More Friction in U.S.-Pakistan Relations from the CFR

More Friction in U.S.-Pakistan Relations

President Obama demanded the SEAL team leading last week's incursion on Osama bin Laden's compound in Pakistan be large enough to battle its way out if confronted by local armed forces. The contingency planning (NYT) indicates the president was willing to risk a military altercation with a close ally in order to capture or kill the al-Qaeda chief. Yesterday, Pakistani Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani gave his first high-profile speech since the U.S. strike on bin Laden (WSJ), rejecting allegations that the Pakistani military aided the al-Qaeda mastermind. Analysts say Gilani's remarks are a reflection of how Pakistan's military has influenced the nation's response to the raid.

Despite ongoing tensions, Pakistan's intelligence agency (ISI) will let the CIA question bin Laden's three wives (Bloomberg) who were captured as part of the U.S. operation. However, Gilani said the Pakistani military would lead the investigation into the intelligence failures that allowed bin Laden to go undetected. The relationship between the CIA and ISI (WashPost) remains tenuous after the identity of the CIA station chief for Islamabad was revealed publicly--a leak U.S. officials believe may be retaliation for the unauthorized assault on bin Laden.

Analysis:

Tensions are growing between the United States and Pakistan, even as leaders of both countries continue to stress the value of their partnership in the aftermath of the U.S. raid that killed bin Laden.

In Foreign Affairs, Aqil Shah writes that the circumstances of bin Laden's death starkly illustrate the need to address the gross power imbalance between Pakistan's generals and politicians.

This CFR issue guide provides background and analysis on the foreign policy implications of the death of Osama bin Laden.

Background:

Foreign Affairs offers a collection of articles on al-Qaeda and Osama bin Laden.

This CFR backgrounder on al-Qaeda offers historical insight into the international terrorist organization behind the September 11 attacks.