The winds of change draw closer to home
Donald Trump’s victory speech was aimed at healing the wounds inflicted during one of the most acrimonious presidential campaigns in the US history. Going back on what he had said earlier, Trump praised Clinton for her services to the country. He assured that he would be the President of all Americans and work for all irrespective of their colour or race. He also assured that he would work together with all the nations who were willing to play ball. He promised to undertake development work and improve the economy. The speech has started reviving the world financial markets which had slumped earlier. What remains to be seen is whether the new administration can also reunite a society which has been badly polarised during the campaign.
Trump’s disrespect for diplomatic norms has alarmed many countries. His fiery and even racist rhetoric caused worries among US allies about the future direction of US foreign policy and presence in East Asia. Trump sent highly negative signals to Japan and South Korea while his stance towards China was exceedingly aggressive. The establishment in the US discourages radical views. One hopes that the detailed briefings the President-elect would soon receive from CIA, FBI, the US army and other important institutions would soften some of his rough edges.
The twin issues of terrorism and an expanding nuclear stockpile have led to a gradual worsening of Pak-US relations since 2011. The Obama administration pressured Pakistan to take action against the Haqqani network and leaders of JuD and JeM and to put an end to the existence of terrorists safe havens in Pakistan. Washington also expressed concern about Pakistan’s expanding nuclear programme in the background of Pak-India tensions. Finally the Bush administration cut down Pakistan’s security aid by 73pc from nearly $1.3 billion in 2011 to $343m in 2015 while the US economic aid declined from nearly $1.2bn in 2011 to $561m in 2015. Trump fully shares the two concerns of the Obama administration. What is likely to happen in dealings with Pakistan is that an iron hand will replace the kid gloves.
