Pak-US harmony; not a silver bullet

Posted on 11 months ago

Aslam Nasser
Forging a new partnership with Pakistan is not a silver bullet when American policy makers are 'at war with Pakistan'. Is the on-going aggression among Pak-US bilateral relations based just on the containers tale? Or, does the need of Pakistan to cope up US influence in the region, have narrowed by shaking hands with India? If US accepts Pakistan as the center of gravity for her prevailing interests in the region then stop anti-Pakistan lobby and prove to be a greater democratic country on a long-term relationship.
What is the need of performing double standards? What are the hidden motives behind the acts of illustrating different sides of pictures? On one side the US authorities or the policy makers are rumbling harsh words for Pakistan, increasingly ever than before. On the other side the US analysts just for grasping positive sympathies and consideration from the entire world, portray a picture of their concerns for Pakistani internal issues. US columnist narrates that 'if Pakistani people and government are prepared to align and commit themselves, the US must be willing to help them'. How awful is the fact that US is still not realising the sacrifices of Pakistan, after shelling-out 10 times more cost than that of US.
US Defence establishment and government are exasperated over Pakistan, for not allowing US to use routes against the so-called elimination operation to eradicate Afghan insurgents. US Defence Secretary Leon Panetta said that 'we have gone after their (Pakistan) leadership, and we have done it effectively, targeting al-Qaeda leadership and terrorists'. Oh is it a real truth; the whole world is acquainted with the fact as to why US wants to withdraw from Afghanistan leaving behind her purpose unsatisfied.
The refusal of General Kayani to meet a senior US defence official was a strike when the iron was hot; it's not bad if at times Pakistan not necessarily instigate the issue but as a minimum, strike back rather than obeying for 'do more'. What signals does the US is trying to give by again and again articulating that 'we are reaching the limits of our patience' more to the point Pakistan is over the limits of patience now.
Pakistan is about to complete its democratic five years after a stretched and hard system of dictatorship, which was like a sword hanging on the heads. Pakistan experienced three military coups since independence. Leaving the argument to how long this democracy escorts in achieving its objectives, the positive sign is; Pakistan is going in the way, to accomplish its given tenure of democratic system. By hook or crook it is a success nevertheless the institutional maturity will be there by the passage of time. Now this is the quandary which has taken the shape of bone, that is not swallowed by the international hegemony; the so-called fate maker of the entire world.
Though the earlier policy makers have made them habitual to fulfill legal or illegal, all demands, but things have changed now as the policy to do more and more lead us to no benefit. The history is full of such examples; the tragic case of Afia Siddique, Raymond Davis, accepting WOT as our own war, the unfair drone attacks etc. However the epoch of blunders when we used to say 'Yes Sir' for erroneous and superfluous interests is no more the part of decision. Now it's like a paradigm shift in the decree that should be abridgment and digested according to the requirements.
Truly speaking, how long a sovereign state absorbs an unnecessary and needless humiliating attitude? Pakistan is rendering full support to US on all grounds since the launch of this game. One could at least differentiate the treatment among friends and foes. US performs 'double standards' in the mantle of allied curtain; on one hand treating such discriminatingly to a front line ally and on the other granting all the benefits to a country that has always preferred US rival over her.
Indeed granting bests of best to India both on strategic and economic grounds. Currently giving callous public statements in India and Kabul against Pakistan hurts the sentiments of Pakistani nation. During a trip to New Delhi, US Defence Secretary Loen Panetta expressed his arrogant thoughts about Pakistan that US and India share a complicated relationship with Pakistan. And that India to play an active role in Afghanistan also provides additional support to 'Afghanistan's fledgling security forces'. As a consequence disregards the proof of India's fraudulent role in Afghanistan.
The series of continuing impatient gestures of US is not coming to an end. Another colossal case is the intimidation of possibility of ground operations into Pakistan's territory. American government and military who have risen to its limits on speaking publicly against Pakistan, could not spare even a week of political catastrophe in Islamabad instead, planned another brainless break-in. No reward for any sacrifice, okay but why an open gnashing of teethes. These inflexible and aggressive indications will only add to the problem.
Pakistani alliance with the United States of America has proved to be very costly. The regrets and qualms on the alliance-ship are valid as there is no smoke without fire. Pakistan paid extensively while combating militants and it is not hidden anymore that they are mostly aided by foreign powers. Pakistan is the only country who is alone suffering the brutal and ruthless pains of the 'global' WOT.
The 'trigger-happy' country US can now shift her strategies from expressing thorny statements to the negotiation table. If Pakistan is a strategic ally and a potential rampart of stability then the conduct should be accordingly. Just to narrate that US could soften the hearts of Pakistani nation by giving them aid in different sectors is not a piece of cake after so much of physical, psychological and mental distress. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure and one must understand in time otherwise the repercussions would find its ways itself...
Now endure it till the end when entered the game.
The light at the end of the tunnel may be dark, it's up to you to make it brighter contribution.

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