Questionable State 'Partners'

The National Guard announced its endorsement of Pakistan as a potential member of the Guard's State Partnership Program (Newsbreaks, page 26) when Lt. Gen. H Steven Blum, Guard Bureau chief, and Lt. Gen. Tariq Waseem Ghazi, Pakistan's former defense secretary, met in Washington last month.

How quickly we forget recent history.

First, Pakistan refused to assist us in containing the Taliban. Now we pursue the Taliban until they cross into Pakistan but are forbidden by Pakistan from crossing the border into their territory.

If the Taliban can cross, but we cannot, whose side is Pakistan on? Taliban fighters then regroup to enter Afghanistan to attack our own troops-some of them the same National Guard forces with whom General Blum seeks to forge this partnership.

While Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf may face internal conflict in going "all in" with the United States, that is not a matter for our National Guard to take up. Either they are with us, or not. If Osama bin Laden is more welcome in their borders than American soldiers, then the extent of their desire to "partner" is clear.

Our soldiers and airmen of the National Guard from all states have answered the call to fight terrorism, both at home and abroad-many two and three times. To assume such a mission at this time, especially involving a Muslim country that hasn't proved it can be trusted is political nonsense.

While the State Partnership Program has reportedly been a success in the past, this is not the time to be focusing on anything other than mission essential tasks, ensuring our National Guard is trained and ready for missions they may be required to do.

How to Reach Us

MAIL CALL

* Our e-mail address is magazmeSngaus.org

* Our fax number is (202) 682-9358

* Or you can mail your submission to: NATIONAL GUARD Magazine Mail Call. One Massachusetts Ave. NW, Washington. D.C. 20001

* Letters should be short (250 words or less) and include name and state National Guard affiliation

* We reserve the right to edit letters.

SUBMISSIONS

* Articles and photos for consideration can be e-mailed to magazine@ngaus.org

* Submissions can also be mailed to NATIONAL GUARD Magazine. One Massachusetts Avenue, NW, Washington. DC. 20001

* Materials will be returned if requested

* Magazine offices can be reached by phone at (202) 789-0031

CHANGE OF ADDRESSES

* Change of addresses should be submitted to the NGAUS Membership Department:

E-mail: members@ngaus.org

Telephone: (202) 789-0031

Fax: (202) 682-9358

© 2007 National Guard Association of the United States Provided by ProQuest LLC. All Rights Reserved.