The killing of Osama bin Laden deep inside Pakistan in an American operation, almost in plain sight in a medium-sized city that hosts numerous Pakistani forces, seems certain to further inflame tensions between the United States and Pakistan and raise significant questions about whether elements of the Pakistani spy agency knew the whereabouts of the leader of Al Qaeda.
The presence of Bin Laden in Pakistan, something Pakistani officials have long dismissed, goes to the heart of the lack of trust Washington has felt over the last 10 years with its contentious ally, the Pakistani military and its powerful spy partner, the Inter-Services Intelligence.
With Bin Laden’s death, perhaps the central reason for an alliance forged on the ashes of 9/11 has been removed, at a moment when relations between the countries are already at one of their lowest points as their strategic interests diverge over the shape of a post-war Afghanistan.
Bin Laden was living in a hill resort city, in a large compound with obvious heavy security features. Pakistani intelligence had no idea? That’s a bit hard to swallow.
There are so many things about this I’m eager to hear expanded. I particularly like the part about the **brave Islamic warrior** who in the battle *grabbed a woman* to use as a human shield! Where to start? The craven cowardice of these people boggles the mind. I fervently hope Pakistan gets all the publicity and regard of the world it has earned. It’s hard to hear people use the term “national sovereignty” about that geographical area with a straight face.
Pakistan’s “assistance” has always been suspect, yet we keep sending them millions of dollars for their effort. That needs to stop. Now.
On the positive side, Bin Laden was found, attacked and eliminated. Prior to the attack he was kept under surveillance for months (so we are told, and I wouldn’t doubt it).
It sounds like Pakistan is a hunting ground for both sides.
Late last month there were high level discussions (finger pointing, really) between the US and Pakistan. One wonders what, if any, connection there was between that public dialog and this weekend’s activities. It would not surprise me if Pakistan is enjoying the benefits of credible deniability of foreknowledge of the raid, and that some outstanding grievances and goals of both sides were resolved. Time will tell.
This may also be a good time to consider some old sayings, like “be careful what you ask for,” and “don’t cut off your nose to spite your face.” It is still in the US’s interest to maintain some sort of stability in Pakistan and prevent a complete failure of the current form of government. Money in the form of seemingly wasted aid supporting a travesty of a regime may be a less expensive option than dealing with collapse of order there.