Hassan Abbas

March 30, 2007

"Transforming Pakistan's Frontier Corps"

Magazine or Newspaper Article, Terrorism Monitor, issue 6, volume V

By Hassan Abbas, Former Senior Advisor, Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs

"While the jury is still out on whether General Pervez Musharraf's limitations in overpowering the Taliban in the Pakistan-Afghanistan border areas are primarily an outcome of "incapacity" or "unwillingness" (or both), the United States has committed itself to helping Pakistan transform its Frontier Corps into an effective fighting force....Pakistan has received billions of dollars from various international donor agencies over the years for different development projects, yet sadly, in many cases, a major chunk of the funds evaporate through corruption and mismanagement. This analysis attempts to understand the structure, strengths and potential of the Frontier Corps through the lens of its history and the political dynamics of the region. It also proposes some ideas for reform of the institution and better utilization of U.S. funds."

February 1, 2007

Asfandyar Wali: Profile of Pakistan's Progressive Pashtun Politician

Magazine or Newspaper Article, Terrorism Monitor, issue 2, volume V

By Hassan Abbas, Former Senior Advisor, Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs

November 30, 2006

"The Black-Turbaned Brigade: The Rise of TNSM in Pakistan"

Magazine or Newspaper Article, Terrorism Monitor, issue 23, volume IV

By Hassan Abbas, Former Senior Advisor, Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs

"TNSM's extremist ideological roots, violent behavior since the mid-1990s, collaboration with criminal elements and terrorist tactics were sufficient warning signals for Pakistan's government to curb its activities effectively and pursue criminal cases against its top leaders (The News, October 18, 2004; Daily Times, May 15, 2005). This did not occur, however, and the pursuant mayhem was predictable. The recent targeted killings of TNSM leaders are unlikely to resolve the crisis. The religious seminaries that put a premium on bigotry and propagate hatred should be closed down. Equally important is the establishment of modern schools as an alternative to their more radical ideology. The "Enlightened Moderation" of Musharraf is failing because he is using it merely as a slogan and little is being done on the ground."

November 28, 2006

Pakistan's Chitral District: A Refuge for al-Qaeda's Top Leadership?

Magazine or Newspaper Article, Terrorism Focus, issue 46, volume III

By Hassan Abbas, Former Senior Advisor, Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs

October 31, 2006

Musharraf Contends with the Pashtun Element in the Pakistani Army

Magazine or Newspaper Article, Terrorism Focus, issue 42, volume III

By Hassan Abbas, Former Senior Advisor, Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs

October 19, 2006

Profiles of Pakistan's Seven Tribal Agencies

Magazine or Newspaper Article, Terrorism Monitor, In-Depth Analysis of al-Qaeda and the War on Terror, issue 20, volume IV

By Hassan Abbas, Former Senior Advisor, Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs

Fall 2005

Pakistani-Americans in the Spotlight: From 9/11 to 7/7

Magazine or Newspaper Article, Chowrangi, A South Asian Cultural Magazine

By Hassan Abbas, Former Senior Advisor, Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs

AP Photo

October 30, 2009

The Future of Pakistan: A Conversation with Simon Shercliff and Hassan Abbas

Media Feature

By Hassan Abbas, Former Senior Advisor, Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs and Simon Shercliff

Hassan Abbas, a former Pakistani government official and senior advisor to Harvard Kennedy School's Belfer Center, recently spoke to Simon Shercliff, First Secretary Foreign Security and Policy for the British Embassy, about the future of Pakistan. Their conversation touched on a range of topics, including the militants' recent attacks on the Pakistani military, Pakistan's relationship with India, Pakistan-UK relations, and U.S. aid to Pakistan.

August 19, 2008

Analysis: Pervez Musharraf's Resignation and the Impact on Pakistan

Media Feature

By Hassan Abbas, Former Senior Advisor, Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs

In this exclusive web video, Hassan Abbas, a research fellow at the Belfer Center's Project on Managing the Atom, offers commentary on the resignation of Pakistan's President Pervez Musharraf.

December 17, 2007 12:34am EST

Analysis: End of Emergency Rule Unlikely to Resolve Pakistan's Problems

News

By Hassan Abbas, Former Senior Advisor, Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs

In a country where those who lose elections instinctively blame it on rigging . . . , and where divisions in the society are entrenched, these elections can open up a Pandora's box of political grievances, unmet expectations, ethnic rivalries and people's disenchantment with the system.