Ambiguity seems to be the key constituent of the US policy with regards to Pakistan. That nothing much can happen in terms of security without the US’ consent is apparent, but what the US actually wants is still an enigma considering the frenzy of blurred statements directed towards Pakistan lately.
Pakistan has certainly not done enough – not in the war on terror – but for its own national interest. Before embarking upon the endless voyage of a US-led venture, it should have settled a few pre-conditions and adhered to them too, such as allowing Pakistan access to international markets in return for using its territory for the WoT, the demand to strike a nuclear deal for agreeing to enter this US-imposed war. The Pakistani gullibility of thinking that the US would not let them down this time is so annoyingly repulsive.
But things can still be reversed, albeit partially. It’s time that Pakistan also imposed some pre-conditions, as the US is doing, and force the US to keep its side of the deal this time. After all, every nation is compelled to act according to its own national interest.
Binary relations are born and strengthened when certain interests converge. If it’s a military offensive that the US needs, then let it come only after the US has addressed the nuclear deal issue according to the Pakistani desires. Let the peace process be initiated only when Pakistan’s water woes are resolved for good this time. Let’s do more only after the Kashmiris gain their right of freedom. Let the lives of our soldiers not go for a waste this time. Let’s wake up and demand what we should have done a decade ago.
DR SAFA RAHMAN
Islamabad
