The cost has to be considered in terms of whether or not after taking IMF/weapons/CSF is Pakistan left with enough sovereignty to even call it a distinct country or is it just an organization rented out by the US?
No where in the world the US exerts total control over a country like it does in Pakistan. Pakistan needs to reclaim its country even if it means defaulting on the loans or anything worse. It will be a start at to corrective measures. Pakistan of today is not improving, so aid hasn't been helping at all. We have too many expenses and very few revenue sources (including the aid). Its high time we fix these unrealistic ambitions Pakistan is expected to have which can only be done once the people of Pakistan are put in charge of governance.
It is a noble thought that you propound.
However, as I see it, from the open forum, Pakistan has gone down the path too deep, for an instant quick fix.
It is true and very unfortunate that the US has an immense hold over Pakistan and no matter which political party comes to power, the stranglehold will not ease.
If Pakistan defaults on servicing the loans, the US will come into play again and the world community will impose sanctions, as they have done to Cuba. Therefore, one wonders if that is an option.
I feel that Pakistan is in this sorry mess is because the feudal and rich have a hold of the politics of Pakistan and so long as their interests are not affected, Pakistan can sink and they will play a slave even to the Devil, if it requires.
While India has had land reforms and reformed many other issues that the British had instituted to ensure that there were loyal Indians to play their tune, it has been rocked by galloping corruption. However, the good thing is that Indians have gone up in arms and with Anna Hazare as the icon are in the process to draft a Bill that will give powers to a Body called Lokpal, which will be beyond govt control and which will be an Ombudsman. Whether it will see the day is another question since politicians are dreading it. Nonetheless, a move has been made.
Pakistan too requires a Lokpal Bill to ensure that those who live off the fat of Pakistan are brought to book and fast. This will eliminate those who are making fortunes off Pakistan and selling it to the highest bidder.
I wish Pakistan well, with all sincerity and hope that instead of tilting at windmills, they put their house in order, and usher in a true Pakistan of Jinnah's dream.
Follow China's way - Peaceful Rise.
And then when you are strong, flex your muscle.
Right now, the sectarian and internecine wars that is being fought in Pakistan and the waste of time to influence events in Afghanistan or fighting the bogey of India is sapping Pakistan of its energy and finance.
Keep the issues alive, if you will, but low key it and divert the maximum effort and money to build a strong and healthy Pakistan that can do without the stranglehold of a foreign nation, be it the US or Saudi Arabia, which anyway, is a client state of the US.
