U.S. should show patience and restraint in Pakistan

In a blog for the New York Times on Pakistan, Ellen Laipson President and CEO of the Ploughshares-funded Stimson Center comments, “In the last several weeks, confidence in Pakistan’s ability to manage its many challenges has eroded. “ In spite of recent incursions by the Taliban, however, “a security breakdown at the nuclear facilities and total takeover of the state by the Taliban are exceedingly low probability scenarios, and should not be the main focus of American attention and concern.”  Instead, the U.S. must “devote time and effort to building trust in our long-term intentions, and avoid antagonizing Pakistan’s tense leadership.”  Laipson emphasizes that the U.S. can help determine the outcome of economic development or political change in Pakistan.