US-Pakistan relationship

Neither country can eliminate the scourge of terrorism on its own, so it is in both their interests to work together.


Editorial December 14, 2011

Usually, when the government has one of its periodic spats with the US, there is a lot of public rhetoric directed at the Americans but, essentially, the level of cooperation between the two countries remains the same. However, this time, in the wake of the Nato attack on Pakistani security personnel in Mohmand Agency, things seems to be very different. Pakistan has already blocked the supply routes of Nato trucks travelling through the country, forced the US to vacate Shamsi airbase and threatened to shoot down drones flying over Pakistani territory. Now, it is planning on changing the very nature of its alliance with the US, going from at least an ostensible ally, to an openly unfriendly country. At a meeting of the country’s various ambassadors and high commissioners, it was recommended that the government renegotiate its pacts with the US governing the transit of Nato supplies through the country. (The existence of these pacts was publicly acknowledged only now). The policy shift would have Pakistan cooperate only if its sovereignty is not violated, language that is expansive enough to include even drone attacks that we have previously supported in private.

The US, too, seems to be rethinking its diplomatic options in Pakistan, moving swiftly from ally to hostile actor. A bill making its way through Congress would cut $700 million in aid to Pakistan. At this point, it is not surprising that either country is looking to take punitive measures as punishment for recent events. But the danger is that this could soon spiral out of control, leading to an ever-escalating war of words that rapidly evaporates whatever semblance of an alliance the two countries have. If the inquiry proves that the US is at fault in the Salala attack, it should seek to quickly defuse tensions by issuing a formal apology. After that, the onus returns on Pakistan to resume cooperation with the US in the fight against militancy. Pakistan needs to take strong measures so that the rest of the world stops seeing it as a sponsor of terrorism and as a country that provides sanctuaries to militant groups that carry out attacks in other states. Neither country can eliminate the scourge of terrorism on its own, so it is in both their interests to work together. This would require both sides to realise that they should not direct their anger against each other, but against their common enemy.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 15th, 2011.

COMMENTS (5)

US Centcom | 12 years ago | Reply

The relationship between the US and Pakistan has taken a turn for the worst, and the emotions are understandably running high since the Salala incident. And it would also be safe to say that it’s a big setback to our efforts against the insurgents. The insurgents seem to be taking full advantage of our situation, and the series of attacks since the Salala incident only confirm that we are dealing with ruthless killers, who will go to any lengths to achieve their evil objectives. Therefore, the all important goal of defeating these terrorists becomes even more prevalent. But it would be premature to predict, given the current circumstances, whether our governments would be able to create a common ground and redirect their focus back to tightening the grip around the terrorists’ neck. The investigation is still ongoing, and the results should allow us to better interpret the incident and prevent anything similar from happening again. We certainly hope and wish for this alliance to prosper once again and leave these terrorists with no choice but to surrender and abide by the law, or face crushing defeat.

Atif | 12 years ago | Reply

@cautious and @vasna and @ashok sai

Gentlemen, boys, sir, Even if terrorists attacks are done from insides Pakistan. It doesn't give US any excuse to take revenge on Army personnel or innocent civilians in return.

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