Pakistan to Pitch Out of the Fight?

That is the gist of the headline at Drudge mid-morning.  He linked to this item.

This is, of course, in response to the US saying it might withhold some $800 million out of $2 billion in military aid.  That, in turn, is a response to the Government of Pakistan cutting our training programs in Pakistan and our footprint on the ground there.  That, in turn was in response...

My first response would be to move closer to India, the real democracy in the region.  Yes, India can be cranky from time to time, and wants to go it's own way once in a while, but at least it isn't like living with New Hampshire.

I would also mention to the Pakstani Government that we still stand by one of those Bush Doctines.  I am not sure that was the particular one TV Reporter Charles Gibson had in mind, but who knows?

I am not a "Pakistani Hand", but common sense suggests that the Government of Pakistan sees seismic shifts coming to the region in the near future (and what we may see as a 3.6 on the Richter Scale they may feel as a 6.8).  Afghanistan is the center of the storm right now, but Pakistan, as an immediate neighbor feels the impact of shifts in governments and tribal fights. Afghanistan, in turn is a nation that has immediate and near neighbors that includes Pakistan, Iran, China, several 'Stans and India.

Surely as we withdraw from Afghanistan there will be changes and realignments, some of which we won't like.  I say we throw in with India as we move into the future.

Regards  —  Cliff