US Is a Top Villain in Pakistan’s Conspiracy Talk

Pakistan and the US are allies in a war against extremism in Afghanistan, with the US providing more than $1 billion in annual aid, but mutual trust remains low. A US citizen originally from Pakistan was accused of placing a failed car bomb in New York’s Times Square. But many in Pakistan are convinced that his plan was devised inside the US. “Conspiracy theory is a national sport in Pakistan, where the main players – the United States, India and Israel – change positions depending on the ebb and flow of history,” notes an article in the New York Times. Some politicians and pundits make careers out of casting doubt on any US and Pakistani goals. The conspiracy tales evade responsibility, heighten tensions, challenge security efforts and do little to resolve real problems. – YaleGlobal