Palin on Pakistan
Posted by Michael Cohen
There are so many gobsmacking moments in Sarah Palin's interview today with Katie Couric it's hard to know where to begin in critiquing it. But, this answer on Pakistan has gotten precious little attention:
Couric: The United States is deeply unpopular in Pakistan. Do you think the Pakistani government is protecting al Qaeda within its borders?
Palin: I don't believe that new President Zardari has that mission at all. But no, the Pakistani people also, they want freedom. They want democratic values to be allowed in their country, also. They understand the dangers of terrorists having a stronghold in regions of their country, also. And I believe that they, too, want to rid not only their country, but the world, of violent Islamic terrorists.
The mind reels.
Let's ignore for a moment the fact that she doesn't address the fact that the Pakistani government is quite clearly protecting Al Qaeda within its borders - or at the very least allowing them to operate. (Do we know for sure that she is even aware of this fact?) But this answer is almost stunning in its shallowness and yes, stupidity. (I won't even bother explaining why this is the case as any regular reader for DA can figure out for themselves.) These are nothing more than talking points completely divorced from any understanding of Pakistani politics or the general nuances of international affairs.
Most observers of US foreign policy would agree that the US-Pakistan bilateral relationship is perhaps the most important bilateral relationship for this country. And yet, the Vice Presidential pick for a 72-year old Republican nominee with a history of skin cancer appears to have virtually no understanding of the cross-cutting issues affecting that relationship.
Be afraid, be very afraid.
Palin: "I don't believe that new President Zardari has that mission at all. But no, the Pakistani people also, they want freedom. They want democratic values to be allowed in their country, also. They understand the dangers of terrorists having a stronghold in regions of their country, also. And I believe that they, too, want to rid not only their country, but the world, of violent Islamic terrorists."
Cohen: "Let's ignore for a moment the fact that she doesn't address the fact that the Pakistani government is quite clearly protecting Al Qaeda within its borders - or at the very least allowing them to operate. . .this answer is almost stunning in its shallowness and yes, stupidity."
WASHINGTON, Sep 24, 2008 -- A recent push by Pakistan's army into the country's lawless tribal region has helped American troops fighting in the nearby border areas of Afghanistan, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates told U.S. senators Tuesday. Gates praised the effort in deflecting demands by lawmakers that Pakistan's new civilian government permit more forceful U.S. action against militants who battle American forces in Afghanistan and then flee to Pakistan.
Where is the stupidity??
Posted by: Don Bacon | September 26, 2008 at 02:13 AM
"Let's ignore for a moment the fact that she doesn't address the fact that the Pakistani government is quite clearly protecting Al Qaeda within its borders - or at the very least allowing them to operate."
How retarded are you? Please tell us all because right now you look more retarded than Palin.
Posted by: sdfsdf | September 26, 2008 at 04:35 AM
Agree with sdfsdf, Michael Cohen=idiot...Keep your idiotic opinions too yourself, please.
Posted by: Sean, Santa Barbara, CA | September 26, 2008 at 09:25 PM
Don't give up your day job, Kooky, Kooky Cohen.
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