In supporting the United States-led fight against the terrorist forces led by Osama bin Laden in Afghanistan, Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf has had to tread a very fine line.
Pakistan shares a long border with Afghanistan and the two countries' peoples have historically had close ties. Pakistanis are among members of bin Laden's al Qaeda terrorist group.
Out of traditional resentment at the West and sympathy with the Taleban, many Pakistanis are uneasy about lending support to the Americans' military action in Afghanistan. The possibility of pro-Taleban radicals causing havoc in Pakistan has always been high.
Yesterday's grenade attack inside a Protestant church in Islamabad realised that fear. While the motive behind the attack remains unknown and no one has come forward to claim responsibility, it was clearly aimed at foreigners, notably Americans. The church is located inside the city's diplomatic enclave and only a short way from the American embassy.
Until now, General Musharraf has been able to keep a lid on anti-American feelings, largely by locking up members of militant groups. But that strategy cannot work for long.
Indeed, as yesterday's attack happened, it emerged that the Pakistani authorities have released Maulana Fazalur Rehman, the leader of a pro-Taleban radical party. He had been detained since October, after he had called for a holy war in support of the Taleban.
