Tension between Pakistani Army and Prime Minister elevates

Prime Minister Yousaf Gilani fired the secretary of defense, which caused some tension between the Pakistani government and the civilian army. The secretary of defense, Naeem Lodhi, was accused of misconduct and illegal action. The prime minister however, has refused to investigate these accusations, due to their close relationship. Gilani replaced Lodhi with Nargis Sethi, who is a civilian woman, he made this decision without any appointment or consideration from parliament. The Pakistani army refuses to accept the new secretary of defense and has made it public knowledge they will not cooperate. The tension between the government and the army has been ongoing due to events like the U.S. attack to kill bin laden, and U.S. air strike in November. The U.S. must monitor this situation closely because if there is a civilian uprising in Pakistan it could be detrimental to our own relationship with them.

Katie Kruse

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/01/12/world/asia/firing-of-pakistans-defense-secretary-raises-tension-with-army.html?ref=global-home