Asia Program
News
Energy Band-Aids
Jun 02, 2008In a May 21 op-ed in the Daily Times, Asia Program director Robert M. Hathaway and associate Michael Kugelman argue that Pakistan's new energy conservation measures fall short of addressing Pakistan's energy crisis. Hathaway and Kugelman lay out a "comprehensive strategy" that would allow Pakistan to meet its energy needs. Click here to read the op-ed.
Getting to true democracy
May 05, 2008Struggling with the notion of "true democracy" in the context of Pakistan's volatile politics and poor institutional base, Wilson Center 2007-08 Pakistan Scholar Samia Altaf worries about the viability of leadership,that prefers loyalty and respectability over specific skills and qualifications. Recruitment of competent candidates, based on merit and equality, Dr. Altaf suggests, will help build institutions that sustain democracy.
Pakistan's Economic Mess—and Washington's Opportunity
Apr 25, 2008In recent weeks, food inflation has spread across the globe. However, according to Asia Program associate Michael Kugelman in an April 25 commentary, Pakistani consumers have faced high food costs for months. Increasing food prices, general inflation, and energy shortages have triggered an economic crisis in Pakistan that "threatens to reverse the gains" of last February's elections. Yet the United States, Mr. Kugelman argues, can take steps to help ease Pakistan's economic strife.
Dynastic Politics
Mar 27, 2008The Wilson Center's 2007-08 Pakistan Scholar, Samia Altaf, looks at South Asia's tradition of political dynasties -- and warns that Pakistan has not broken free of dynastic politics simply because of one successful election. For Dr. Altaf's article in the March 27, 2008 edition of The News.
It's the leadership, stupid
Mar 27, 2008The Wilson Center's 2007-08 Pakistan Scholar, Samia Altaf, critiques the quality of political leadership in Pakistan in a thought-provoking op-ed from the March 27, 2008 edition of Dawn.
Governance in South Asia
Mar 20, 2008LEVERAGE and LARGESSE in U.S.-PAKISTAN RELATIONS
Mar 14, 2008Why hasn't the United States gotten more for the $10+ billion it has provided Pakistan in recent years? Asia Program director Robert M. Hathaway wrestles with this question in an article in the March 2008 issue of the journal Contemporary South Asia.
Time for Apologies
Mar 12, 2008Pakistan Scholar Samia Altaf calls for apologies from Pakistan's major political and military figures and more effective oversight to constrain future governments in the March 12, 2008, issue of Dawn.
U.S.-Pakistan Relations
Mar 07, 2008In an article in the March 7, 2008, Friday Times, Asia Program director Robert M. Hathaway suggests that as the two countries consider how best to restructure their bilateral relations in the aftermath of Pakistan's February elections, it might be useful for Islamabad and Washington to think in terms of mutually reinforcing obligations toward each other.