Hassan Discusses Pakistan, al Qaeda on Fox & Friends Weekend  

S. Azmat Hassan, senior faculty associate at Seton Hall's Whitehead School of Diplomacy and International Relations and former Pakistani ambassador, recently appeared on Fox & Friends Weekend to discuss President Bush's visit to Pakistan.

Hassan, a former Pakistani ambassador to Syria, Lebanon, Morocco and Malaysia, as well as a former deputy permanent representative of Pakistan to the

S. Azmat Hassan, School of Diplomacy, appeared on Fox & Friends Weekend to analyze President Bush's visit to Pakistan.

United Nations, said that though Pakistani President Musharraf has internal problems to face in his country – including the restoration of full democracy, the upcoming elections in 2007 and some extremism from radical tribal areas – he made very clear to President Bush that Pakistan is fully committed as an ally in the War on Terror.

While extremism exists in some areas of Pakistan, mostly in the tribal areas bordering Afghanistan, most Pakistanis are moderate, Hassan said.

"There's no doubt in my mind the majority of the Pakistanis are moderate and do not support al Qaeda and its extremism and fanaticism," Hassan said. "But certainly in the province that joins Afghanistan and the tribal areas, there are ethnic tribes

Fox & Friends' Julian Phillips questions Hassan about Pakistani support for al Qaeda.

men on both sides straddling the border – and yes, al Qaeda has some support. But this is not at all what the government wants and I think no matter who remains in power in 2007, I don't think Pakistan is going to change its policy."

While India and the U.S. struck a nuclear deal during Bush's visit to that county, Hassan predicted Pakistan will eventually reach a similar agreement with the U.S. if it shows it can safeguard its nuclear assets.

The John C. Whitehead School of Diplomacy and International Relations prepares students from around the world to be leaders in a global society. Its innovative

From left: President Musharraf and President Bush.

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