It is already known that Pakistan let alone Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf have been key allies on the United States’ let War on Terror. However, it would seem that Musharraf could be ejected out of office in the near future. Pakistan has had its fair share of chaos after the death of Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) leader and former Pakistani Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto.
Bhutto was assassinated on December 27, 2007. Her assassination had brought forth much backlash. So far, the leader of the Taliban and Pakistan has been blamed for the assassination. But, many have blamed Musharraf for not doing enough to protect Bhutto. During parliamentary elections, Musharraf’s PML-Q party was dealt a crushing blow.
A coalition government made up by the PPP and the PML-N took power. The coalition government is seeking the impeachment of Musharraf from power. The United States has urged the new coalition government to work with Musharraf.
After a recent attack that left 11 Pakistani soldiers dead, the ties between the United States and Pakistan seem to have become strained. NATO and Afghan forces were fighting against the Taliban on the border. US helicopters came to the rescue of coalition troops and killed eight insurgents. However, some of the missiles from the helicopter had destroyed the Pakistani checkpoint at Gora Pai, in Pakistan.
The attack has brought forth backlash from Pakistan. The US has been accused of carrying out a “cowardly attack.”
The United States government acknowledged the use of artillery and air strikes. Then it said that this was a very regrettable incident. As there are tensions between the United States and Pakistan, this recent event makes things worse.
The attacks on the border have put a serious strain on ties between the two countries. Many Pakistanis have developed resentment towards US troops for the use of their Predator helicopters of launching air attacks in Pakistan. Many civilians have been killed in the process.
It is highly likely that this will become a hot topic in regards to foreign policy for the 2008 US Presidential elections between presumed Democratic nominee Senator Barack Obama of Illinois and presumed Republican nominee Senator John McCain of Arizona.