Let's Be Grown Ups About Pakistan

Lord knows I've expressed my frustration with Pakistan over the years.

But the idea that we should "divorce" Pakistan is insane.

You'd think that Pakistan would be the poster boy for "foreign policy realism," wouldn't you?

I mean, they may be SOBs, but they're mostly--on balance--our SOBs, no?

I always keep in mind that while Pakistan may be amazingly frustrating as an ally, if we could improve our relations with Iran to the same level, we'd consider it a triumph of our diplomacy.

And never forget that Pakistan could be much worse--usually at their own hands. Why should we contribute to the potential for chaos?

Work the problem of Pakistan. We may have a bit more leverage now, but use that leverage carefully.