Post-Osama US/Pakistan relations
 

Since Osama was found and killed in an area with such a large Pakistani military presence, described as the Pakistani version of West Point, so close to their nation’s capital of Islamabad, what should the US relationship with Pakistan be going forward?

Considerations: the war against the Taliban, foreign aid, the war on terror (or whatever it’s called these days), Iran, India, etc.

Thoughts?

My guess is that the US will take the attitude that it never happened. Its not a diplomatic issue. At least, on an official basis. I doubt Pakistan will raise any official complaints, but will just turn a blind eye.

Other than the lithium mines in the region, does the US have any further interest in the region? Isn't it time for us to secure our business interests, and then abandon the region to the war lords?

Osama has nothing to do with US/Pakistani relations.

As for your question, US will try to destibilise Pakistan to stop Chinese advance in the region.

I wouldn't brush the issue aside so easily.

They have nukes. They are the haven of the Taliban. China, India, Iran, Afghanistan? Sixth largest nation in the world? Should the US be so quick to pull of stakes here?

The U.S. can withdraw from Iraq, then Afganistan. Once that's done we have very little reason to maintain major military operations in the region. Pakistan is obviously a supporter of terrorists so unless we're invading them next we have no real reason to maintain a presence there.

Good point, but this country has nukes. Is the US willing to launch a retaliatory strike, if it receives a terrorist nuclear attack? How would and should it respond?

I posted this on the OBL is dead thread and was asked to start a new thread on it, but seeing as there is already a dedicated one, here is a very disconcerting report:

Analysis: In Pakistan, embarrassed silence on killing | Reuters

Pakistan probably knew the location of OBL and just didnt tell us.
After all, they arent really an ally, more of an acquaintance.
And besides he was right next to their capital, so wither Pakistani security is so poor they didnt notice, or they just ignored him. I think towards the latter.

It's been real stable for the past several decades...

That's quite a generous view of the situation.

OBL has been the most wanted man over the last decade in possibly the most extensive and expensive man hunt's in history and he's just sitting in Pakistan's backyard chilling out and drinking latte's in a nice pad?

There should be a reckoning here no doubt.

That's really not what's being reported. The compound burnt their own trash, had no internet or telephones, 15+ foot walls, and limited windows.
Sounds more like a fortified hole.

Pakistan is a mess. We only deal with the country because it is the lesser of the other evils. If Pakistan is shown to be directly involved they're a target for terrorism and they have to live there long after. Many Pakistani's citizens see the US as against Islam, so it is also a political problem. So we pay bilions to a country with a corrupt government, and its citizens hate us.

I say America should quietly pack there bags and go home..

That whole region is a mess, get out as quickly as possible without leaving a blood bath. Maybe go into the mountains have a chat with the Taliban and come up with some solution which involves having a little tolerance of different cultures or we blow you up til thy kingdom comes... Any peace deal will do as long as there is not a blood bath.. Taliban want US out of Afghanistan more the US want to leave. What keeping them there now is protecting the people who backed them and thus not creating a new army of terrorists... Bribery on all sides seems a pretty good solution...

I think most Americans are fairly ticked about this right now--while politicians--are trying to smooth it out. Even Hillary couldn't look the camera in the eye--when she stated that Pakistan was involved in this hit. They weren't--they're already complaining that we violated their air space.

What Bolton stated was that we're worried if we don't supply them with billions--the nukes they have may be used by terrorists--as they fear the Taliban will come to power.

I say non-sense--just take out their nuclear capabilities--and stop the cash flow. It's obvious that Bin Laden had been living in this compound for years-or since 2005--and probably even earlier than that-while Masherriff--pulled the blinds over G.W. Bush--stating "Bin Laden was not in Pakistan, all the time."

You can't tell me that someone who built a fortress right next door to a military academy and only 30 miles from Islamabad was not known to all--including top level government officials. Hillary knew it too. Last year she was in Pakistan--and mentioned to one of her aids--that she knew that they were hiding Bin Laden and knew exactly where he was. In fact, I'll bet that Bin Laden's right hand man is there too.

IMHO, that's an extremely dangerous view. As someone (forgot who was being interviewed) on NPR said this morning - Pakistan is a country of 200 million people with a large nuclear arsenal - it is too big to fail. We cannot afford to allow that nuclear arsenal to fall into the wrong hands, and if Pakistan collapses (it is perpetually on the verge), such a thing is quite likely.

It was G.W. that stated any country that was harboring terrorists woud be considered an enemy. Well Pakistan--what do you have to say for yourselves in this instance?

Obviously--Bin Laden was protected there--and Musharef did the bait and switch routine. Give us your billions--and here I'll throw back a few low level terrorist guys to appease you.

Some of these Muslims are very good liars and there is a reason for that. In their mindset it is perfectly O.K. to lie if one is protecting their honor. It's inbred in them. Therefore, they can look you straight in the eye-lie-without even twitching a finger. Musherf--being a military leader or former general knew exactly where Bin Laden was all the time. Then he has the outrageous audacity to complain about us violating air space.

I don't think there are many politicians on the hill right now--that are going to be willing to send that 3.4 billion check to Pakistan this year.

And, again, what expertise do you base this upon? Where did you get your Masters in International Studies?

Well, this isn't a good sign:

Hundreds join Quetta rally to honour bin Laden – The Express Tribune

Pakistan Corruption Perceptions Index: 143/ 178 countries.

I'm thinking part of this would be like the US winning the (FIFA) World Cup. The world doesn't want the rich (for now) guys to win. Morals aside, I'll give the Arab community the right to celebrate a douche bag, because he stood up to the United States. It's hard not to root for the underdog (except in Libya).

(heavy doses of sarcasm, for ye)

Congratulations.


And that has exactly what to do with her post?

Russia - not Muslim, hugely corrupt
Cambodia - not Muslim, hugely corrupt


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