MELISSA BLOCK, Host:
Pamela Constable of the Washington Post has reported extensively from the border region between Afghanistan and Pakistan. She describes some major resurgence in Islamist activity there - much of the Taliban fighters with support from al-Qaida sympathizers.
PAMELA CONSTABLE: It's not clear at all, though, whether they're getting any support from the elements of the Pakistani government, but it's widely believed that they are.
BLOCK: And when you say elements of the Pakistani government, would that be Pakistani intelligence agencies?
CONSTABLE: Well, that's the main allegation that's made by many sources, including the government of Afghanistan. This has been repeatedly denied by Pakistani authorities, and there has been some suggestion that perhaps these are retired or former or rouge elements of the intelligence services. But again, if the Afghan government and others have strongly asserted that this is really coming from official elements of the government.
BLOCK: Now, when General Musharraf of Pakistan made his deal last year with the tribal leaders in this border area, what was the idea behind that agreement and what happened to it?
CONSTABLE: In return for which, the Pakistani government agreed to leave them alone, essentially, and to not interfere in their daily lives and in their own religious and tribal affairs. It has not worked out. According to many sources, even though this deal was intended to stop violent activity, especially across the border into Afghanistan, all indications are that the activity has not only continued, it has intensified.
BLOCK: And with Vice President Cheney bringing this message to Pakistan, saying, essentially, do more, what is it that the U.S. wants Pakistan to do? And do you think Pakistan will do it?
CONSTABLE: What the United States government, probably, wants Pakistan to do is whatever it can to gain control of the tribal region along the Afghan border. I don't think that the American government wants Pakistan to change its internal policies or its relations among various groups. I think it simply wants them to do all it can to stop these activities from getting away from government control, and particularly from crossing border.
BLOCK: And are there risks, though, for the Pakistani government if, indeed, it does take a more active stance - risks internally?
CONSTABLE: And as we know, it did very little to stop the actual problem itself from spilling across into Afghanistan.
BLOCK: Pamela Constable of the Washington Post, thanks very much.
CONSTABLE: You're very welcome.
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