The Islamic Republic of Pakistan?

I believe Arnaud de Borchgrave is stretching things a bit to make an Iran-Pakistan parallel fit. Apparently, both countries have Muslim majorities, and both have sub-sections in their respective states that bear grievances and radical intentions.

This isn't much to work with.

The topic makes for an interesting research paper, but strikes me as a little tough to pull off in one op-ed. In short, Iran's problems came in large part from a state that tried to repress, censor and isolate the religious fervor sweeping the nation. Ayatollah Khomeini did most of his preaching in exile, while his recordings became the equivalent of underground mix tapes throughout Iran. Much of Tehran and the other urban centers were suffering, so it's said, from "Westoxification"; an influx of American products, pop culture and citizens.

Religious persecution doesn't seem to be fueling the chaos in Pakistan, as far as I can tell. The government has seemingly accepted the fact that parts of the country will remain autonomous, and more specifically, Islamic. Iran certainly has its own semi-autonomous regions, but not to the extent we've seen in Pakistan.

The nuclear question of course looms over Pakistan's stability, making this topic all the more intriguing. I think one could argue on behalf of an Iran model in Pakistan: a mostly cohesive and contained state with ambitions to be a regional and global player. This certainly isn't ideal, but it's definitely preferable to a failed state with nuclear weapons.