Pakistan questioning it's alliance with the United States after suicide bombings
61You need us we need you
After two tragic suicide bombings in Pakistan resulting in over 80 casualties, the Pakistani government has convened to determine it's future relationship with the United States. Many may not realize the symbiotic nature of our relationship with the nation of Pakistan but needless to say, we need them as they do us. We provide them aid to maintain a stable government in exchange for a land route to Afghanistan so that we may provide our soldiers much needed supplies. It would be catastrophic if our nations were to part ways jeopardizing our soldiers lives and the stability of their government.
The radicals in Pakistan are attempting to use the death of Osama Bin Laden to damage our relations. The United States must negotiate with the leaders of Pakistan and assure them that we are here to help them. The Pakistani government can not possibly want to placate the terrorists who just killed 80 innocent people in their country. The United States will always stand by their allies if they allow them to. All Pakistan has to do is allow us to do what we do best. Catch the bad guys.
If Pakistan does decide to go through with these measures it could get very messy in the Middle East. Pakistan is a very touchy area. Its close ties with China make them almost untouchable. Their nuclear capability makes them very dangerous. Most importantly, they are our only land route to Afghanistan. If it is more aid that they need, rest assured we will provide it. Our troops depend on it.
Do we stay or do we go?
Should the United States pull out of Afghanistan before Pakistan cuts off our supply lines?
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I agree with you HScheider that our withdrawal should not be done in a way that jeopardizes our troops or our objectives in Afghanistan. We've already spent 10 plus years trying to establish the Afghanistan Democracy. It would be senseless for us to pull out before making sure they can maintain their position. Thanks for your comment.
We should pull out cautiously. It's the Pakistani Taliban we have to worry about. I don't think we should increase aid to Pakistan. We need to get a little more for the money they already receive from us. A little more trust is needed.
I agree with you Mimi721wis, that there should be more allegiance on both sides in the sense we should be assuring them we will help them. Of course the Chinese offer them lots of aid and undermine our influence in this region. I am also concerned about the stealth helicopter we lost in this mission. I'm sure all the information that could be taken from it will be passed on to the highest bidders. Now more than ever America must maintain it's techological edge. We should also be focusing on strengthening our industrial capacity.
I enjoyed your article. But I am not so sure that USA needs Pakistani support that much as Pakistani need. Pakistan practically can not survive without support it needs. While I do not think USA has similar problem. Already more than 50% of supplies for USA soldiers is routed not via Pakistan. Worst case can be it has to rout every thing away from Pakistan - it will be expensive but it can do that.
What I worry more is that USA administration (it does not matter which one Republican or Democrat) have been continuously putting USA in a quagmire situation. Aid and arms which USA claims is being given to Pakistan does not really go to People of Pakistan. It is mostly taken by rulers in Army top and feudal lords ruling Pakistan. These are the people who seem to be financing and arming terrorists in Pakistan. Thus USA is really fighting war in Af-Pak sector from both sides. Its money and help is being used to arm and provide financial support to Taliban and other terrorists and on the other side soldiers of USA are fighting the same terrorists. If you look carefully USA seems to be lost in similar quagmires in Arab countries by arming feudal lords in countries like Saudi Arabia or by playing financial games and outsourcing with countries like China which manipulate foreign exchange as well as are helping countries like Pakistan, North Korea with nuclear and missile proliferation.
I hope USA puts efforts to get itself out of such quagmires. Such quagmires are affecting very badlynot only affecting USA
I meant such quagmires in which USA finds itself are affecting people not only from USA but also from many other countries which are with USA.
Thank you for you response soumyasrajan. I completely agree that USA needs to figure out a better way to provide the people of Pakistan with aid. I would not be surprised if we begin getting more involved in the Arabic regions. This will serve a dual purpose. One, the USA can make sure the people of these regions are given a chance for some form of elected government. Secondly, the USA can make sure China's ever growing influence is kept in check. NATO is starting to see the urgency of making sure the Arabic nations are given an opportunity to have basic human rights and elected officials. The World is going through some shifts in power right now and everyone is trying to make sure they maintain their positions. China is drawing a lot of attention to itself right now with it's sea claims and support of nations that the USA and NATO find questionable. I pray the leaders of our nations can come to some agreement before things get to out of hand.
I agree with you completely Wil. Time being It does not look like USA is taking path in the right direction. I wonder how many among decision makers are even concerned about paths they are taking. You may find the following article illuminating. Not every thing there may be so exact but directions they point-out in which Pakistan, China Saudi Arabia are going if true needs much more attantion than is being given
Thanks soumyyasrajan. I agree completely that Western powers need to address China's grab for power. America and her NATO allies are beginning the campaign now. I believe you will see more escalation in the Middle East and other Arabic nations. The fact that France actually decided to take action suggests to me they are aware of the problems that could arise if China, Pakistan, Iran and Russia go unchecked.
Let us hope you are right. Thanks Wil!
HSchneider Level 6 Commenter 12 months ago
Excellent Hub Wil C. I agree with all of your points. It is frustrating with the on and off again support we get from Pakistan. But we need them for our war in Afghanistan and because they have nuclear weapons. We are trying to keep Afghanistan from becoming an Al-Qaeda terrorist haven again. We will be drawing down soon but it cannot be a precipitous wthdrawal.