Hugh Goddard: There are good reasons not to upset Pakistan

THE West not upsetting Pakistan is hugely important for a number of key reasons such as the need to move military supplies to troops serving in Afghanistan via Pakistan.

Pakistan is also an important military ally in the war against the Taleban, due to the closeness of the two countries.

Another concern though has to be a domestic one for the UK Government in that one in three British Muslims has some ancestral connection to Pakistan. Obviously people have the vote and use it, which is part of the democratic process.

The reality is that there is quite a strong link between the international and domestic concerns, such as the fall-out from the floods in Pakistan. Muslim aid groups will be doing what they can to raise funds and help people in Pakistan.

Another issue about Pakistan and Afghanistan is that of the ethic groups around the borders of each country. A group known as the Pathans, or Pashtuns, is scattered around both sides of the border, with some people living in Afghanistan, while others are in Pakistan.

Some of the people in this group in Pakistan will feel they have more in common in terms of culture with those in Afghanistan than the rest of their own country.

This can make things a bit more complicated and there are also some people in Pakistan who see the West's presence in Afghanistan as an attack on Islam.

Another good reason not to upset Pakistan is that a lot of attacks by Islamic extremists take place within the country and so the country's leaders will be sensitive about being told they aren't committed to tackling terrorism.

It's unlikely that David Cameron made his comments to deliberately create a diplomatic incident.

He was perhaps trying to make a strong point, but he will now be wanting to do what he can to repair any damage.

Mr Cameron will be well aware of the importance of Pakistan to the UK and US efforts to defeat the Taleban.

There's unlikely to be any lasting damage in the West's relationship with the allies as there's no suggestions that the US for example is at odds with Pakistan. This was very much an Anglo-Pakistan issue.

l Professor Hugh Goddard is Director of the Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal Centre for the Study of Islam in the Contemporary World at Edinburgh University