Almost a year ago, I wrote an op-ed for Lahore’s Daily Times discussing an intensifying phenomenon I described as the “push on Pakistan.”  [The paper's editors took out the word "on" and made a 'liberal' (pun intended) edit or two.] But, in light of the heightened pressure on Pakistan from Washington and the increased role [...]

Pakistan is again the focus of The Atlantic Monthly in its regularly surveying of American foreign policy experts. It asked 41 foreign policy authorities: Should the United States unilaterally go after al-Qaeda leaders and training camps in Pakistan? Results: 50% Yes; 50% No How likely is a U.S. incursion into the tribal areas in the [...]

In an address earlier this morning at a New Hampshire college, Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden, announced a fairly comprehensive Pakistan policy — the first candidate to do so. It consists of four main elements: “Triple non-security aid, to $1.5 billion annually.  For at least a decade.  This aid would be unconditioned: it’s our pledge [...]

Bush: Musharraf must hold elections and resign from army Rice criticizes imposition of emergency rule; states U.S. aid to Pakistan “under review” Musharraf meets with U.S. ambassador Martha Raddatz/ABC NEWS: CENTOM chief “visibly upset” after leaving Friday meeting with Musharraf Tuesday’s U.S.-Pakistan defense talks delayed WEDNESDAY: Deputy Sec. of State Negroponte to testify before House [...]

If the stakes weren’t so high, the segment of above could simply be seen as an exercise in stupidity. But with U.S. engagement with Pakistan at perhaps an all-time high, both countries entering important political transitions and facing multiple intersecting security threats, the laughter should perhaps be followed by tears. Richard Miniter, a right-leaning polemicist [...]