Pakistan's New Frontier

By Joshua White on 04 March 2008

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan -- The ouster of pro-Taliban Islamist parties in Pakistan's Northwest Frontier Province has sparked optimism that secular nationalism is replacing religious fanaticism in a troubled corner of the world. But the election results are best viewed as another phase in Pakistan's cyclical politics rather than a revolution in attitudes about Islamic governance. The United States, taking the long view, would be wise to engage both the winners and the losers in the province's new political order. The losers are likely to wield influence in the region again.

The Muttahida Majlis-e-Amal (MMA) religious alliance that had swept to power in 2002 in the province was roundly crushed this time around, scraping together no more than a few seats in the national assembly and 2% of the popular vote nationwide. Derided by many as corrupt, regressive and incompetent, most of its leaders consequently lost by large margins. In its place, the secular Awami National Party (ANP) regained much of its traditional strength in the region, along with the late Benazir Bhutto's Pakistan People's Party (PPP).

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Last updated 12 January 2009