US President Bush has also called to personally thank Turkish President Gul for his efforts in smoothing relations between the two countries, as well as for his efforts at stabilizing and securing Iraq. President Gul is also scheduled to host a further round of talks aimed at easing tensions between Kabul and Islamabad.

The chairing of these meetings between the countries could also help bolster Turkey’s EU candidacy, as the move proves that the regional power could serve to further healthy relations between countries east of Europe.

Adam Hazzout

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An international group, the Friends of Pakistan (FOP), which includes Saudi Arabia, China, France, the US, the UK and the UAE, met in Abu Dhabi to develop ideas to steady the Pakistani economy. The rules and procedures of the FOP prevent the nations from helping Pakistan to fully raise the $5 billion needed to fulfill its debts. Zadari has put off a loan from the International Monetary Fund as a last resort, hoping a Saudi oil facility will provide a loan.

Brandie Gordon

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The government in Pakistan has left the military basically to operate itself while the Pakistan’s People Party (PPP) is busy cracking down on the financial markets that influence politics. The head of the Awami National Party (ANP), which leads the government in the North-West Frontier Province of Pakistan, was the target of a recent Taliban attack. Leader, Asfanyar Wali subsequently fled to Islamabad for protection, until he left for Europe. Before his return, he was sure to notify the Taliban, telling them he was not involved with the “War on Terror.” The desire of Pakistan to appear separate from the US is another reason for the new path of contact for the two countries.

Unlike the US, who has a strict intolerance for the conservative student militias, the Saudis are liberal in this respect. Although Saudi Arabia may be just as tough on al-Qaeda, they are on talking terms with them directly and through mediators because Saudis feel more threatened by them. This channel of communication, not possessed by the US, has allowed Saudis to solve their problem of militancy, which only three years ago was a serious threat to the monarchy.

Brandie Gordon

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Pakistan, a nuclear power, is plagued by high inflation, power outages, and Islamist insurgency that threatens to destabilize the pro-U.S. government. The country is on the fringe of defaulting on its international loans, The Washington Times reported.

Aside from Saudi Arabia, Pakistan is also potentially seeking assistance from the U.S., and the World Bank and is considering, though reluctantly, a rescue package from the IMF.

This marks the second time in a decade a nuclear power has faced default on its international debt. In 1998, Russia defaulted on its Ruble bonds, which shocked the world and ultimately resulted in the New York Fed having to broker a fourteen bank syndicate in the infamous bailout of hedge fund Long-Term Capital Management. A Pakistani default will likely trigger another shock that will ripple through the already fragile global financial system.

If Saudi Arabia emerges as the main savior of Pakistan, it will be another step forward for the Kingdom, as it reaffirms its self-assertion as the leader of the Islamic Arab states. It will also likely be strengthening its alliance with a battered but still powerful player in the Middle East and Asia Minor.

Bo-yun Liu

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I have written a few posts on the implications of the United States’ most recent (known) raid, which has had very negative impacts not only in relations between the U.S. and Syria, but in relations between Iraq and Syria, and even between the U.S. and Iraq.  Syria was included on the list of countries suspected to have al-Qaeda elements within its borders.

This approval was not used indiscriminately, however, as many such operations have been canceled (“as many as a dozen” according to the NYT), and still required high-level approval.

Now that this order is public knowledge, the political fallout, both domestic and international, will be interesting to see.  This may support widespread feeling in the Middle East that the United States and other Western states have used their military power with impunity to advance its interests abroad.  However, some may also argue that these raids take the burden off of some countries to shoulder the anti-terrorism security concerns or that it improves security (as the U.S. will certainly argue).  Many feel that the Syria border-crossing was in the best interests of Iraq’s security, for instance.  However, it is difficult to imagine the latter being the majority view, particularly with governments trying to assert legitimacy and sovereignty.

Joshua Bark

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Holly MacGillivray

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Holly MacGillivray

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Earlier attempts to negotiate with the Taliban were plagued by foreign intervention. Saudi Arabia was one of the countries that acknowledged the Taliban government before they were overthrown by the US in 2001. In addition to Saudi Arabia’s connection, Afghan intelligence believes that the Taliban leader, Mullah Omar is hiding in Pakistan. With assistance from these two countries, Karzai hopes that he will be more successful in his efforts to initiate peace talks with the Taliban.

Brandie Gordon

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