Pervaiz Musharraf and the War on Terror: A Neo-realist Approach

Abstract

It was not a normal situation for Pakistan to join the Global War on Terror against those elements that were in the ‘good books’ of the United States in the Soviet-Afghan War in the 1980s. General Musharraf’s decision was called a U-Turn regarding Taliban and Afghanistan and was widely criticized in Pakistan. Conversely, he was appreciated in the West and was called a ‘courageous and visionary leader’. It was the most important decision of Pervaiz Musharraf because it had decided the direction of the country regarding War on Terror, for the future relations with the other powers especially of the United States and her neighbours. ‘Pakistan comes first’ was the reflection of neo realist approach in policies of Pervaiz Musharraf after 9/11 attacks.