Pak-US relations have gradually deteriorated over the last few months, hitting the nadir after the Davis affair. This should concern both the countries because this hurts their cooperation in the war against terrorism. Measures need to be taken to resolve the differences while realising that it takes two to tango. As CIA Director Leon Panetta said during a testimony at US Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, the relationship between the two countries is very complicated. Both sides, however, tend to view the complications in the perspective of their respective national interests which is natural. There is, however, a need on their part to find how the others vital concerns can be addressed as well. Instead of fretting about Pakistans nuclear assets as a complicating issue, a more realistic way would be to help resolve the Kashmir issue and support moves aimed at making South Asia a nuclear-free region. Unless US policy makers rethink their policies regarding Kashmir and Israel, it will be highly unpopular for governments in Muslim countries to dismantle outfits which identify themselves with the liberation of oppressed Muslim communities.
Most of all, the US has to treat its allies with respect and avoid issuing commands. The way it repeatedly made demands for the urgent and unconditional release of Raymond Davis was bound to cause popular resentment; all the more so when officials in Washington had shown lack of clarity about Davis actual status themselves. Instead of calling on Pakistan to stop fomenting anti-Americanism, as Hilary Clinton has done, attempts should have been made to resolve the issue in line with Pakistani law and social customs.
It is in the interest of both the US and Pakistan to cleanse the region of terrorists. It is also equally important to strengthen democracy in Pakistan. Pressures on Islamabad that could destabilise the system have to be strictly avoided. Islamabads reservations regarding a military operation in North Waziristan have to be taken into account. Washington realises that Islamabads cooperation has helped keep Al-Qaeda at its weakest point since 9/11. What it needs to understand is that only willing cooperation by Pakistan can lead to the required pressure to push the Taliban towards the negotiating table and away from Al-Qaeda which suits both the countries.
