Bit of a contradiction...
Why would the left leaning NYT and Washington post want to undermine a democratic liberal in office?
Good question.
Remember NYT is not hitting at Zardari. These liberal lefties are hitting at "weapon supply chain" to Pakistan.
These leftie-liberals burn on hot coals when there is a good cooperation between Pak and US defense organizations.
Why they do that?
Well it goes back to the close cooperation between Pak and US in Eisenhower admin.
No wonder Pakistan was usually in difficult situation under liberal admin of the USA, while we enjoyed close link during Republican admns.
The NTY essay is the result of US's internal bickering between lefties and the righties.