Losing Hearts and Minds in Pakistan

President Asif Ali Zardari gave a frank assessment of the challenges that Pakistan faces, as well as outlining the need for U.S. support in improving education, housing and health care ["Partnering With Pakistan," op-ed, Jan. 28]. Mr. Zardari stated that his country is "at war" and that "remarkable progress has been made in our battle against the Taliban and al-Qaeda."

In the past six months, villages bordering Afghanistan have been bombed with little care for civilian casualties or property. More than 200,000 Pakistanis have been forcibly displaced, and the United Nations warns of a very serious humanitarian situation. When we were visiting Peshawar last month, displaced families told us that they had to leave their homes and crops behind, caught between a violent insurgency and a government intent on rooting out militancy by any possible means. The government is quickly losing support of its population.

Until the protection of civilians becomes a priority for both Pakistan and the U.S. government, President Zardari will not, as he claimed, "get the job done."

KRISTELE YOUNES

Senior Advocate

PATRICK DUPLAT

Advocate

Refugees International

Washington