Pakistan At A Crossroads

Pakistani protesters burn U.S. flag and an effigy of U.S. President George Bush to condemn alleged strikes in Pakistani tribal areas along Afghanistan border, Wednesday, Sept 10, 2008 in Multan, Pakistan. (AP Photo/Khalid Tanveer)

Pakistan Could End Cooperation In War On Terror
-- Yahoo News/AP

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan - The furor intensified Friday over Washington's decision to pursue Islamic militant targets inside Pakistan, with opposition lawmakers threatening the country could pull out of the war on terror if the U.S. refuses to respect its borders.

About 100 protesters burned American flags after the latest missile attack left at least 12 people dead in the North Waziristan region of the troubled northwest. Residents said they heard the sound of propeller-driven U.S. Predator drones circling overhead before the explosions.

President Bush secretly approved more aggressive cross-border operations in July, current and former American officials have told The Associated Press.

Since Aug. 13, there have been at least seven reported missile strikes as well as a raid by helicopter-borne U.S. commandos that Pakistani officials claim killed 15 civilians in tribally governed territory where the government has little control. The frontier region is considered a likely hiding place for Osama bin Laden and his deputy, Ayman al-Zawahri.

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My Comment: I doubt very much that Pakistan will end its relationship with the U.S.. Such an action would only make the U.S. seek closer ties with India, a development that is not in the interest of Pakistan.

What would help the situation significantly, and earn the appreciation of the American people for all time, is if Pakistan delivers Osama Bin Laden and his lieutenants to U.S. custody. Such an action will put the Pakistan Government and its people beyond reproach.