Right now what we would prefer is an authoritative government that can crack down on those opposed to us.
Without question, Pakistan was instrumental in putting the Taliban in power in Afghanistan. Their reason for doing so was local geopolitical considerations. With relations with the US frozen and hostile relations with its powerful neighbor to the south, they felt it necessary to assist a pro-Pakistan government in Kabul which was fighting forces supported by India.
That's not an excuse, but that's the way it was.
Bush told Musharraf to make a decision, one way or the other, NOW. It had to have been a tremendously difficult decision. It required Pakistan to abandon its support of the Taliban forces and turn against many of their own citizens who ally themselves with the Taliban. It risked civil war, and it greatly increased the chances that Musharraf would be assassinated.
But he made that decision, and he's implementing it fully. It is still a tremendously difficult time for Pakistan, but it is essential that we support Musharraf and not betray him.
Peoples' minds can be changed. The Germans are no longer a bunch of nazi sympathizers. Japan is not chock full of people who are willing to die in suicide attacks on behalf of the emperor.
It is FAR more preferable to have Pakistan become a stable ally in the region. It will help counter Chinese power and it can serve as a model for other islamic states, much like Turkey.
That is what we are trying to accomplish and we have already made great strides toward accomplishing that.
Pakinstan counter Chinese power? The Pakis are one of China's best allies, along with the monstrous dictatorship in Myanmar. It's a well known fact that Pakistan would not have a nuclear bomb without Chinese assistance.
The notion of Pakistan countering Chinese power in the region is ludicrous.
As You Sow, So Shall You Reap They have came a long way in spreading terrorism and so they have got no option left but to support the US against terrorism.
Our President made it clear to Pakistan that you are either with us or against us.
What do you think will happen if US asks them to stop supporting the terrorism across their border or face the American troops? Don't you think the peace will return to Asia?. They can't stand and say they are not supporting terrorism. And still we are trying to remove all sanctions and give billions of dollars in loan to improve their economy.
That's our committment to show them that (Before 9/11/01 and even after that)we are always with them.
We have always taken Pakistan side.
In return what we have got is TO FACE TERRORISM ON OUR HOMELAND.