Trump's big strategic misconception in withholding $255M in aid from Pakistan: They like it, but they're not dependent on it. Sure, it's a lot of money to the Trump organization. But it's 0.08% of Pakistan's GDP ($284B). And 2.9% of Pakistan's annual military budget ($8.7B).
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Follow up: Pakistan's foreign minister says his country won't be treated like America's "whipping boy." Maybe this blows over and Pakistan acquiesces to Trump's (not well specified) demands. More likely, it does lasting damage to the relationship.https://www.wsj.com/articles/pakistan-says-alliance-with-u-s-is-over-1515155860 …
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For Pakistan's government, bowing down in response to a threat is worse domestically than pushing back. This is the problem with misconceiving of US aid to Pakistan as a lot of money: The government likes it, but doesn't really need it. Domestic political support is more valuable
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Already, the Pakistani government bucks public opinion by working with the US as much as it does, providing supply lines into Afghanistan, and sharing intelligence and looking the other way on US drone strikes. Trump's undermining that to "save" 77 cents per American. Yes, cents.
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End of conversation
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Recently watched Viceroy on Netflix. It's about the last Viceroy of India and how England facilitated the creation of Pakistan drawing boundaries favorable for future trade and commerce. My take.
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