I am not well off. I am not Muslim and I am not a Pakistani woman, but I can see why the NYT is carrying this story. It's been snapping at China's heels all yea

I am not well off. I am not Muslim and I am not a Pakistani woman, but I can see why the NYT is carrying this story. It's been snapping at China's heels all year long, reporting on the various ways in which China is exerting power in the world, and Pakistan - traditionally an American client state - is exhibit A in this change of guard. The Chinese are loaning them money, building their ports and power plants and are now the leading market for mail order brides. Soft power meets hard power, which is why its news.