Pakistan would make a bad enemy

I like to think of myself as well-informed when it comes to world history and current events. Yet I feel clueless when I read and watch some individuals' comments on security, the war on terror and personal rights. All I hear is countless people (even some I would think know better) calling Pakistan and the government of that country inept, corrupt and incompetent ["Bin Laden death no time to relax," Letters, May 11]. Some have even called for ending the relationship completely.

Anyone who has kept even a slight eye on the war on terror and Osama bin Laden's role should realize that as evil and despicable as that man was, he was very cunning and knowledgeable. He knew how to manipulate media, intelligence and his followers' minds, similar to a puppet master, to bring his plans to fruition.

Before we cast out and accuse Pakistan for harboring the world's No. 1 terrorist, has anyone thought of the possibility that he was planning his own martyrdom while also destroying a key relationship hindering his operations?

By fanning the flames between the United States and Pakistan, groups like bin Laden's can only benefit. If Pakistan were sympathetic to enemies of the United States, it could become an even bigger hotbed for terrorist training camps. This would open up many more safe routes back and forth between Pakistan and Afghanistan for weapons smugglers and foot soldiers.

If the situation escalated, maybe Pakistan would use its nuclear weapons against us. Or, at the very least, sell to groups like bin Laden's.

I know this can seem a little far-fetched, but if you were told of bin Laden's plans for 9/11 before it happened, would you think there was ever a chance of him pulling it off?

Joey Zaffuto, Hicksville