Now that a Chinese mining company has pulled out of a $19 billion deal with Pakistan because of safety concerns, it is the perfect time to replace all U.S. aid to Pakistan, estimated by the Guardian newspaper at $5.9 billion in 2010 alone, with a shopping list of wanted terrorists.
The United States can afford to pay handsomely for these terrorists, making billions of dollars available to Pakistan in exchange for capturing or killing terrorists who are killing U.S. and Afghani troops and civilians.
Pakistan certainly has the means to do this, as it has the seventh-largest army in the world, with an estimated 952,000 troops. Unfortunately, 80 percent to 90 percent of them are stationed along the Indian border as a result of Pakistan’s perpetual fantasy that it will be invaded by India.
A shopping list of terrorists would have numerous beneficial effects. First, it would eliminate the double-dealing by Pakistan's military and intelligence services. Second, it would encourage Pakistan to grow up by giving up its Indian attack fantasy. Finally, it could force Pakistan to consider whether it really wants thousands of radical madrassas in its country, grooming an endless supply of suicide bombers.
BOB PRICHARD
Tiburon, Calif.
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'Your papers, please' must never be heard in America
By Susan Crabtree - The Washington Times
President Obama forgot to return the salute of a U.S. Marine while boarding Marine One Friday morning, then came back out to shake the Marine’s hand, according to a tweet by CBS News’ Mark Knoller.
By Tom Howell Jr. - The Washington Times
House Republicans who are critical of the federal health care law have written to more than a dozen companies, including top insurers Aetna and BlueCross BlueShield, to ask if President Obama’s top health official tried to solicit funds from them to support the overhaul.
