Ambassador Wendy Chamberlain Speaks on Pakistan

At the release of our report, Perilous Course: U.S. Strategy and Assistance to Pakistan, on September 24th, we enjoyed Ambassador Wendy J. Chamberlin’s insightful perspective as one of our panelists.

Wendy Chamberlin’s has a long history of Foreign Service to the U.S. and to the global community. Since March 2007 she has been serving as the President of the Middle East Institute. Click here to learn more about her career.

Below are some of Ms. Chamberlin's remarks delivered at the launch of PCR's Perilous Course report.

"First, the report provided solid documentation that our assistance and policy is not focused enough on people and their most pressing concerns or aspirations."

"Secondly, the report offers a straightforward explanation as to why a coherent and effective policy toward Pakistan has eluded us. In a word, it has been our own lack of clarity of purpose."

"Third, the report hammers home the horrifying truth that we have no plan B for Pakistan. The other example of a foreign adventure in which we stubbornly rejected the advice of many to develop a plan B was Iraq. The consequences there are now painfully evident."

"My final point is that the report makes the right conclusion that we must be realistic in our aid goals. US assistance will not be able to remake Pakistan, but it could be useful as catalyst for change."

To read Ms. Chamberlin's remarks in their entirety, please click here.