Pakistan In Need Of Fundamental Change, Says Former DNI

By Janie Amaya

Former U.S. National Intelligence Director Ret. Adm. Dennis Blair told reporters Monday that Pakistan requires fundamental change if it is to be a member of the international community.

After NATO’s deadly siege killed 24 Pakistani soldiers last weekend, tensions between the U.S.-Pakistan have increased.

During an event in downtown Washington today, Blair told reporters the U.S. must abandon its short-term relationship goal with Pakistan, allowing it to take action on its side of the border with Afghanistan.

“If our short-term goal is not being achieved, then I think we have to look longer term and we have to go back to a relationship with Afghanistan that makes more sense over the long term,” Blair said.

He added that the U.S. must also deal with the government in Pakistan by helping them put the Army and the Inter-Services Intelligence where they belong. 

“We have to work on long-term things, like trying to change Pakistani education,” Blair said. “I think we have to accept the fact the Pakistan is not going to be a great deal of help to us in the near term with our goals in Afghanistan,” he added.

Blair argued the complex relationship between the U.S. and Pakistan gives the Pakistani people reason for anger, both against their own government and the U.S.

He said in order to get this relationship back on track the U.S. must find ways to operate in both interests.