Does the US really consider Pakistan as a reliable ally in the war on terror as it sometimes claims or is it a mere ruse? Given its track record, we find such overtures coming only in times of need and then the inevitable happens when the US again resorts to threats and arm-twisting once the need abates. Quite obviously, it does not treat us with respect and trust that we are worthy of, mainly because of our close friendship with China and our being a nuclear power. In fact, this is the touchstone of US foreign policy since long. In pursuit of its global goals, it will gladly befriend any country that can help to realise them though will unhesitatingly release it from its embrace and let it go when another is a better choice.
FAROOQ ZAMAN
Lahore
