ISLAMABAD -- Protesters marching in Pakistani streets during worldwide demonstrations last weekend against United States-led plans to attack Iraq have triggered fresh speculation about the South Asian country's future relations with Washington. Pakistan has been a key U.S. ally in the fight against terror since the 9/11 attacks set the course for the Bush administration's approach to the conduct of American foreign policy.
Just as Bush may be viewed as a one-issue president -- defining his policies on the basis of fighting terrorism -- Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf could be called a one-issue military ruler whose policies derive from the consolidation of control against considerable odds.
Though still a U.S. ally, Musharraf's government has been stung in recent months by allegations, originating mainly from sources for U.S. newspapers, that Pakistan had a role in helping North Korea with its nuclear development program in return for missile components.