WASHINGTON, Dec. 29 (UPI) -- U.S. President George Bush has talked with foreign policy officials about the emerging crisis in Pakistan following the assassination of Benazir Bhutto.
Bush held a video conference with leading foreign policy aides Friday to examine a potential environment of increased Islamic militancy emerging in Pakistan and how that affects U.S.-led regional counter-terrorist operations, The Washington Post reported Saturday.
The Bush administration fears the rise of Islamic militants and the resurgence of extremist Taliban factions could frustrate U.S. efforts in the region.
Intelligence and Defense officials said they have evidence al-Qaida operatives played a role in the former Pakistani prime minister's assassination Thursday. They are examining what role, if any, Baitullah Mehsud, the leader of the Taliban Movement of Pakistan, had in the plot and various other plans targeting Pakistani officials, the Post said.
U.S. officials fear the instability in the wake of Bhutto's death may hamper efforts in Afghanistan as Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf has a reputation in Washington of toeing the line in U.S. counter-terrorism operations, but providing little in actual measurable responses.
"Pakistan isn't really engaged in a fight against terror," said John Blackton, a former U.S. official in Afghanistan.
U.S. officials said there is no immediate threat to efforts in Afghanistan, but expressed concern increased turmoil in Pakistan may spill over to complicate the fighting in Afghanistan.
