GOP debate: Candidates differ over Washington's Pakistan policy

Republican presidential candidates sparred Tuesday night about how Washington should shape its policy toward one of its shakiest allies: Pakistan.

Former Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman said Pakistan is the nation that should "keep Americans up at night," labeling it a "nation-state that is a candidate for failure." Huntsman called for increased U.S. drone strikes on extremist group targets on Pakistani soil.

Several candidates noted Pakistan has hundreds of nuclear weapons, and Rep. Michele Bachmann (Minn.) called it "too nuclear to fail."

Bachmann sparred with Texas Gov. Rick Perry, calling his stance that Washington should pull its annual aid to Islamabad "naive."

When Perry charged officials in Washington with handing Pakistan a "blank check," Bachmann noted the U.S. and Pakistan often share intelligence for use in the war in Afghanistan and the

Perry said he would not, as president, send another cent to Pakistan its leaders they show they have America's best interests in mind.

Bachmann said she would not cut off aid.

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