U.S. policy toward Pakistan

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Dec. 15, 2009

President Obama's new plan for Afghanistan, which includes a surge of 30,000 more troops, has been the subject of much debate. But what about Pakistan? Many, including V.P. Joe Biden, say that country is more vital to America's long-term security interests in the region. Pakistan has a nuclear arsenal, is the home base of Al Qaeda, and has a fragile political system. What can the U.S. do in terms of direct policy initiatives there? Who has influence over the Pakistani military and government? The State Department? Congress? CIA? Who can exert pressure on militants? And what should be done to avoid making the situation worse?

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rich in Palms
3 months ago

Imagine some future in which Christian Canadian Crusaders are locked in a death struggle with a secular, mercantile, technologically-superior China. What would the reaction be in the US when the laser satellite beams locked on little Alaskan towns thought to harbor the crusaders.

Got to be tricky.

Ray
3 months ago

Sooner or later the American people will rue the day we began this shell game with the savages who pollute the Middle East. One by one they will secure nuclear weapons and sooner or later they'll get them into the U.S. It's not that we don't have home grown enemies, it's that out incursion into their world is perceived as a continuation of the crusades.

A.Khan the Godfather of Pakistan's nuclear program was selling secrets to the highest bidders. Our policy should have begun with getting the names of his clients. It's too late now. If it is more important to protect "feelings" than it is to protect our people, than continue on our current path, that's what they want. If we wish to stop this madness, we choose and example and make a clear statement. We won't now, but when the inevitable happens it won't be deterrents it will be revenge and many, many more will suffer than what was necessary, how sad.

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