The US & others working with Pakistan

[VCheng]

initial (extremely cynical) thoughts: http://www.brownpundits.com/kargil-i...in-the-bazaar/

Fair comments, but in the long run, Pakistan may have short-changed itself immensely:

from: Targets, not drones, draw ire from Pakistan: Weinbaum | DAWN.COM

...............

Do you see a future relationship between the United States and Pakistan after 2014?

Both the countries can ill-afford a complete separation. They will struggle to find those areas of common interest that serve their purpose. There should be no illusions that it is going to be a broad-based strategic partnership. It is going to be a narrowly construed and transactional arrangement.

Why can’t the two countries have a successful strategic partnership?

The military and the elements in the government are willing to develop a strategic partnership but the public opinion prevents it from happening. Political forces in Pakistan do not want a resolution of tensions between the two countries. Despite controlling the country’s foreign policy, the military in Pakistan involved the public and the media in key debates concerning the relations with the United States as was seen in the Raymond Davis affair. The Bin Laden raid and the killing of soldiers last November has created a set of expectations among the public which serves as the limiting factor for the policymakers.

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Some sections of opinion in Pakistan believe that the United States is eying their nuclear program and would eventually take away the country’s nukes.

That is nonsense. Anything that weakens the government in Pakistan should be treated contrary to the US interests. The US needs a predictable partner. A partner that is distracted from issues cannot be an interlocutor in any kind of negotiations. If the US has to worry about Pakistan’s nuclear program, it would be for the fear of a break up within the Pakistani military. Does the US worry about it? Yes, it does. The US does not expect the imminent break up of the country but the consequences are catastrophic if junior officers (with support to Jihadi elements) turn on the senior officers causing a serious command-and-control challenge. Fortunately, we are not there at this point. It is not in the interest of the US or even India to deliberately weaken the Pakistani government or the military.

[Ray]

Pak blinks on Afghanistan routes, gets Nato invite for talks

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/w...w/13159783.cms

[Ray]

Pak 'terrorism accountability' bill introduced in US Congress

http://www.dnaindia.com/world/report...ngress_1687800

[omarali50]

so says David Ignatius: http://www.washingtonpost.com/opinio...fUU_story.html

My comments at http://www.brownpundits.com/david-ig...ing-to-get-it/

[carl]

Omar this was a comment by one JCW at Ricks' Best Defense about Mr. Ignatius' article.

"Sad to say that in my modest moments of acquaintance with the situation (off and on, 1978-88) I never met a single high-ranking government official who couldn't be conned by having the opportunity to watch the Khyber Rifles dance and sign the officers mess guest book alongside Arthur and Douglas McArthur, and many, many other famous folks (and one scruffy Army Major)."

He is referring to American government officials. That is about what you have always been saying the Pak Army/ISI does and what they still do. It still works.

(Curse you Rudyard Kipling and Tyrone Power for setting up the gullible Yanks.)

[omarali50]

News that strategic ally Pakistan may not make up with the US leads Nitin Pai to speculate about what next http://acorn.nationalinterest.in/201...uzkashi-begin/

My comments: http://www.brownpundits.com/afpak-fak-ap/

This seems a risky prediction when so many people are predicting a breakdown, but I still think some sort of ugly unhappy compromise is likely.

[J Wolfsberger]

Meanwhile, Pakistani doctor who helped US in bin Laden raid sentenced to prison

I'm sure this will give a powerful boost to our intelligence efforts in the region.

I wonder how they got his name?

Moderator's Note

Post copied to the thread on the effect of OBL's demise, so please comment there:http://council.smallwarsjournal.com/...t=13244&page=4