VCheng
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I have thought about it - despite the self-congratulatory spin some US commentators are trying to put on the 'Arab Spring', in terms of it being a result of the US invasion of Iraq, there is no correlation between what has happened in Iraq and the Arab uprisings, which were catalyzed by the Tunisian uprising, which itself was based on domestic grievances, and not on any desire to replicate the 'shining democracy of Iraq'.
I am sure we can take up this thought elsewhere, but not in this thread.
Yes there is - if the Afghan war is still 'ongoing a decade later' how on earth will a war with Pakistan, a nation significantly larger and with the overwhelming majority of the populace hostile to the US and supportive of the military, be 'quick and effective'?
The initial steps will be quick and effective in laying the groundwork for later developments; that is what I mean.
Again, 'long term presence' and 'ongoing war' do not equate 'quick and effective'.
There is a difference in "presence" and "war". The war will be short, the presence will be longer.
The entire premise of a 'deterrent' (conventional or unconventional) is based on 'blackmail', and if the US can threaten to 'blackmail' Pakistan into doing its bidding by threatening war and economic sanctions, then Pakistan can do the same through whatever means it has available.
Please read my comment again: This "deterrent" that Pakistan is counting on will simply not work.