PUBLICATIONS BY Lisa Curtis
Research
Commentary
Media Appearances
2008 Research
July 15, 2008
Combating Terrorism in Pakistan: Going on the Offensive
By Lisa Curtis
(WebMemo #1991)
Pakistan’s lack of an effective strategy against al-Qaeda militants is directly undermining coalition efforts in Afghanistan.
June 17, 2008
U.S.-Pakistan Strategic Relationship
By Lisa Curtis
(Testimony #9999)
Despite a successful election four months ago, Pakistan’s political and security situation remains highly unstable and demands close attention from U.S. policymakers.
May 30, 2008
Executive Summary: The Proposed Iran-Pakistan-India Gas Pipeline: An Unacceptable Risk to Regional Security
By Ariel Cohen, Ph.D., Lisa Curtis, and Owen Graham
(Executive Summary #2139)
The Iran–Pakistan–India pipeline would be contrary to U.S. strategic interests, would destabilize the Persian Gulf, and would strengthen Russia’s grip over Central Asia, decreasing both regional and global energy security. The U.S. should encourage India and Pakistan to pursue better alternatives, such as developing their liquefied natural gas capacities and building the Turkmenistan–Afghanistan–Pakistan–India natural gas pipeline.
May 30, 2008
The Proposed Iran-Pakistan-India Gas Pipeline: An Unacceptable Risk to Regional Security
By Ariel Cohen, Ph.D., Lisa Curtis, and Owen Graham
(Backgrounder #2139)
The Iran–Pakistan–India pipeline would be contrary to U.S. strategic interests, would destabilize the Persian Gulf, and would strengthen Russia’s grip over Central Asia, decreasing both regional and global energy security. The U.S. should encourage India and Pakistan to pursue better alternatives, such as developing their liquefied natural gas capacities and building the Turkmenistan–Afghanistan–Pakistan–India natural gas pipeline.
May 21, 2008
Preserving Coalition Government Key to U.S. Objectives in Pakistan
By Lisa Curtis
(WebMemo #1935)
A power struggle is underway between Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) co-chairman (and widower of Benazir Bhutto) Asif Ali Zardari, Pakistan Muslim League/Nawaz (PML/N) leader Nawaz Sharif, and President Pervez Musharraf. This struggle threatens to unravel the newly elected coalition government and plunge Pakistan back into political chaos.
April 30, 2008
Petraeus Hearing Should Focus on Three Fronts, One Long War
By James Jay Carafano, Ph.D., and Lisa Curtis
(WebMemo #1908)
During the upcoming confirmation hearings, senators from both sides of the aisle should make clear to the incoming the U.S. Central Command commander that winning all three fronts is vital to American interests and that they will do everything in their power to support accomplishing these goals.
April 17, 2008
The War in Afghanistan: More Help Needed
By James Phillips and Lisa Curtis
(Backgrounder #2124)
Greater international support is needed to secure and stabilize Afghanistan, a crucial front in the global war on terrorism. The February 18 Pakistani election provides an opportunity to isolate extremists along the border. The U.S. should work with NATO countries on a joint approach to Pakistan and consider appointing a high-level envoy to coordinate policies between Afghanistan and Pakistan.
March 20, 2008
China's Expanding Global Influence: Foreign Policy Goals, Practices, and Tools
By Lisa Curtis
(Testimony #9999)
China is expanding its diplomatic and economic activity in South Asia as part of an overall effort to enhance its global influence.
February 18, 2008
Pakistan: Historic Election Reinforces Democracy
By Lisa Curtis
(WebMemo #1819)
Washington should be prepared to work with the new civilian government and recognize that President Musharraf’s role in governing the country is likely to diminish.
February 15, 2008
U.S.-Pakistan Relations: Assassination, Instability, and the Future of U.S. Policy
By Lisa Curtis
(Heritage Lecture #1059)
The dramatic events in Pakistan during the last 10 months, including the assassination of two-time Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto, cast doubt on the future stability of the country. The U.S. should refrain from cutting military assistance and develop a forward-looking strategic approach to improving U.S.–Pakistan counterterrorism cooperation in these areas.
January 22, 2008
U.S.-Pakistan Relations
By Lisa Curtis
(Testimony #9999)
The dramatic events in Pakistan over the last ten months, punctuated by the December 27, 2007, assassination of liberal politician and two-time Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto, cast doubt on the future stability of the country and raise questions about U.S. policy options for helping tame the growing unrest.
2007 Research
December 28, 2007
Pakistan: Bhutto Assassination Underscores Need for Political Reconciliation
By Lisa Curtis
(WebMemo #1761)
The United States should encourage Pakistan's leaders to achieve a political consensus against terrorism and recommit to the democratic process.
December 21, 2007
Pakistan: Defense and Security Challenges
By Lisa Curtis
(Heritage Lecture #1055)
To garner the full counterterrorism cooperation the U.S. requires from Islamabad, Washington must develop a realistic and hard-nosed policy that takes on Pakistan’s ambivalence toward going head-to-head with terrorists. Washington must be diligent in pursuing policies that promote the safety and security of Islamabad’s nuclear assets.
December 10, 2007
Pakistan: Credible Elections More Important than Personalities
By Lisa Curtis
(WebMemo #1728)
Building up democratic institutions offers, over the long haul, the best chance to combat Islamic extremism in Pakistan and the region.
November 05, 2007
Musharraf's Emergency Rule Will Only Fuel Pakistan Crisis
By Lisa Curtis
(WebMemo #1691)
The move will anger the public, deepen civil–military tensions, and hinder the Army’s ability to fight an already faltering war on extremists.
November 02, 2007
The Costs of a Failed U.S.–India Civil Nuclear Deal
By Lisa Curtis
(WebMemo #1688)
Failure would be a setback for India’s status on the world stage and its relationship with the United States.
October 15, 2007
Revitalizing U.S. Efforts in Afghanistan
By Lisa Curtis and James Phillips
(Backgrounder #2076)
Consolidating a stable Afghanistan that is free from Taliban influence and ideology will be expensive and will require a patient, long-term, integrated political, military, and economic strategy, as well as deft diplomacy that recognizes the need for improved Pakistan–Afghanistan relations through increased trade and economic linkages and joint political endeavors.
October 15, 2007
Executive Summary: Revitalizing U.S. Efforts in Afghanistan
By Lisa Curtis and James Phillips
(Executive Summary #2076)
Consolidating a stable Afghanistan that is free from Taliban influence and ideology will be expensive and will require a patient, long-term, integrated political, military, and economic strategy, as well as deft diplomacy that recognizes the need for improved Pakistan–Afghanistan relations through increased trade and economic linkages and joint political endeavors.
October 11, 2007
Security Challenges Involving Pakistan and Policy Implications for the Department of Defense
By Lisa Curtis
(Testimony #9999)
Pursuing a strong and stable relationship with Pakistan will continue to be one of America's most important foreign policy objectives for several years to come. The range and complexity of issues involved in our relations – eliminating global terrorist networks, countering the rising tide of Islamic radicalism in Pakistan, securing and safeguarding Pakistan's nuclear assets, and facilitating the transition to civilian-led democracy – require focused and sustained U.S. attention and deft diplomacy.
September 18, 2007
Keeping Pakistan's Nuclear Weapons Out of the Hands of Terrorists
By Lisa A. Curtis
(Heritage Lecture #1043)
U.S. policy should center on helping to prevent the penetration of Pakistan’s nuclear establishment. The U.S. should also continue to encourage India–Pakistan dialogue that will improve Pakistan’s regional security perceptions and address the underlying motivations behind the development of Pakistan’s nuclear weapons program.
August 14, 2007
U.S. Nuclear Agreement with India: An Acceptable Deal for Major Strategic Gain
By Lisa Curtis and Baker Spring
(WebMemo #1587)
The 123 Agreement will greatly strengthen the U.S. strategic position in Asia by solidifying a partnership with a 1 billion–strong, economically booming democracy that borders China.
July 17, 2007
Protecting Democracy in Bangladesh
By Lisa A. Curtis
(WebMemo #1559)
The U.S. should stress the importance of respect for individual liberties and due process of law as Bangladesh's interim government seeks to address the country's long-standing corruption problems.
July 13, 2007
Bolstering Pakistan in its Fight Against Extremism
By Lisa A. Curtis
(WebMemo #1554)
As Pakistan faces a crucial moment in its battle against extremism, Washington must support President Musharraf's offensive against terrorism while pressing for free and fair elections at the earliest possible date.
July 06, 2007
U.S. Policy and Pakistan's Nuclear Weapons: Containing Threats and Encouraging Regional Security
By Lisa A. Curtis
(Testimony #9999)
U.S. policy should center on helping to prevent the penetration of the nuclear establishment over time by individuals sympathetic to al-Qaeda goals.
June 11, 2007
American Interests in Pakistan Are Larger than One Man
By Lisa Curtis
(WebMemo #1497)
Rather than blindly support Musharraf, Washington should encourage a transition to democracy.
June 08, 2007
U.S. Aid to Pakistan: Countering Extremism Through Education Reform
By Lisa Curtis
(Heritage Lecture #1029)
Encouraging the development of a strong and effective education system in Pakistan that will help steer the country toward a path of stability, moderation, and prosperity should be a top policy priority for Washington. Pakistan should be encouraged to crack down on madrassas that promote extremist violence.
May 31, 2007
America's Image Abroad: Room for Improvement
By Lisa A. Curtis
(Heritage Lecture #1027)
Recent polls show that large majorities of Muslim populations believe the U.S. seeks to undermine Islam as a religion. Defeating terrorist ideology requires that we dispel such negative perceptions and win support from moderate Muslims worldwide through deeper cultural engagement, people-to-people exchanges, targeted assistance that asserts America's "soft ower," and unified public messages that are consistent with our actions.
April 27, 2007
Efforts to Deal with America's Image Abroad: Are They Working?
By Lisa Curtis
(Testimony #9999)
The attacks of September 11, 2001, and their aftermath have renewed Washington's focus on the importance of reaching out to foreign audiences, particularly within the Muslim world, in order to boost support for U.S. values and policies.
April 26, 2007
The Triangular Dynamic in Asia: The U.S., India, and China
By Lisa Curtis
(Heritage Lecture #1017)
It is likely that we will see a triangular future evolve among the U.S., China, and India as they each pursue one another on a bilateral basis. Given India’s more active involvement in shaping Asia, the U.S. will need to begin factoring India into its broader Asian policies.
April 20, 2007
Pakistan Can Achieve Stability Through Democracy
By Lisa Curtis
(WebMemo #1428)
Musharraf should take on the anti-democratic vigilantes in Islamabad and militants in the tribal border areas and take a conciliatory approach toward civilian leaders who support a democratic, progressive Pakistan.
April 04, 2007
Promoting Stability and Democracy in Pakistan
By Lisa Curtis
(Heritage Lecture #1009)
Although Pakistan has arrested and handed over al-Qaeda suspects to the U.S., it has not made a clean break with the Taliban and other extremists. In order to ensure that Pakistan sets itself on a path of moderation and stability, the U.S. needs to find ways to use its diplomatic leverage with Pakistan more effectively.
February 20, 2007
India's Expanding Role in Asia: Adapting to Rising Power Status
By Lisa Curtis
(Backgrounder #2008)
Because India’s increased economic and political involvement in Asia will help to further overall U.S. goals in the region, the U.S. should increasingly factor India into its broader Asia policies and seek multiple forms of engagement in the region that include Indian participation, such as a trilateral dialogue among India, Japan, and the U.S.
February 01, 2007
Executive Summary: How to Fix the 100 Hours Homeland Security Bill
By James Jay Carafano, Ph.D., Baker Spring, James Sherk, Brian W. Walsh, Lisa Curtis, and Helle C. Dale
(Executive Summary #2003)
The Implementing the 9/11 Commission Recommendations Act of 2007, passed by the House as a part of the Speaker’s “100 Hours” agenda, muddles the mission of providing homeland security with misguided proposals. Congress should replace the most troubling provisions of H.R. 1 with initiatives that are more consistent with the 9/11 Commission’s recommendations.
February 01, 2007
How to Fix the 100 Hours Homeland Security Bill
By James Jay Carafano, Ph.D., Baker Spring, James Sherk, Brian W. Walsh, Lisa Curtis, and Helle C. Dale
(Backgrounder #2003)
The Implementing the 9/11 Commission Recommendations Act of 2007, passed by the House as a part of the Speaker’s “100 Hours” agenda, muddles the mission of providing homeland security with misguided proposals. Congress should replace the most troubling provisions of H.R. 1 with initiatives that are more consistent with the 9/11 Commission’s recommendations.
January 29, 2007
Strengthening Pakistani Resolve Against the Taliban
By Lisa Curtis
(WebMemo #1331)
Until the Bush Administration increases pressure on Pakistan to ensure the Taliban finds no safe haven within its borders, its plans to address the growing Taliban insurgency in Afghanistan will have only limited impact.
January 12, 2007
India and Pakistan Poised to Make Progress on Kashmir
By Lisa Curtis
(Backgrounder #1997)
The U.S. has carefully developed stronger bilateral relationships with both India and Pakistan over the past five years. Now that the Indian and Pakistani leaders have demonstrated their vision and commitment to bringing peace to South Asia, Washington should use its close relations with New Delhi and Islamabad to encourage continued forward movement.
2006 Research
December 04, 2006
China and India: Thawing Relations Unlikely to Lead to Strategic Partnership
By Lisa Curtis and John Tkacik
(WebMemo #1272)
India seeks ties with the rising China but is likely to retain its strategic autonomy.
October 26, 2006
Denying Terrorists Safe Haven in Pakistan.
By Lisa Curtis
(Backgrounder #1981)
Stability in Afghanistan and South Asia generally is tied to Pakistani action to limit the Taliban’s ability to operate in Pakistan, peace efforts with India, exploration of regional trade and investment opportunities, and a return to democratic politics. The U.S. should pursue these objectives to help Pakistan address the roots of violent extremism and contribute to greater regional stability and peace.
September 18, 2006
Fine Tuning U.S. Relations with Pakistan
By Lisa Curtis
(WebMemo #1215)
The visit of Pakistan’s president offers opportunities to bolster U.S.-Pakistan relations.
September 07, 2006
Maintaining Momentum on U.S.-India Civil Nuclear Deal
By Lisa Curtis and Baker Spring
(WebMemo #1206)
A historic agreement nears the brink of passage.
August 18, 2006
Three Steps to Improve Counterterrorism Cooperation with Pakistan
By Lisa Curtis
(WebMemo #1197)
Recent terrorist plots demonstrate the need for more effective engagement with Pakistan.
2008 Commentary
March 20, 2008
Pakistan Election Rewards
By Lisa Curtis
Extremists may insist that Muslims have no choice but to engage in violent struggle with the West. Last week's election in Pakistan, however, proves otherwise.
January 19, 2008
Don't make provocative statements
By Lisa Curtis
If the U.S. has good, actionable intelligence against Al Qaeda leaders in the tribal areas, it should certainly act on it — in coordination with the Pakistani leadership. In fact, we have already seen at least two targeted attacks against suspected hide-outs of Al Qaeda deputy Ayman Zawahiri in Bajaur, one in January 2006 and another in October 2006. These attacks demonstrate that when actionable intelligence is available, it will be acted on.
January 18, 2008
A Strategic and Moral Imperative
By Lisa Curtis
Let’s say the U.S. gets fed up with an undemocratic Pakistan and abandons its alliance out of principle. How would that affect the war on terrorism? Brian Katulis and Lisa Curtis continue their debate on the U.S. alliance with Pakistan.
January 17, 2008
The historic ties are deeper than any leader
By Lisa Curtis
Benazir Bhutto was no angel, but she may have been the savior Pakistan needed at this critical moment in its history.
January 16, 2008
Boost Pakistanis' confidence in elections
By Lisa Curtis
Most Pakistanis doubt that free and fair elections can be held with President Pervez Musharraf at the helm. He has squandered his credibility over the last year, dismissing the country's Supreme Court chief justice last March, imposing emergency rule in November and then mishandling the assassination of former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto.
January 15, 2008
An alliance that has saved American lives
By Lisa Curtis
Brian, I agree that the U.S. fixation on supporting individual undemocratic leaders in Muslim nations has contributed in some cases to strengthening Islamist extremist movements. In Pakistan, we have an opportunity to help turn the situation around and get U.S. policy right.
2007 Commentary
October 12, 2007
Musharraf's Temporary Lifeline
By Lisa Curtis
Following months of political turmoil and a precipitous decline in public support for President Musharraf, the Supreme Court provided the beleaguered leader a lifeline by dismissing several cases challenging his eligibility to seek re-election to another five-year presidential term. The court's decision provides a temporary boost to Musharraf, but last weekend's protests in Islamabad demonstrate that the political situation remains unsettled and will continue to convulse in unpredictable ways in the coming weeks.
September 22, 2007
Heritage Foundation: Leveling With Pakistan on Afghanistan
By Lisa Curtis
In the years since Sept. 11, 2001, President Bush has often asserted his intention to pursue America’s terrorist enemies wherever they may hide.
August 10, 2007
Pakistan: Stumbling Towards Democracy
By Lisa Curtis
After eight years of military rule, Pakistan is finally moving towards restoring civilian-led democracy. On July 27 – the same day the re-opening of the Red Mosque provoked street clashes and a bombing killed 13 in a nearby market – news broke that President Pervez Musharraf had met with former Pakistani Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto in Abu Dhabi, UAE. Coinciding with the violent and tumultuous events in Islamabad, the reported Musharraf-Bhutto conclave provided a ray of hope that the two leaders were making compromises that would allow the progressive forces of the country to unite in bringing positive political change.
August 02, 2007
Pakistan: Facing Down Extremism
By Lisa Curtis
The wave of indiscriminate suicide attacks that have plagued Pakistan over the past two weeks have laid down the gauntlet between those who support a prosperous, strong Pakistan with international standing and those who want to turn Pakistan into a failed state.
June 25, 2007
Pakistan's Political Future and U.S. Interests
By Lisa A. Curtis
Following three months of protests against Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf over the government's dismissal of the Supreme Court Chief Justice, U.S. officials have begun to worry about the stability of the Musharraf regime. The most visible example of this growing concern was seen in mid-June when a trio of top U.S. officials visited Pakistan to pulse the situation.
2006 Commentary
December 09, 2006
New U.S. Alliance With India Forges Key Strategic Relationship
By Lisa Curtis
When President Bush signs into law the “Henry J. Hyde United States-India Peaceful Atomic Energy Cooperation Act of 2006” expected to pass Congress overwhelmingly, he will pave the way for arguably the most important strategic relationship the U.S. will establish for many years to come.
August 30, 2006
Broaden counterterrorism focus
By Lisa Curtis
Two major terrorism plots in the last few weeks highlight Pakistan's central role in addressing global terrorism -- a role that could become larger and more successful if officials in Washington and Islamabad make the right moves.
August 22, 2006
Partnering with Pakistan
By Lisa Curtis
Two major terrorism plots in the last six weeks highlight the central role that Pakistan plays in addressing global terrorism — a role that could become larger and more successful if officials in Washington and Islamabad make the right moves.
