Whiskey writes:

“Pakistan? It’s a collection of tribes with a flag and nukes.”

And a religion. The nation is founded on a religious identity, i.e., not Hindu. The Taliban represents religious purity (which could be admired from afar when it was in Afghanistan.)

A collection of tribes? Yes. Even the nation’s name is an acronym, composed by Jinnah.

Having somewhat secured Iraq, which will be a rich geopolitical partner, the US may have no choice but to abandon Iraq, covered by a “Russia won’t let us resupply” fig leaf. Ouch.

Maybe Intrade could help us sort out where the first nuke will go off. I suspect India.

Religion will trump all else in Pakistan and environs.