She said the US was caught between wanting to support the new government, which it believes provides the best hope for long-term stability in Pakistan, while remaining concerned that the deals could provide a safer base for al-Qaeda. "There is a concern these deals, while they might provide a temporary respite in terms of the suicide bombings in Pakistan, might actually heighten the international threat coming from the region" said Ms Curtis. While the US walks a delicate line publicly, it has stepped up pressure in the tribal areas, mounting missile attacks from CIA drones. Full Article at Financial Times