Former military ruler Pervez Musharraf has accused the United States of using Pakistan as a scapegoat for its failure in Afghanistan.
Nice theory, except for two points. One, it ignores that Pakistan is supporting jihadis who fight us in Afghanistan. And two, we're winning.
Up until now, we've had other things to do in Afghanistan so didn't raise the issue of Pakistan's double-dealing. But if I'm right and we are getting ready to move on eastern Afghanistan, addressing Pakistan's actions is now something we can't avoid.
Pakistan can deny and make excuses, but they are hip-deep in the evil business. They should worry that we feel more free to confront the problem they pose.
UPDATE: Our increased activity in eastern Afghanistan is already taking place, as this company-sized operation shows:
They were beginning their portion of a brigade-size operation to disrupt the Haqqani network, the insurgent group that collaborates with the Taliban and Al Qaeda and that has become a primary focus of American counterterrorism efforts since Osama bin Laden was killed.
By operating at this time of the year, with winter approaching, we can disrupt the enemy who would like to hole up, rest, and stockpile weapons for the spring. I imagine we will shift more troops to this region despite the surge drawdown, relying more on Afghans to hold what we've taken over the last year.
UPDATE: The Pakistanis may very well get the evil they don't admit to stoking:
Pakistanis like to believe that they have America in a corner, but it's becoming more likely that it is Pakistan that has painted itself into a corner. Pakistan has long complained of being surrounded by conspiracies and enemies. Now, because of Pakistani support for Islamic terrorism, those fears are about to become true. Pakistan denies any responsibility for this, insisting that it is the victim. That will make no difference in the end, other than to provide some incredulous footnotes in the histories of the late, great, Pakistan.
I don't think we can yet afford to cut Pakistan loose. Talk to me in another year when our supply lines don't need the Pakistan corridor. But even if Pakistan's bout of stupidity does not go away, the results will only hurt us in the short run. For Pakistan it could be fatal. Pakistanis are Pakistan's worst enemy in so many ways that it is pretty amazing.
UPDATE: Only two years ago, I hoped stupidity could wane. Apparently not.
