Pakistan and priorities

Re “Militants’ rise in Pakistan points to opportunity missed,” June 8

The militants’ rise in Pakistan points to the U.S. administration’s misplaced priorities. Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf gave sanctuary to the defeated Al Qaeda and Taliban fighters in order to use them in Afghanistan. The administration never believed Afghan President Hamid Karzai when he accused Pakistan of being a source of the insurgency. Further, the administration turned a blind eye to Pakistan’s proliferation of nuclear weapons to rogue states.

Pakistan should not be given any aid unless it closes all militant and terrorist camps. Coalition forces should pursue the militants beyond the border. The opportunity to chase Al Qaeda and the Taliban, regrouping in Pakistan, is still there.

Nirode Mohanty

Huntington Beach