WASHINGTON – Leading US newspaper, The New York Times questioning PresidentTrump’s decision to suspend security assistance to Pakistan has warned thatPakistan can shut down American access to Afghanistan at any moment.
In an editorial, the newspaper said almost every military flight intoAfghanistan goes through Pakistani airspace while most supplies travelalong Pakistani roads and rails.
The editorial said that Pakistan could also ally more closely with Chinaand be more hard-line in its rivalry with India.
The paper said that indeed, China could once again be the beneficiary of aTrump decision estranging the United States from longtime partners.
The New York Times said President Trump cannot afford to walk away fromPakistan, which has often provided vital intelligence and has the world’sfastest-growing nuclear arsenal.
Amid heightened Pakistan-US tensions, the newspaper urged President DonaldTrump to explore more “constructive cooperation” with the South Asiancountry.
It said in 2014, Pakistan’s army finally mounted a serious militarycampaign against the Pakistani Taliban and suffered many casualties.