Hassan Abbas

July/August 2007

"The Khan Job"

Magazine or Newspaper Article, Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists, issue 4, volume 63

By Tom Bielefeld, Associate, Project on Managing the Atom and Hassan Abbas, Former Senior Advisor, Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs

Tom Bielefeld and Hassan Abbas review Der Physiker der Mullahs (The Mullah's Physicist), a film by Egmont R. Koch, broadcast on German Public Television (WDR) on February 22, 2007.

June 26, 2007

"NATO Strikes Taliban Militants in Pakistani Territory"

Magazine or Newspaper Article, Terrorism Focus, issue 20, volume IV

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

The covert understanding between the Pakistani government and NATO/ISAF in Afghanistan regarding direct U.S. military action in Pakistan's tribal areas is hardly a secret anymore.

June 11, 2007

"Musharraf's Party is Over"

Op-Ed, National Interest

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

The hundreds of thousands of ordinary Pakistanis euphorically chanting in the streets in support of Iftikhar Chaudhry, the suspended chief justice of the Supreme Court of Pakistan, demonstrate that Pakistan has outgrown Pervez Musharraf’s transitional leadership....

May 10, 2007

"South Waziristan's Maulvi Nazir: The New Face of the Taliban"

Magazine or Newspaper Article, Terrorism Monitor, issue 9, volume V

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

"Pakistan is experimenting with the Taliban yet again. The primary focus of the effort is to de-link the Taliban from al-Qaeda and bring them back into the Pakistani sphere of influence."

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 4, 2007

Peace in FATA: ANP Can Be Counted On

Op-Ed, Statesman, (Pakistan)

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

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