>Charles,
>
>I know you know a lot about this stuff so will address this question to you, although others are of course welcome to jump in.
>
>Why do we put up with so much crap from Pakistan? I know there must be a reason to accept their constant offenses and provocations. (As just the latest example -- http://www.cnn.com/2011/OPINION/08/15/cronin.pakistan.china/index.html?hpt=hp_c1). But I don't know what it is. Geography? Being the closest thing we have to an ally in that part of the world? Can you shed any light?

I think the fundamental reason is because Pakistan has 3 things:

- an unstable government
- terrorists/extremists
- nukes

Not even North Korea has that combination, although in NK's case it might be argued that the government itself is terrorist/extremist. In the eyes of many Iran's government would be considered extremist/belligerent but they don't quite have nukes yet.

"Keep your friends close, and your enemies closer" may be trite, but has a lot of truth. It's a good idea to keep tabs on dangerous situations. With that in mind, you have to decide if you can do that better with engagement or disengagement, either official or otherwise.