According to Ambassador Haqqani, Pakistan's leading political parties disagree occasionally, but they share the following consensuses: The Pakistani constitution needs to regain its supremacy and military rule should be replaced by democracy and the rule of law. This is also supported by the army’s announcement to "pull out of politics." Furthermore, the coalition wants to restore the independence of the judiciary.
Regarding the security challenges in the tribal areas, Ambassador Haqqani emphasizes the government's intention to address these problems in cooperation with its neighbor Afghanistan. From now on, good and friendly relations (not only between Afghanistan and Pakistan, but also between Pakistan, the US and NATO) should enhance the effectiveness of the war on terror: "The era of suspicion of Afghanistan is over."
Following Mr. Haqqani's argumentation, the cooperation between Pakistan and Afghanistan will be crucial when it comes to resolving the historically difficult situation of tribes in the border areas in order to fight local and international terrorism.
Watch Steve Clemons, senior fellow & director of the American Strategy Program at the New America Foundation, interview Ambassador Haqqani:
From the editorial team: Please also note Mr. Haqqani's article "America is Better Off Without Musharraf" and the one by Jawed Ludin, Afghanistan's ambassador in Oslo, "Take this war into Pakistan."
Do you think that the "era of suspicion" between Pakistan and Afghanistan is over? Will the collapse of the ruling coalition prevent progress in the bilateral relations?
How can the United States, Canada and the European countries stabilize Pakistan and enhance the effectiveness of the war on terror?
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