---- (RHS) acteristics of polity subcomponent, a figure that is undermined by weak institutions but supported by a relatively free press and minority rights. Pakistan scores --.-/--- for characteristics of society , but only --.-/--- for scope of state due to a low government spending-to-GDP ratio and the fact that the military threat posed by neighbouring India serves as a constraint on Islamabad s regional actions. ...Pakistan s last military ruler, Pervez Musharraf, is credited with delivering strong economic growth, though this was also due to a robust global economy. Worst-case scenario � Radical Islamist regime: This is the nightmare scenario for Western and Indian policymakers, since it would provide a tremendous boost for the forces of radical Islam and make Pakistan a much more aggressive state on the regional and global stage. Moreover, Islamabad s nuclear arsenal would make it very difficult for the West to pressure Pakistan. ...However, in the event of an outright collapse of the Pakistani state, the West or other major powers would largely be powerless to stabilise the country, given that this would take an estimated ---mn troops. -- Business Monitor International Ltd www economic outlook
...Pakistan changing its stance on Syria, adding that Pakistan had no plans to arm Syrian rebel groups and would abide by international law with any weapons sales. However, his calls for immediate withdrawal of all foreign armed forces from Syria seem likely to have been in reference to Iran s direct support of the Assad regime. ...However, his calls for immediate withdrawal of all foreign armed forces from Syria seem likely to have been in reference to Iran s direct support of the Assad regime. It is unlikely that Pakistan would want to be seen to be arm- ing Syrian rebels, given the risks this could pose in terms of heightening the risk of Sunni jihadist attacks against the Shi a minority at home, and also the external threat posed by Iran along its volatile border region. Indeed, on March --, Iran said it executed -- Pakistani rebels in reprisal after gunmen killed -- border guards on the border with Pakistan. ...Should this be the case, it would deliver a further blow to Pakistan-Iran relations. Long-term political outlook instability to prevail, But outright collapse unlikely
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