A New Lens on Pakistan

Abstract

A recent poll of the Pakistani public reveals the distortions in the lens through which many Americans view the events in the Muslim world. This lens is based on a narrative of conflict: on one side there are those who are potential U.S. allies--western oriented, relatively secular, moderate; on the other side are those steeped in traditional Islam who hate and fear the "West", with sympathies for al Qaeda. As we see Pakistan engulfed in the flames of conflict many try to identify who is who, who is on our "team." Some assume it must be President Musharraf and his supporters.