However, a look inside Pakistan, particularly into their government, would show that they are in leaning towards militancy and towards moving into a radical Islamic society with a government much like Iran has now. The Islamic party Jamiat-e-Ulema-I-Islami along with other smaller Islamic groups has taken over the majority in the government of Pakistan. Their views are similar to those of the Ayatollah and radical Islamists in Iran. They believe in implementing Shi'ra law and have already started to do so in Pakistan (for more reference on Sharia see upcoming articles or visit http://www2.ari.net/gckl/islam/law.htm). As a result of this, many of Pakistan's citizens are starting to suffer retribution for their un-Islamic practices much like what happens in Iran. This is another country is falling victim to the harsh suppression of Islamic Fundamentalism.
The most serious problem that the rise of an Islamic Fundamentalist government in Pakistan poses is a nuclear threat. Unlike Iran, Pakistan already has nuclear weapons at its disposal and they are ready to use. Imagine Iran with nuclear weapons and you have Pakistan. Not a comforting thought is it? Now, we are giving aid to a country whose Islamic fundamentalism is rising quickly and whose current leader is weak and most likely will not be around much longer if the Islamic parties keep gaining power. If and when Musharraf is removed from power, the United States will lose a vital ally in that part of the world and will then know that Pakistan's nuclear arsenal is in the hands of Islamic Fundamentalists who might not be afraid to use them.
I feel that the United States needs to be a little more careful in it's dealings with Pakistan. They need to keep in mind that Musharraf got into his position as a result of a coup and he could easily be removed that way. If I were them, I would look for some way to keep him in power. Perhaps they could do something to help undermine the ever-growing influence of the Jamiat-e-Ulema-I-Islami. How this can be done I don't know but I think that the U.S. needs to figure out something so the Islamic fundamentalists don't get their hands Pakistan's nuclear arsenal.
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