Nawaz Sharif has great sympathy and support in Washington.

The Obama administration will continue to provide assistance to tackle Pakistan s economic! energy and internal security woes. "irst impressions in Washington! as in Pakistan! suggest a man hobbled by the immensity of his country s problems and the obstacles that others so easily place in his path. #ast month! at the margins of $N %eneral &ssembly speechmaking! he and 'ndian Prime (inister (anmohan Singh promised to )uiet e*changes of fire across the +ashmir divide. These flares appear to outsiders as contrived to prevent Nawaz from pursuing what he so clearly wants , improved relations and greater direct trade with 'ndia. &s long as firing across the +ashmir divide continues! it suggests opposition to this agenda! which is critical to Pakistan s well-being. (ore difficult! by orders of magnitude! will be taking action against e*tremists that are driving up Pakistan s death toll. #eaving aside countries like Syria which are in the throes of a civil war! Pakistan now ranks above &fghanistan! and second only to 'ra)! in fatalities due to sectarian violence. The writer is co-founder of the Stimson Centre in Washington.