ABSTRACT
Terrorism is part of daily life in Pakistan and an important negative element in its economic, civic, and legal, security, and foreign affairs. Pakistan continues a downward spiral towards economic and political failure until its society and leadership summon the will to seriously attack terrorism and militancy. Pakistan's security tripod rests on its large land force, a substantial nuclear capability, and terrorism. Pakistan's military is one of the largest in the world, but it is directed almost exclusively against India. A conflict dating back to the days of Partition in 1947, India and Pakistan both claimed the princely state of Jammu and Kashmir and had fought two wars over it already. The status of Kashmir is at the very heart of Pakistan's enduring neuralgia about India. Furthermore, tribal and communal links to the Afghan Taliban led in the late 2000s to the formation of militant groups that are collectively called the Tariq-e Taliban Pakistan (TTP).
