[Fishrrman]

U.S. officials have avoided action that could harm Musharraf, whom officials described as a key U.S. ally who has aided in the capture of many al Qaeda members.

A secret 2005 mission to capture senior al Qaeda members in Pakistan's tribal areas was aborted at the last moment when Bush administration officials decided it was too risky and could jeopardize relations with Pakistan, according to a recent New York Times report.

It is important to understand that it is NOT Pakistan that is our "ally", but Musharraf.

When Musharrafs goes - as he must, sooner or later - Pakistan is more likely to "ally" with al Qaeda.

And that will give al Qaada the weapons it hungers for.

- John

[AnotherUnixGeek]

When Musharrafs goes - as he must, sooner or later - Pakistan is more likely to "ally" with al Qaeda.

There's nothing special about Musharraf - he's surrounded by dozens of ambitious generals who realize that the US State Dept. and American military aid are Pakistan's biggest assets. When Musharraf goes, he will be succeeded by another general, perhaps one more willing to act against the jihadis taking over his country.

[Spruce]

In which case Pakistan should immediately become “The smoking, radioactive crater formerly known as Pakistan”