Once again America has reason to question which side Pakistan is backing in the war against the Taliban in Afghanistan. Allied forces called in air strikes when they came under fire in the lawless tribal belt and " friendly fire " killed twenty-six Pakistani soldiers. An angry Pakistani government has closed the border, disrupting supplies to coalition forces and ordering the closure of an important air base.
The stories are legion of the Taliban firing at our forces from safe Pakistan territory - in plain sight of the Pakistan military - who do nothing. There seems little doubt that the Pakistan intelligence agency - ISI - had full knowledge that Osama bin Laden was being sheltered in a town that housed the Pakistan military academy - and they expressed outrage when US forces crossed the border and took him out.
This seems to be a no win situation. Pakistan claims to be an ally, fully committed to containing religious militancy, and yet sections of the Pakistan army are openly colluding and assisting the Taliban. Each year the American government gives billions of dollars of aid to help Pakistan develop into a modern state, and yet this treacherous ally is actually part of the perceived enemy.
Perhaps now would be a good time to cut our losses. Afghanistan looks like being a lost cause and all coalition troops will probably withdraw within the next few years. Why would we then continue to support a country that is two-faced and hostile.
Pakistan has a natural enemy facing it across a common border. It would make more sense for the free world to embrace India as a friend.
Pakistan could find that it lives in a very lonely part of the planet if it climbs into bed with religious militancy and walks away from the concept of a democratic country offering freedom of faith to all it's citizens.
Right now - it is not worth offering it the handshake of friendship !
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