U.S., Pakistan, Through Thick And Thin

One diplomat long involved in the tempestuous U.S.-Pakistan relationship likens it to a Catholic marriage: There may be problems, but divorce isn't an option. And so it is that, almost a month after U.S. Navy SEALs entered Pakistan to kill Osama bin Laden, the two troubled partners find themselves not in divorce court but in an awkward but unmistakable process of reconciliation.

One diplomat long involved in the tempestuous U.S.-Pakistan relationship likens it to a Catholic marriage: There may be problems, but divorce isn't an option.

We may still be in a relationship with Pakistan, but it is a pretty toxic one right now....

The Focus counseling center notes some pretty specific characteristics that are associated with toxic personalities (Nations (Pakistan) can have personalities):

Some people seem to have a knack for making life miserable for others.

They leave a trail of emotional upheaval in their wakes. Like a chemical toxin, they cause problems for everyone they come in contact with while remaining unscathed themselves. These are toxic personalities - people whose reckless, ruthless and selfish behavior hurts everyone else, but not them.

Because their way of thinking is so different from that of normal people, toxic personalities can be extremely confusing. This article will define their personality structure so that you can identify the people in your life that may be toxic. You will come to understand the ways in which their toxicity corrodes romantic, work, and family relationships. And most importantly, this article will discuss some ways you can identify and protect yourself from their plots and ploys, and repair the damage they have already wrought.

We can all behave in manipulative, unpleasant and even destructive ways at times. But some people seem to hurt others more often than not. They live by their own rules, on their own schedule with little concern for the well being of others. They are Toxic Personalities.

These people have a distinctive thinking pattern. They tend to believe that:

Having power and control gives them excitement in life, and they are always seeking excitement.

They are unique. They see themselves as smarter, more creative and more important than ordinary people. They are narcissistic (self-centered) and grandiose (self-important).

They are never wrong. When they don't get what they want, or are caught in dishonest or manipulative behavior, they complain that they have been victimized, misunderstood, or mistreated.

They are good people, despite their manipulative, exploitative or otherwise harmful behavior. Caring equals using. They believe that if you care about them, you will let them manipulate and take advantage of you.

People who work hard just aren't clever enough to attain their goals through "easier" and quicker means such as scheming and manipulation.

They are entitled to have what they want regardless of the consequences for themselves or others. They can rationalize the use of any means in the pursuit of their goals.

link: http://www.focus.bm/toxic_personalities.html

I set out to look at parallels between Pakistan's behavior and toxic personality traits...but looking at this list...there are some parallels with Pakistan's actions and self identity (Like the point that a toxic personality sees himself/herself as unique - the name Pakistan means "Land of the Pure," but really the perfect match is Barry Obama.

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