http://blogs.the-american-interest.com/wrm/2010/08/02/the-roots-of-pakistans-rage/ An inisghtful article that helps frame the Pakistani's anger with us and our policies, even while we're allies against the Taliban on the surface.
Some of their concerns are the result of them being whiny babies and they just have to learn to grow up. We have no obligation to kiss their fannies every time try start crying. Others are legitimate. In particular our invasion of Afghanistan. We did indeed blunder in and seem to not listen much to allies. We have a great habit of doing that.
I think the more concerning issue for them is our increasing closeness with India. At some point, we're going to have to make a choice. Clearly, India would be the better choice in the long-term, but we need Pakistan right now to fight the Taliban.
When I read this portion I recalled all the anti-Muslim rhetoric these past few weeks against the proposed Muslim mosque and cultural center two blocks from Ground Zero. I know it's a hot topic with New Yorkers but saying these things just adds fuel to fire with the radical Islamists' cause.
That is the one that makes no sense to me. I mean, I realize the wars between India and Pakistan, but they have to realize that we are not at war with India and our better ties with India help avert Chinese aggression (both militarily and economically) and brings more stabilization to the area. That's diplomacy 101.
In the minds of Pakistanis, it's like someone trying to be allies with the United States and the Soviet Union in the 1960s. You have to choose one side or the other.
Well, there's nothing we can do about such narrow thinking. All we can do is try and be the best ally to both.
