Congressional ire
THE Defence Committee of the Cabinet meeting next week must address the overriding question of how long Pakistan’s ties with America will remain on hold. The Salala tragedy is more than five months old, but the government has still not been able to translate into policy the guidelines adopted by parliament on April 12. Last month’s talks with the Americans produced no results. The Foreign Office insisted that the talks had not failed, and a State Department spokesman, too, said that relations with Pakistan were not at a standstill. In sharp contrast, the State Department head did not advance the cause of better ties and criticised Pakistan during a visit to India. What the DCC should, however, note is that Secretary Hillary Clinton did not utter those words in isolation — her views were a reflection of the anger prevailing in Washington right now.
Congress has not yet slapped new sanctions on Pakistan, but the language of the two aid bills and a resolution adopted by two congressional committees highlights the unanimity of views between the Democrats and Republicans on the country. The bills adopted by the House Armed Services Committee and the House Appropriations Subcommittee have to go through many stages of America’s legislative process before they become acts. But it is the bite in the legislative pieces that gives an inkling of how things will go for Pakistan if the relationship with America and other Isaf members continues to remain in limbo. In all fairness, Islamabad alone cannot be blamed for the impasse, for Washington is flaunting its superpower hauteur. While Pakistan’s losses have been many, American negotiators ironically believe that their country is the aggrieved party. Such an attitude on the part of the Americans will not do and there must be realisation that both Pakistan’s forces and civilians have suffered in the war. Unfortunately, Pakistan’s losses were mentioned only in passing by Secretary Clinton who, instead, emphasised the ‘do more’ mantra.
Washington should pause and wonder whether its treatment of Pakistan is contributing in any way to its goal of eradicating terrorism in the region, and reflect on who is going to be the ultimate beneficiary of this myopic exploitation of aid leverage. It is also distressing that Pakistan’s commercial interests may be targeted by congressmen belonging to the two committees if ‘certification’ is not available. Regardless of who is right or wrong in this battle of wills, one thing is certain: such actions will only reinforce the current atmosphere of anti-Americanism in Pakistan, and provide obscurantist elements with more ammunition with which to target America.
When US gave $ Billions, anti-Americanism is rising.
If US withholds $ Billions, anti-Americanism is rising.
So, why not save the $ Billions and spend it on the poor in USA ?
Pakistan politicians,an Military reminds of asayong:
"At a passing out parade one ladys son was putting his left foot farward while every other cadet was putting their right foot farward made a comment that every body but my son is out of step"
Capt.Surinder Singh Kade
New York
we have master slave relation.it must be ended
The editorial tries to scare US of anti-Americanism in Pak—that is also the policy of Pak's military. Nor your argument is convincing when you disregard the right and wrong elements but want dollars (as you mentioned in the last line). How a sane man can give you dollars without getting the right product from you?
Congress and US's domestic posturing is only going to hurt ties. It is obvious as to who has the confrontational approach in this relationship. A more cooperative approach from the Obama regime can only go a long way in addressing their own concerns and interests. There is no reason for appeasement from Pakistan. There is more that Pak can do to put pressure, it has chosen wisely to hold back.
You will need more candid analysis. If US is exploiting aid leverage, so is Pakistan exploiting its geographical position and the threat from its populations anti-americanism. Most of Pakistan's loss of lives came from Pakistani Taliban because Pakistan forgot that it really needed a very long spoon to sup with the devils of terrorism.
Pakistan could always ditch its "strategic depth" strategy, stop supporting terrorists to bleed its neighbours and become a positive force. Then perhaps you won't have to depend so much on western aid for normal life, military and disasters.
Unlike any other country in the region, Pakistan has to do more to defend its geointerests
The move by the American policy makers exposes their shortsightedness. It will serve no good purpose. It really needs to be reviewed.
Pakistan is teetering on the verge of colossal disaster by blocking the US and its allies economic assistance by dint of its reckless and counter-productive policies. Real realpolitik and common sense demand that Pakistan should weigh potential risks that ensue by sticking to its guns.
The US and the global disappointment is due to the very short term policies followed by successive Military rulers in Pakistan . The Pakistan rulers often said one thing and did exactly the opposite thing .
Democracy is messy in formulating a foreign policy but the effort is well worth it as what emerges will be a national concencus where the Government words will be followed by the actions of th various State organ .
Please appreciate the contrast between the policy of strategic depth followed by Pakistan in relationship with Afganistan and the way India quickly got out of Bangladesh after assisting in its independence .
http://www.wired.com/dangerroom/2012/05/total-war…
So now we have at least two certified friends: One 'All Weather' and the other one' Fair weather'. The irony is that we need both
Pakistan always has self pity. Pakistan always behaves as if the world cannot do without Pakistan and that world owes Pakistan because it is Pakistan. It is almost hilarious. Wakeup and smell the coffee…world is moving fast and your are left behind by your empty bravado. Because you do not understand your position and your perceived self importance, you are falling behind when all countries, Bangladesh, India, Sri Lanka, and so many are advancing.