[ARCADIA]

I don't understand. What have we been blackmailed into doing? Sending Americans out of harm's way? And this is a bad thing? Not joining India in an attack on Pakistan? And this is something we would have done if they didn't have nukes? Not replacing Musharraf? Even assuming we could, and wanted to, what is he likely to be replaced with? And how will that be an improvement?

All valid points. I'm sure that the powers that be did everything possible to keep Musharraf in power, because his replacement would be far worse. They also pressured India not to attack because it could lead to nuclear war and that would be catastrophic to all of us. In short they tried to contain events.

However, in doing so - in avoiding war, the US let Pakistan's nuclear blackmail stand. And, that sets a dangerous precedent. It establishes a situation where if you have the bomb, no one can stop you from doing anything. I'm sure the Iraqis and Iranians paid close attention. And, who knows who else.

It's just a tough situation. If you let Pakistan's nuclear blackmail stand, things will get worse. If you let India destroy Pakistan in a nuclear war, the 'current world order' collapses.

[Starwind]

However, in doing so - in avoiding war, the US let Pakistan's nuclear blackmail stand. And, that sets a dangerous precedent. It establishes a situation where if you have the bomb, no one can stop you from doing anything. I'm sure the Iraqis and Iranians paid close attention. And, who knows who else.

True.

Do you think India is playing brinkmanship as well? They outnumber and outgun Pakistan considerably. If India were to advance, as it threatens, Pakistan's only resort could be nuclear, and then obviously India would respond. But aren't Pakistan's non-diplomatic choices pretty much all or nothing?