U.S. Isn’t the Source of Pakistan’s Problems

Re “In Pakistan, U.S. Policies Foster Suspicion and Hatred,” Oct. 30: Pakistanis want it both ways. They take $3 billion in U.S. money but don’t want to acknowledge, let alone show appreciation for, the improvements that money provides.

The elite sip cognac, listen to American jazz and enjoy Western lifestyles facilitated by their American university educations, but refuse to stand up to the imams who encourage Islamic extremism and will not allow the study of science, math or language that would provide Pakistani students useful work skills.

U.S. “hatred,” “bias” and “arrogance” are not the biggest problems Pakistanis face, or anything close to it.

An overall literacy rate of 45% is a bigger problem. The slaughtering of non-Muslims is a bigger problem. Assassination attempts on high-level officials are a bigger problem.

The complaints of the Pakistanis quoted in this story sound just like the anti-Americanism heard from old Europe and leftist appeasers.

The simple truth is, if the U.S. disappeared from the face of the Earth, Pakistan would still have those bigger problems, and would have far less support in dealing with those problems.

John Crowley

Redondo Beach

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The article chastises U.S. policies against terrorism as turning into a campaign of hatred against Muslims, per a Pakistan citizen.

It is sad that this is the perception, but what are we to do? Security agents cannot tell a good Muslim from a bad Muslim.

We are very vulnerable in the U.S. As soon as security is relaxed, a Muslim might explode a body bomb or drive a car loaded with explosives, as was done in the parking garage of one of the twin towers, in some critical area for maximum damage and publicity.

It is a rare Muslim who will speak out against terrorism against the infidels.

Frank Myers

Downey