Distrust is and has always been, by all means, the operative word in the Pak-US relations paradigm. We owe this to the turbulent history of cooperation between the two nations which was primarily transactional and based on a milk-it-while-it-lasts mode of thinking. These relations are again not so hunky dory and they couldnt have picked a worse time. As things in Afghanistan stand, this state of suspicion between the two disaffected allies could be the undoing of even the best-laid plans for the region.
Pakistan has probably lost more than it has gained from the US and its Allies in the ongoing war on terror. President Zardari very rightly pointed out in his interview to The Guardian that the destabilising effects of the Afghan war are spilling over into Pakistan. What happens in Afghanistan, doesnt stay in Afghanistan; Pakistans state-of-affairs is living proof. He also said that US politicians do not fully understand the impact US policies have on Pakistan. These errors and lack of understanding were also acknowledged by Mr Munter in his statement who stressed the renewal of ties. These statements were made on the eve of the ISI Chiefs departure for the US for key strategic talks with the CIA Chief. Pakistan, being a deep state animated by security concerns since its very inception, this meeting may very well be more important than those of government officials as foreign policy drafting is scarcely the sole preserve of our democratically elected leadership. Our US and Afghan foreign policy can hardly be extricated from the military strategy in the war on terror and security concerns will and do get preference in any policy.
The WikiLeaks fiasco, the Davis debacle and the White House report raising doubts about Pakistan’s sincerity in defeating terrorism have only exposed what everybody already knew i.e. the double-gaming going on. Both have gripes and with good cause. The US has always suspected that Pakistans establishment uses the Afghan Taliban as proxy and withholds intelligence while Pakistan rightly suspects that America will ditch it completely once it exits the region. Moreover, the US heavy-handed approach in dealing with the issue of Davis, drone attacks and the NWA operation has earned it no fans. In this mess, Mr Munters statement is thus making the right noise. It remains to be seen whether recent events will contribute to any significant development and a long-term paradigm shift. A rethink is not only necessary but urgently necessary. Peace and success in the region depend on it.
