Once again the Bush administration implements foreign policies that, frankly, don't make much sense: like becoming bosom buddies with Pakistan.
For example on March 17, 2005 Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and Pakistani Foreign Minister Khursheed Mahmood met to discuss the burgeoning ties between the United States' new partner in fighting terrorism. Their message was clear: "We remain engaged in broadening and deepening our multifaceted relationship on a long-term basis for the mutual benefit of our two countries."
This is curious for two reasons: the October 2004 and January 2005 U.S. Department of State reports. It seems that, over a few months' time, the U.S. stance on Pakistan changed drastically. The October report is scathing: stating key U.S. concerns with the nation were terrorism, weapons proliferation, as well as India-Pakistan relations, human rights and economic relations.
By January 2005 gone was wording about weapons of mass destruction and terrorism, replaced by new language focused on "a stable democratic, economically thriving Pakistan is key to U.S. interests."
So it is all about the dollars--not security. If it wasn't, ties may be hurt by what happened yesterday: the U.S. consulate in Karachi closed its doors in fear because of a security threat, according to a Voice of America report. The embassy also issued a warning to all Americans in the region, advising them to avoid the consulate and the nearby Marriott Hotel.
If violence in the Pakistan continues as of this post (and can be said will continue) why the hell is the United States selling F16s to the nation?
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