>>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.

You forget that they only elect liars to office and allow islam to insert it's insane laws and penalties(e.g. blasphemy) into daily life. As soon as the USA doesn't need a road to Afghanistan for delivering supplies, all money should be cut off. Considering that the Pakistan govt allowed China to scoop secret technology, the sooner the better. Note that Pakistan is afraid of India. Perhaps there is an advantage for the USA in using that fear against them.