A new election and new violence, US support being questioned.


ISLAMABAD, Pakistan - Violence linked to growing Islamic militancy in Pakistan has killed more than 1,000 people in a little over three months, fanning opposition to the country's close alliance with the United States.

The carnage raises questions about how long this Muslim nation can sustain its six-year fight against pro-Taliban and al-Qaida militants along the Afghan border. It has also sharpened debate over whether the West's military approach to fighting extremism hurts regional stability.

"It is a tough war to fight because of the way it is being interpreted," the Pakistani newspaper Daily Times said this week. Authorities face accusations they are "mere slaves of Washington, killing their own people to please the enemy of Islam, President Bush," it said.


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