Jihad against the Soviets, and built on the training provided by that war to Punjabi fighters who could then inculcate Kashmiri fighters in their ways. Successive civil and military leaders of Pakistan supported the movement as a strategic asset to counter a powerful India to the East and to force it to negotiate for a settlement of the disputed territory by waging a war of “a thousand cuts”. Read More

Healthcare  Bill impact on Immigrant Community

On Tuesday, March 23, 2010, President Obama signed historic legislation called the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.  The new law alters America's health insurance system in many ways, most significantly expanding health insurance coverage to people without insurance and who had been barred from receiving insurance due to pre-existing conditions, while also increasing funding for community health centers, and requiring that health data reflect demographic information such as race and gender.  Like all other Americans, South Asians stand to gain a range of benefits from the new health care reform package.  1 in 5 South Asians lack health insurance; approximately 40% of South Asians under the age of 65 report no regular source of care; and even among insured South Asians, 15% report no regular source of care.  For South Asians who are uninsured or have obstacles in receiving care due to affordability or pre-existing conditions or other insurance-related barriers, this legislation will lead to significant changes as it becomes implemented.

While the package provides a strong foundation to address the many problems with the health care system, there is still work that needs to be done to ensure that affordable and universal health care is a reality for all.

SAALT has developed a fact sheet to answer the following basic questions about the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act:

• How will this legislation affect South Asians?

• What does the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act do?

• If health insurance is required, how can low-income individuals pay for it?

• What will health insurance companies have to do differently?

• How will the new law enhance care for communities?

• What are some problems or gaps in the new law?

Pakistan Government develops more e-government services

In an effort to introduce more e-government services and to streamline Public Grievance System, Government of Pakistan is teaming up with Netsol  a U.S. corporation providing global business services and enterprise application solutions. This new contract with the Government of Pakistan to develop and implement a public grievance management system. The new system will be in support of the government's drive to introduce e-government concepts for providing improved services to its citizens. The online grievance management system will be a key enabler in offering citizens efficient and transparent access to government. According to the agreement, NetSol will provide a web based interface for citizens to report and track their grievances, along with automation of workflows for the processing and handling of submissions.

US AID Global Pulse

On March 29^th, USAID will launch Global Pulse 2010, a 3-day, online, collaborative discussion focused on ten critical global issues.  I encourage you to learn more about the event and register to participate at www.GlobalPulse2010.gov. .

 The Global Pulse 2010 event is a fresh and innovative approach to connecting the global community using new technologies.  This project is a first step towards creating a more open government; one that works to build partnerships, encourages public participation, establishes public trust, and promotes collaboration.   

During this 72-hour event, individuals throughout the world will have a chance to participate in and influence a global conversation centered on 10 hot-button topics relevant to the global community within the fields of science and technology, economic opportunity, and human development.

Below is a list of topics that will be discussed during the event:

• Empowering Women and Girls  

• Enabling Essential Education     

• Building Stronger Partnerships

• Exercising Political and Civil Rights

• Inspiring a New Generation

• Promoting Global Health

• Advancing Entrepreneurship, Trade & Economic Opportunity

• Fostering Science, Technology & Innovation

• Supporting a Sustainable Planet

• Pursuing Grand Challenges

Thousands of people from over 110 countries have already registered to participate.  Learn more about Global Pulse 2010 by visiting www.GlobalPulse2010.gov

Registration: To register, go to http://www.globalpulse2010.gov/register.html.  Proceed to option number three, “self-nominate” and fill out your information in the fields provided.

Indian Americans welcome summons by India's Supreme Court to interrogate Gujarat CM Modi

Indian Muslim Council-USA an advocacy group welcomes the decision of the Supreme Court of India to order the interrogation of Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi by the Special Investigation Team (SIT) inquiring into the 2002 massacres. 

"We urge strong measures be taken to ensure a transparent, unbiased interrogation and that an FIR be registered against Modi in light of the Tehelka video tape confessions" said Rasheed Ahmed, the president of IMC-USA.  In a sting operation conducted by the investigative magazine Tehelka, several Hindutva activists involved in the pogrom including the Gujarat state prosecutor were caught on tape boasting how they were able to derail the judicial process of redressing justice to the victims.

The Supreme Court issued summons on the basis of a complaint filed by Zakia Jafri, widow of former Congress MP Eshan Jafri.  In the violence which engulfed the state in the aftermath of Godhra train burning, Mr. Jafri and numerous others were killed in a residential complex in Ahmedabad known as the Gulberg Society. The overall death toll in the Gujarat massacres exceeded 2,500 as per Gujarat police records. Read More

Announcement

USAID $40 million Grant for Gender Equity Program in Pakistan

The USAID/Pakistan is preparing to launch a new, five year, $ 40 million  Gender Equity Program (GEP) that aims to advance women’s human rights and empowerment through the following four objectives: (1) Enhancing gender equity by expanding women’s access to justice and women’s human rights; (2) Increasing women’s empowerment by expanding knowledge of their rights and opportunities to exercise their rights in the workplace, community, and home; (3) Combating gender-based violence; and, (4) Strengthening the capacity of Pakistani organizations that advocate for gender equity, women’s empowerment and the elimination of gender-based violence. Total funding under this program will be limited to $40 million. It is anticipated that the Request for Applications (RFA) will be issued in early April 2010. NGO’s with operations in Pakistan are encouraged to apply. To get more information about the grant read USAID announcement or contact Nadeem Yusuf nyusuf@usaid.gov

Foreign Affairs Student Writing Contest 2010

Foreign Affairs publishes articles by today's leaders and thinkers that tackle the most pressing issues in international relations. We want to give tomorrow's leaders the opportunity to demonstrate innovative thinking on the issues that shape their world. In the inaugural Foreign Affairs Essay Contest, a panel from the Foreign Affairs editorial staff will select one undergraduate's essay to be published on the Foreign Affairs Web site. The winner will also receive a prize of $500, and five honorable mentions will receive a free year-long subscription to Foreign Affairs.

Entries must be submitted by June 1, 2010. Read More

US Congress Summer Internships

PAKPAC encourages Pakistani American college students to apply for Congressional Internships and Fellowships, particularly during the summer session.

·         Work with and build a lasting relationship with your Congressional Representatives and their staff

·         Learn firsthand the legislative process and related politics of Congress

·         Be a part of an established and growing community of Pakistani American professionals who work in Federal Government

·         Meeting the need of Members of Congress and their staff and learning more about American social, political, and economic concern

·         An opportunity to network with and learn from hundreds of other summer interns in Washington, DC, who are committed to community service and public affairs careers

·         Opportunities to learn about and network with the leaders of the various advocacy organizations, media groups, and think tanks in Washington, D.C

·         Internship experience looks great on a resume when applying for graduate school or future employment 

WHO TO INTERN FOR / WHERE TO SEND AN APPLIATION·         There are four common ways to apply for Congressional Internships in Washington, DC. It is allowed for students to simultaneously submit applications for each option.

·         Apply for  placement with the two (2) Senators who represent your home state (the state you grew up in or where your parents live)

·         Apply for placement with the Member of Congress (House of Representatives) who represents your home Congressional District

·         Apply for placement with the Member of Congress who represents the Congressional District your University/College is located in

·         Apply for placement in the Senate or House Committee that covers a specific policy issue you are interested in       

There is no central processing center for Congressional Internship applications. Applicants send their materials directly to each office, to the notice of the Intern/Fellowship Coordinator.

APPLYING FOR CONGRESSIONAL INTERNSHIPS·         Students can apply any time of the year for Congressional Internships. Placements are available for fall, winter, spring, and summer sessions.

For Summer Internships, applications should be submitted no later than April 1^st.Internships usually last for 8 to 12 weeks. Summer Interns can begin their programs as early as mid-May and most end no later than mid-August.

Application materials usually consist of:

·         Cover Letter

·         Resume

Contact your Senators and Representatives office and speak with the “Intern Coordinator” to learn if other materials need to be submitted.

Visit your university’s Career/Internship Placement Center and ask to review samples of Congressional Internship cover letters and resumes.

Have a school counselor, Chaplain, or “English Major” friend to proof read and review the content of your materials before submitting them!

To find the contact information of your Congressman or Senator please visit http://pakpac.net/action3.asp

PROGRAMS THAT PROVIDE ROOM, BOARD, AND NETWORKING for Congressional Interns·         DC Based Fellowship Programs: These programs cater particularly to Muslim Americans seeking summer internships in Washington, D.C.

o   Muslim Public Affairs Network (MPSN): This program’s application is separate from the application for Congressional placement. For consideration, you must submit two separate applications: one to MPSN and one to a Congressional Office. Acceptance into the MPSN fellowship program is contingent upon you securing an internship in Congress or any other DC-based public affairs organization.

o   Center for Global Understanding (CFGU): A Partnership with The Washington Center. TWC will find you placement in a Congressional Office or other DC based internship you have interest in as part of the CFGU Fellowship.·         Congressional Based Internships: The following organizations provide placement in a Congressional Office as part of their summer program. They usually try to place you in an office of a Member of Congress from your state and/or close to your home district. It is still recommend that students apply directly to Offices just in case they are not selected by these organizations for their summer program.

o   Asian Pacific American Institute for Congressional Studies (APAICS)

o   Congressional Black Caucus Foundation (CBCF)

o   Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute (CHCI)

o   The Washington Center (TWC) – For pay service

Pakistani American Youth Seminar to be held in DC on July 23^rd

PAKPAC is planning to hold a day long Pakistani American Youth Seminar in Washington DC on July 23^rd. This seminar will focus on the needs of youth between the ages of 16 and 20. Professional Advisors will advise the youth on various issues including career planning, building family and social values, leadership training, etc. Tours of White House and US Capitol are also planned with this seminar. Please look out for further details in following weeks. If you have an interest in the planning or attending of this event please contact ed@pakpac.net.

Readers Corner

Eminent domain  - Nadeem ul Haque

“Eminent domain” is a legal term referring to the ‘power governments have to confiscate, or take, private property.’ Over the years civilization has come to agree that such ‘taking’ of property happen only for legitimate “public use” and property owners receive “just compensation.”

Much case law, legal thinking and commentary is available on this subject. It is perhaps a cornerstone concept defining state/citizen relationships and the limits of state power. Kings and rulers have always attempted to usurp all resources for personal use and citizenry has had to fight to establish checks on this greed. One cornerstone of the famous Magna Carta was to check the King’s ability to take over private property.

Over the years, the concept has evolved and remains a subject of considerable debate. Unfortunately in Pakistan it receives no attention. We have the famous Land Acquisition Act which has been used to build housing colonies, public sector projects, leisure clubs, and for any purpose that the government of the time deems fit. Is that appropriate?. Read More

Events & Activities

PAKPAC meets with US Commission on International Religious Freedom

PAKPAC Board members Dr. Parvez Shah, Dr. Faizan Haq, and Irfan Malik met with Director USCIRF and his policy advisors to discuss the Commission 2009 report which cited lack of religious freedom in Pakistan. PAKPAC took the opportunity to update the Commission on progress made in past year in Pakistan in improving religious freedom.  PAKPAC cited many examples like quotas for minorities in employment, election process, appointment of Mr. Shahbaz Bhatti as Minister of Minority Affairs, etc. It was also pointed out to the Commission staff that substantial movement is taking place to repeal some of the stringent laws in Pakistan. Commission staff agreed that issue in Pakistan is not lack of laws providing religious freedom but enforcement of those laws. Commission Advisors asked PAKPAC to make recommendations to them to be considered for their next report. In their recommendations to the Commission, PAKPAC asked the Commission to rethink their recommendation from last year report and reward Pakistan for the progress made in religious freedom by removing them from the “Country of Particular Concern” list in the Commission’s upcoming 2010 report which is to be released on April 29^th.

Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee seeks PAKPAC input

Mrs. Tehmina Khan and PAKPAC Board Members Amina Khan and Irfan Malik met Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee in her office to provide input for her upcoming trip to Pakistan in first week of April. . Congresswoman Lee provided an update from House Homeland Security Committee that she chairs on the recent adoption of a TSA directive that listed Pakistan with 10 other countries as “country of interest’, subjecting citizens of Pakistan, and people travelling to/from Pakistan to go through extra security measures at airports. She asked TSA officials to provide their rational for adoption of such a policy and the usefulness of such measures. PAKPAC Board Members told Congresswoman Lee that she needs to review the status of economic assistance provided through Kerry Lugar –Berman Bill and setup mechanism for oversight and transparency for such assistance. Congresswoman was asked to look for role Pakistan based NGO’s can play in disbursement of this assistance. Such assistance must keep the short and long term needs of people of Pakistan in particular in the areas of Energy, Water, and establishment of Industry.  Congresswoman agreed to meet with PAKPAC board after her trip to work on ways to improve US-Pakistan relationship.

US State Department reception for Pakistani American Community

State Department officials reached out to PAKPAC to invite members of Pakistani American Community to a reception on the occasion of the US-Pakistan Strategic Dialogue. Over one hundred and fifty members of Pakistani American Community from across the country which included eighty PAKPAC guests attended the event. Ten PAKPAC Board Members, Dr. Parvez Shah, Dr. Faizan Haq, Dr. Shahid Tahir, Amina Khan, Shehzad Akhtar, Faiz Rehman, Rafat Mahmood, Dr. Rafiq Rehman, Dr. Raza Bokhari, and Irfan Malik represented PAKPAC at the event. Speaking at the reception Secretary of State Hillary Clinton applauded the progress made by the Government of Pakistan in bringing peace and stability to the region. US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton pledged a $125 million aid to boost the energy sector in Pakistan, besides allowing Pakistani products access to US markets and speeding up military equipment transfers. She also announced the start of PIA flights to Chicago via Barcelona.

Speaking to the Pakistani Americans in the audience she remarked, our countries have had our misunderstandings and disagreements in the past. And there are sure to be more disagreements in the future, as there are between any friends or, frankly, any family members. But this is a new day. For the past year, the Obama Administration has shown in our words and our deeds a different approach and a different attitude toward Pakistan. This was a personal priority of President Obama’s and mine from the start of this Administration, and it will continue to be one.

Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi applauded the efforts and contribution of Pakistani American Community in helping US economy and strengthening the US-Pakistan relationship. He pointed out that he is using the efforts of Pakistan American Community as a role model for Pakistan Community in UK. Foreign Minister Qureshi said that US suspicions of his country have evaporated, with officials no longer questioning Islamabad’s commitment to fight extremism. “There were no more question marks, there was no suspicion, there was no ‘do more,’” he said. “There was appreciation for what we had already done. Such a partnership we are convinced is good for Pakistan, good for America, and good for international peace, security, and prosperity. As such, we hope that, together, Pakistan and the U.S. can build a robust economic partnership which rests primarily on increased trade and market access, so that we can expand economic opportunities in Pakistan and fight extremism strategically.

Foreign Minister and Army Chief brief Pakistan American Community

At the conclusion of their Washington trip Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi and Army Chief Gen Ashfaq Parvez Kayani addressed a group of Pakistani American Community at Pakistan Embassy. They apprised the audience of progress of their talks with the US counterparts in the past three days. Mr. Qureshi observed that years of mutual mistrust cannot be overcome overnight. But there are now signs that the trust deficit may be narrowing. Much of this new conviction on the US side stems from the Pakistan Army’s efforts in the last 10 months or so to put boots on the ground and engage the local Taliban head-on. High-ranking Afghan Taliban have also been rounded up from various Pakistani cities. To his satisfaction Foreign Minister had asked for four items at the Strategic Dialogue which included raising the level of Dialogue at Secretary of State and Foreign Minister level; have the dialogue summit held alternately in Islamabad, and Washington DC; expand dialogue focus from four areas to ten areas; and have working group meetings throughout the year. Mr. Qureshi announced that Secretary of State agreed to all four items, and that Mrs. Clinton plans to travel to Pakistan in near future. Gen. Kayani noted that security forces are serious about fighting militancy, irrespective of the backlash; he however noted that both sides realize that hat the war against militancy cannot be won on the battlefield alone. PAKPAC Board members Rafat Mahmood and Irfan Malik attended the briefing.

Pakistan Embassy Celebrates Pakistan Day

Pakistan Ambassador to USA Hussain Haqqani invited over 200 guests from Diplomatic Core, US Administration, US Congress, and members of Pakistani American community to a reception at Pakistan Embassy on March 23^rd to celebrate 70th Pakistan Day. Ambassador Holbrooke, Ambassador Rafel, Congressman Van Hollen, Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee and many other dignitaries attended the event. Representing Government of Pakistan were Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi, .Defense Minister Ahmed Mukhtar, Army Chief Gen Ashfaq Parvez Kayani, Finance Advisor Dr. Hafeez Sheikh, and Federal Minister Begum Shahnaz Wazir Ali. Speaking at the reception Foreign Minister Qureshi pointed out that US-Pakistan relations are entering a partnership mode focusing on long term strategy and goals.

In a message on the occasion of Pakistan Day, US Secretary of State Hilary Clinton greeted the Pakistanis on behalf of President Barack Obama and American people. “The United States is supporting Pakistan’s efforts to strengthen democratic institutions, foster economic development, expand opportunity, and defeat the extremist groups who threaten Pakistan, the region, and even our own country,” she said. She acknowledged the sacrifices Pakistanis are making in their ongoing fight against militancy. “Pakistan is close to my heart, and I have been privileged to make five visits over the years. And I have seen firsthand how special your country is — rich with history and culture, blessed with natural beauty, and home to people of unforgettable warmth and strength. PAKPAC was represented at the event by its Board Members Rafat Mahmood, Faiz Rehman, and Irfan Malik.

Immigration

PAKPAC Board member attends session on H1B Memo on Healthcare Industry

Dr. Saud Anwar, immediate past president of PAKPAC joined the session organized by the USCIS Department of Homeland Security on implications of H-1B Memo on Healthcare Industry and the Immigrant Physician Community.

Discussion was held about how the H1B visa memo will impact the physician community trying to get the visa. Various options to the amendments to the memo were suggested.

The control by employers and definition of employer-employee relationship in the memo would have restriction in future jobs. The ethical concerns about control and patient confidentiality issues were raised. The language of “day to day supervision” issues was discussed. This program and memo may have an impact even on the residents doing rotations at various facilities depending on the supervision capacities and employee-employer relations. .

Senator Kent Conrad program was discussed. Representative from Senator Conrad’s offices were also present it the session. The office of Senator Conrad defended the need to have the program running and continuation of the programs as well.

 Dr. Anwar was concerned to learn the lack of presence of Physician community groups in the meeting, especially immigrant community physician groups.

For details of the memo please see the link below.

http://www.uscis.gov/USCIS/Laws/Memoranda/2010/H1B%20Employer-Employee%20Memo010810.pdf

PAKPAC attends quarterly stakeholder meeting USCIS with Director Mayorkas

PAKPAC Board members Dr. Parvez Shah and Irfan Malik attending a meeting with US Citizenship and Immigration Services Director Alejandro Mayorkas and his staff in Washington Dc. Director Mayorkas highlighted some of the Department accomplishments from past quarter like signing of memorandum of understanding with Oracle to implement e-verify system for employers. The department has also closed loopholes in current H1-B visa system. Director Mayorkas announced that $7 million will be available in grant money to various community organizations to improve and strengthen locally-based citizenship preparation programs and to increase organizational capacity. Stakeholders asked the Director to look into reducing processing time and fees for immigration applications. Director Mayorkas indicated that he will work on reducing processing time, but given the budget constraints imposed by US Congress it is inevitable that Immigration fees will go up in September.

Viewpoint

Let Pakistan Make Its Own Progress – Nadia Naviwala

What do we do about Pakistan? Because I am a Pakistani-American who recently spent several months there, people here are constantly trying to get me to answer that question. One of the most important things I can offer them is a reality check.

I grew up in Nashville, Tennessee, but my family moved to Karachi, Pakistan’s largest city, in the early 1990s. Those were Karachi’s worst years and constitute my earliest memories of terrorism.

Political and ethnic violence wracked the city, becoming, as we have seen in Iraq and Afghanistan today, an excuse for every type of crime — shootings in mosques, kidnappings, violent break-ins and streetside executions if you belonged to the wrong ethnic group. By 1996, my family gave up on Pakistan and came back to the United States. By 1999, Pervez Musharraf gave up on Pakistan and overthrew the government. Read More

Holding Pakistan –Haider Ali Hussein Mullick

Last summer, Pakistan's military launched counterinsurgency campaigns against the Taliban throughout northern Pakistan, in Bajaur, the Swat Valley, and South Waziristan. As I wrote last July, the strategy succeeded because the military was able to minimize collateral damage, maximize precision, boost troop morale, and create better intelligence networks. As a result, the Pakistani Taliban are now weakened in the north and are moving south into Pakistan's central and southern provinces of Punjab, Sindh, and Balochistan. But the military should not rush to pursue them -- instead, it must hold the territory it has already captured and, in so doing, maintain stability in the rest of the country.

Over the summer, plans to hold embattled territories were already emerging, focusing on the temporary resettlement of refugees, the creation of reconstruction teams, and the reintegration of certain Taliban leaders and soldiers. The first initiative, resettlement, was a response to the waves of refugees who fled their homes as the army moved into densely populated areas in Bajaur and Swat. To be sure, the movement of civilians out of the conflict zone had some benefits: in early campaigns, only about 20 percent of the population remained behind, most of which turned out to be Taliban supporters. This gave the military an immediate advantage in clearing and policing cities. As one military officer explained, "We wanted to drain the swamp, sanitize it, bring back the people, and then hopefully turn it into a nice lake." Although some Taliban did escape as the swamp drained, upward of 7,000 were killed or captured. Read More

Pakistan's Shrewd Shift in Dialogue - Daniel Markey

There are many ways to deal with unpleasant problems. Changing the subject is one.

This week, a Pakistani delegation arrived in Washington to kick off its new "strategic dialogue" with the Obama administration. In recent memory, all visiting Pakistani leaders have been subjected to extensive American lectures about how Islamabad must do more to kill, capture, and prosecute terrorists. As a consequence, news coverage from those visits has focused on thorny challenges in the relationship between Washington and Islamabad, such as Predator drone strikes, Pakistan's frustrating pace of prosecutions against extremist ideologues and terrorist organizers, or the murky legal status of the world's most successful nuclear proliferator, Dr. A.Q. Khan.

This time around, Pakistan's delegation, led by army chief General Pervez Ashfaq Kayani, cleverly changed the subject. He came armed with a fifty-six page book on ways the United States should do more to help Pakistan. Kayani also left his chief spymaster at home, practically eliminating the potential for in-depth counterterrorism debates. Read More

Elections 2010

Poll Shows Feingold vs. Thompson Competitive

A Public Policy Polling survey conducted March 20-21 is just the latest evidence pointing to a competitive race between Sen. Russ Feingold (D) and former Gov. Tommy Thompson (R), who is still weighing a campaign. Of the 700 Wisconsin voters surveyed, 47 percent said they would re-elect Feingold and 44 percent said they would back Thompson. Both need to improve their standing among Wisconsin voters. Feingold has a 45 percent job approval rating and a 41 percent disapproval rating. Thompson, who became George W. Bush's health and human services secretary after a 14-year tenure as governor and is now a partner at Akin Gump, had a favorability rating of 40 percent and an unfavorability rating of 44 percent.  CQ Politics presently rates the Wisconsin Senate race as Safe Democratic, though ratings are subject to change based on political circumstances.

Future Activities

SAIS hosts Jaswant Singh – Mar 29^th

South Asia Studies Program at the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies, is holding a by Mr. Jaswant Singh as he discusses his recently published book Jinnah: India – Partition –Independence on Monday, March 29^th, at 6:00 PM in the Kenney Auditorium, located at 1740 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington D.C. 20036.

Dr. Ayesha Siddiqa, SAIS resident Pakistan Teaching Fellow and author of award winning book Military Inc: Inside Pakistan’s Military Economy will start the discussion with a brief review of Jaswant Singh’s book from the perspective of a Pakistani analyst of her country’s politics. To attend this event please email southasia@jhu.edu. or call 202.663.5722

Upcoming Seminars at Think Tanks

To get information about future seminars and events relating to US-Pakistan relations, please visit the following websites

Atlantic Council

Brookings Institution

Heritage Foundation

Middle East Institute

SAIS