The air is laden ‘with optimism and hope’
Since Osama bin Laden was taken out in Abbottabad, the Pak-US relations have mostly been a roller-coaster affair. After a tumultuous 2011 and a relatively less volatile 2012, the belligerence between Pakistan and United States has gradually been replaced by a calmer outlook. As Nawaz Sharif sets foot in Washington for his first official visit of his third term – as reported by a cross section of the US media, the vibes emanating from the Obama administration are quite positive, and the air is laden “with optimism and hope” in both sets of cabinet officials. To ease Pakistan’s financial crunch, the US government has already sought and obtained approvals from the Congress for the previously blocked military and economic aid totaling around of $1.6 billion in bits over the past few months. This reflects that even when the Pakistani prime minister’s visit was nowhere in sight, the US administration was preparing for the concessions in anticipation. This in turn suggests that Pakistan has leverage in the US capital.
The Pakistan government has played a major role in normalization of relations. The US and NATO supply routes to Afghanistan were reopened and with the drawdown approaching, the US has been facilitated in starting a dialogue process with the Taliban. The Pak-US strategic dialogue too has recommenced after a rather longish break. From the US side, the drone strikes that so raise the Pakistani hackles have diminished a great deal.
Despite the apparent warmth, a careful read reflects caveats between the lines. The aid, much needed by Pakistan, would flow but it would only be determined by the outcome of the October 23 talks between Obama and Sharif. On top of the agenda for NS is economy while the US administration is obviously is intent on bringing Pakistan round to its point of view on issues of security – both in Afghanistan and in the region. But security is deeply linked with economy. And NS must by now have realized that without it Pakistan cannot expect the lifeblood, the local as well as foreign investment from anywhere – west or east. And without this critical force multiplier, the growth cannot be put on an upward trajectory. So, while the US’ priorities are security-centric, it should as well top Pakistan’s agenda. While there may not be similarity of views on how to go about it, Pakistan must earnestly pursue this objective. One hopes that all said and done, both sides would agree to work on shared interests, showing flexibility on issues that create misunderstanding and cause damage.