Pakistan can expect the new British government then to fall essentially in line with US strategies on the war on terror. There is indeed some risk a new, harder-line influence may be added to President Obama’s administration on the issue. Cameron has in the past backed the war in Iraq and sought tougher action against Iran. His speech in Pakistan, on a September 2008 visit, said essentially nothing at all. While favouring democracy, it was condemned in the UK as being full of rhetoric without any clear policy line emerging. As prime minister, Cameron will of course need to be clearer. He will also need to take along the more moderate Clegg. The working of the coalition, and the possibility of a rather awkward dance between the two partners, will then be closely watched — at least until a more complete portrait of the new government begins to emerge from the post-election chaos.
Published in the Express Tribune, May 13th, 2010.
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