November 23, 2011

Pakistan appoints new Washington ambassador

Pakistan's civilian government moved swiftly to appoint a liberal reformer as ambassador to Washington on Wednesday, as President Asif Ali Zardari tried to draw a line under an affair which threatened to bring down his government.

Pakistan appoints new Washington ambassador
Pakistan's new ambassador to the US, Sherry Rehman Photo: AAMIR QURESHI/AFP/Getty Image
 
Hussain Haqqani was forced to resign the post on Tuesday after being accused of plotting to oust key military leaders.
The issue has reignited public debate about the powerful role of the military establishment, which is strongly suspected of pushing for his head.
The appointment of Sherry Rehman, a former information minister known for her campaign to reform Pakistan's archaic blasphemy laws, to the job of ambassador was welcomed by many liberal campaigners.
However, Talat Masood, a retired general, said she also had good relations with the military leaders who continue to dominate foreign and security policy.
"She is fairly respected by the military leadership and has the required qualifications," he said. "So she can stay on good terms with both sides.

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