Frontline Pakistan

After September 11, 2001, Pakistans president, Pervez Musharraf, vowed to fight extremism in his country and has since established himself as a key ally in Americas “global war on terror.” But as veteran Pakistani journalist and commentator Zahid Hussain reveals in this book, Musharraf is in an impossible position. The Pakistani army and intelligence services are thoroughly penetrated by jihadists. In fact, the current government came into power through its support of radical Islamist groups, such as those fighting in Kashmir.

Based on exclusive interviews with key players and grassroots radicals, Hussain exposes the threads of Pakistans complex political power web and the consequences of Musharrafs decision to support the U.S.s drive against jihadism, which essentially took Pakistan to war with itself. He recounts the origins and nature of the jihadi movement in Pakistan and Afghanistan, the long-standing and often denied links between militants and Pakistani authorities, the weaknesses of successive elected governments, and the challenges to Musharrafs authority posed by politico-religious, sectarian, and civil society elements within the country.