military operations on its soil.Yet in 2004, it is clear that the Pakistani govern-
ment is trying harder than ever before in the battle against Islamist terrorists.
Pakistan and Afghanistan.
Musharraf has called for a strategy of "enlightened moderation."The
Muslim world, he said, should shun militancy and extremism; the
West--and the United States in particular--should seek to resolve dis-
putes with justice and help better the Muslim world.
standing differences.The United States has been and should remain a
key supporter of that process.
mitments now, it should make promises it is prepared to keep, for years
to come.
a fight for his life and for the life of his country, the United States
should be willing to make hard choices too, and make the difficult
long-term commitment to the future of Pakistan. Sustaining the cur-
rent scale of aid to Pakistan, the United States should support Pak-
istan's government in its struggle against extremists with a
comprehensive effort that extends from military aid to support for
better education, so long as Pakistan's leaders remain willing to make
difficult choices of their own.
Afghanistan was the incubator for al Qaeda and for the 9/11 attacks. In the fall
of 2001, the U.S.-led international coalition and its Afghan allies toppled the
Taliban and ended the regime's protection of al Qaeda. Notable progress has
been made. International cooperation has been strong, with a clear UN man-
date and a NATO-led peacekeeping force (the International Security Assis-
tance Force, or ISAF). More than 10,000 American soldiers are deployed today
in Afghanistan, joined by soldiers from NATO allies and Muslim states.A cen-
tral government has been established in Kabul, with a democratic constitution,
new currency, and a new army. Most Afghans enjoy greater freedom, women