It is safe to say that in the years leading up to the September 11 attacks, the United States had little to no working relationship with Pakistan, especially when it came to stopping the Taliban. In fact, the United States contributed to the creation and rise of the Taliban: according to Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto, the United States and Britain paid for Taliban training centers which were set up in Pakistan, ostensibly to halt the spread of Soviet communism during the 1980s (Zunes 177). After 9/11, however, the United States pressured Pakistani President Gen. Pervez Musharraf to aid them in the War on Terror by helping to root out the Taliban. Quoting an anonymous source, Angel M. Rabasa states that "Musharraf was forced [by the United States] to either abandon the Taliban or be prepared to be treated like the Taliban" (283). Musharraf pledged full cooperation – saying, "Pakistan rejects terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and is fully cooperating with the international coalition against terrorism" (Whittaker 66)
Contents
The Taliban's roots in Pakistan.
September 11 attacks and the turning points in the relationship between Pakistan and the Taliban.
Before September 11.
Taliban's main center of power.
Pakistan: Instrumental in their rise to power.
The Taliban's main point of contact.
Taliban's strongest terrorist connection before 9/11.
After September 11.
Anti-American sentiment: Increased recruiting and greater strength.
Use of guerrilla warfare tactics while enlisting local support.
Taliban's ability to operate freely.
Madrassas as recruiting bases.
The safety provided by this ungoverned region in Pakistan.
Looking forward.
A lasting presence in Pakistan.
The events on and since November 3: US influence in Pakistan.
Bibliography.
The Taliban's roots in Pakistan.
September 11 attacks and the turning points in the relationship between Pakistan and the Taliban.
Before September 11.
Taliban's main center of power.
Pakistan: Instrumental in their rise to power.
The Taliban's main point of contact.
Taliban's strongest terrorist connection before 9/11.
After September 11.
Anti-American sentiment: Increased recruiting and greater strength.
Use of guerrilla warfare tactics while enlisting local support.
Taliban's ability to operate freely.
Madrassas as recruiting bases.
The safety provided by this ungoverned region in Pakistan.
Looking forward.
A lasting presence in Pakistan.
The events on and since November 3: US influence in Pakistan.
