To the Point

US Policy and Pakistan's Changing Role in the War on Terror

Not many years ago, Pakistan was sanctioned for building atomic bombs and supporting the Taliban in Afghanistan, and its top scientist was reviled for running a worldwide illegal network in nuclear technology. Last week, Pakistan's President Musharraf told CNN that a -high-value target- had been surrounded near the Afghan border. Although his assertion turned out to be only rumor, on Friday, the Bush administration rewarded Musharraf's recent efforts to round up al Qaeda leadership by declaring Pakistan a special ally, giving it greater access to US military equipment and training. Warren Olney discusses Pakistan's commitment to the war against terrorism with journalists, experts in defense, foreign policy and international relations, and a former State Department staffer. Making News: Hamas Founder Sheik Ahmed Yassin Killed Tens of thousands of Palestinians took to the streets today after Israeli rockets killed the founder and spiritual leader of the militant group Hamas. In Washington, Israel-s Foreign Minister defended his country's decision to eliminate Sheik Ahmed Yassin, for his role in "killing of more than 400 Israelis in more than 400 attacks that where carried out against Israelis.- Time Magazine reporter Jamil Hamad has an update from the Middle East. Reporter's Notebook: Counterterrorism Official Says Bush Sought Iraq-al Qaeda Link Richard Clarke, a former White House counterterrorism official has accused President Bush and his security team of ignoring the threat of al Qaeda and using September 11 as an excuse to invade Iraq. While Condoleezza Rice says she was -flabbergasted- by the comments, a White House spokesman called it -more about politics than policy.- Former White House advisor Stephen Hess assesses the impetus and impact of Clarke's accusations.