Redefine the US-Pakistan partnership

The need to redefine the American relationship with Pakistan - a nuclear-armed, front-line state in the war on terror - has never been greater. Now there is considerable opportunity to do so. US Senate Democrats issued a letter to President George W. Bush last month urging him to "embark on a new relationship with Pakistan based on cooperation with institutions rather than individuals, and to support the will of the Pakistani people as expressed in the February 18 parliamentary elections."

Historically, ties between the United States and Pakistan have been strongest with a Republican in the White House and an army general in power in Islamabad - the political goodwill usually ending when Democrats start governing in Washington and elected representatives take power in Islamabad. This has been the story of the on-again, off-again US-Pakistan relationship since the 1950s.

American Democrats could break this cycle by supporting the new civilian government in Islamabad during this period of transition, in which democracy and nationalism are being renewed. But the Bush administration must also follow suit. The policy of relying heavily on one general (in this case, Pervez Musharraf) has proven short-sighted. What is needed now to fulfill long-term mutual interests are strong ties with the people, nation, and state of Pakistan.

Failure to do so in the Bush administration's remaining months could cause irreparable harm to Washington's relationship with Pakistan. In a democratic Pakistan, decision-making will be less centralized and more representative of public opinion. But the current US administration is increasingly acting unilaterally in Pakistan's tribal areas and has aggressively tried to ensure a pliant government in Islamabad.