Pakistan's Gaza Problem: A Big Test for General Munir

Asim Munir, Chief of Army Staff of Pakistan

Pakistan's military leaders are dealing with one of the toughest diplomatic situations in recent memory. General Asim Munir, the country's new army leader, is under pressure from the U.S. to send Pakistani troops to an International Stabilization Force in Gaza. This request, supported by U.S. President Donald Trump as part of a larger peace and rebuilding plan, puts Pakistan in a tough spot, balancing international expectations and keeping things calm at home.

The idea of the stabilization force is to help Gaza get back on its feet after years of conflict, focusing on rebuilding and fixing the economy. But this job comes with risks. The U.S. sees Pakistan's experienced military as a good choice for this force led by a Muslim country. Yet, experts say that if Pakistan gets involved in disarming Hamas, it could look like they're doing what Israel wants, which could cause big protests in Pakistan.

General Munir has worked hard to fix the relationship between Pakistan and the U.S.. His meetings with President Trump show that they're getting along, hoping to get U.S. investment and aid. But even with his power over the military, he can't ignore the influence of Pakistan's Islamist parties. These groups strongly disagree with U.S. and Israeli policies and can bring many protesters into the streets, which could cause trouble at home.

Pakistan's official position is careful. Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said that Pakistan might think about joining a peacekeeping mission, but disarming Hamas is not our job. Other countries like Indonesia and Azerbaijan feel the same way, worried about the mission's goals and the risk of getting into a fight with Palestinian groups. Hamas has said that any international force should only watch the ceasefire at the border.

As General Munir gets ready for more talks in Washington, there's a lot on the line. If he refuses to join the force, he might upset the Trump administration, risking important financial and military help. On the other hand, agreeing to a mission with unclear goals could cause problems in Pakistan. For a leader with a lot of power, the decision on whether to send troops to Gaza will likely shape his legacy and Pakistan's place in the world for years.