Although listed among the U.S. allies in the war on terrorism, Pakistan cannot easily be characterized as either friend or foe. For the foreseeable future, Islam will remain a significant factor in Pakistans politics. Pakistans future direction is crucial to the US-led war on terrorism, not least because of Pakistans declared nuclear weapons capability. The United States is supporting Pakistans military so that Pakistan backs away from Islamist radicalism, albeit gradually. In the process, however, the militarys political ambitions are being encouraged, compromising change and preserving the influence of radical Islamists. The Role of Islam in Pakistan's Future | 
