America’s decision to suspend military aid to Pakistan was to be expected.
KARACHI: America’s decision to suspend military aid to Pakistan was to be expected, given the growing trust deficit between the two countries, especially after the May 2 operation in Abbottabad. The deployment of tens of thousands of soldiers in some of the most difficult terrain in the world is no joke and requires millions of dollars every year. It is sad that America seems to have forgotten the sacrifices given by the men of the Pakistan army in the war against terror.
There is no denying that the situation we now find ourselves in is a difficult one. However, it can also be seen as a blessing in disguise because if we are able to weather, it we will come out self-reliant. For starters, consider the Taliban. If the US and other western allies can negotiate and talk to them, what is stopping us from considering the same thing?
In the meantime, we should approach our friend China to come to our rescue since it has always stood by us in testing times. And if at some stage the US decides to end the suspension, we should politely decline the aid. Nations with some self-respect do not accept dictates of other nations.
Lt-Col (retd) Mukhtar Ahmed Butt
Published in The Express Tribune, July 13th, 2011.
