A softening tone

The state and nature of relations between Pakistan and the US fluctuate frequently


Editorial December 15, 2017

The state and nature of relations between Pakistan and the US fluctuate frequently. Two months ago with the announcement of the new US strategy relative to Afghanistan and the alleged presence of safe havens within our borders the tone was bellicose. Today a softer line is emerging. Reports that Russian support for the laying of an offshore gas pipeline is being supported by the US are a case in point. It might have been expected that the US, a rival of Russia everywhere one looks, would oppose the move. Quite the contrary, with the US Agency for International Development (USAID) saying that any donor investment, no matter the source that boosts the Pakistan economy and improves the lives of the people of Pakistan, has its support.

It appears that the recent visit of US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson was not just to shake the big stick on safe havens, with support for education, health and infrastructure on the agenda. There is a quickening of interest in faster fixes in the energy sector, with renewables high on the agenda. A wind farm can be up, running, and producing in 18 months from a standing start. A dam may take 10 to 15 years from start to finish. Private sector investors like that.

Another quietly positive move is the signing of the $700 billion defence bill by President Trump that includes up to $700 million for Pakistan to reimburse Pakistan for its support for US military operations in Afghanistan. As recently as a month ago the threat was to end completely all reimbursements, and a wheeling out of the ‘do more’ mantra. Today, and un-trumpeted, a reversal and not a word of approbation. There remains the issue of certification by Defence Secretary Mattis who needs to sign off that Pakistan is indeed compliant in the do-more department. US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said recently that he does not enjoy dealing with Pakistan but recognised the importance of the relationship and the need to reach an uneasy amity. None of this is a rosy dawn, but all of it is better than dark clouds.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 15th, 2017.

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