Opinionjournal.com reports that a recent opinion poll in Pakistan reveals a startling improvement in attitudes toward the United States in this key battleground Muslim nation:

Long a stronghold for Islamic extremists and the world's second—most populous Muslim nation, Pakistanis now hold a more favorable opinion of the U.S. than at any time since 9/11, while support for al Qaeda in its home base has dropped to its lowest level since then. The direct cause for this dramatic shift in Muslim opinion is clear: American humanitarian assistance for Pakistani victims of the Oct. 8 earthquake that killed 87,000. The U.S. pledged $510 million for earthquake relief in Pakistan and American soldiers are playing a prominent role in rescuing victims from remote mountainous villages.

Missing from the analysis is the "strong horse" factor. Osama bin Laden, no less, pointed out that people naturally favor a strong horse over a weak horse in a contest. The United States has proven itself a very strong horse indeed. It has been a year since anyone has seen a new videotape of Osama....