Some, at least, think that there is a realistic probability of Islamabad falling to the Taliban , and with it, probably, Pakistan's nuclear arsenal. This prospect is pretty scary for nearby powers India, China, Iran, and Russia, not to mention the US, Israel, and much of the Middle East. Not only does Pakistan have lots (150?) of nukes, but it also has the capability to deliver them at some distance. Should the Taliban triumph, it would give rise to the following scary movie scenarios: a)Crazy Taliban attack India, the US in Afghanistan, Saudi Oil, Iranian Shia, or Israel. b)India, the US, and/or Israel attempt to sieze or destroy nukes to prevent (a), probably failing and causing (a) c)Big states decide first strike is only option to prevent (a), with all that implies. The Bush/Obama plan for Pakistan doesn't seem to be working out very well.