A simmering down

EDITORIAL:Daily Times

The seemingly precarious dance at the edge of the precipice between Pakistan and the US looks as though it is toning down in intensity. Various statements are being issued from different quarters on how the tensions have simmered down and how both sides are actively “engaged” to decrease the irritants. US Special Representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan Marc Grossman has said that the Pak-US relationship is an important one and that the US will not end it. These are comforting words indeed but one must not take complete solace in them as there are still calls coming in from the US for tough action. Support is growing at an unsettling rate in rhe US Congress for military action in Pakistan beyond the drone strikes if the country does not get serious about combating terrorism, particularly the Haqqani network. The US’s highest military commander, Admiral Mike Mullen, is standing by his statement that the Haqqani network is the “veritable arm” of Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence Agency (ISI), a blunt statement that Washington seems to be backing irrespective of the calls for diffusing tensions.

It is evident that, while the Americans believe that the Pakistani military-intelligence establishment has ties to the Haqqani group, it is making efforts not to allow a complete breakdown in relations. That is why there are, at times, conflicting statements — both soft and harsh in nature. The Americans are convinced of our double-faced policies and have wisened up to how they have been ‘played’ for a number of years. While the White House may consider Mullen’s statement harsh and particularly blunt, it also realises that distancing itself from Mullen will not serve the US’s interests. The bottom line? The US will make efforts to remain on friendly — or cordial — relations with us but will keep on demanding tougher action against the Haqqani network, their most dreaded enemy because of its attacks on US troops in Afghanistan.

Meanwhile, in Pakistan, the All Parties Conference (APC) was held yesterday. The Prime Minister has asked the country’s 180 million people to stand united to protect the sovereignty and integrity of the country. And who exactly are we standing united against one may ask. The Americans who, until now, were our allies and biggest financiers? Are we really staging an entire conference with all political parties of the country on board to tell the big, bad Americans that we will not take a stand against the militants? The same militants that have been wreaking havoc against our own people in our own country? This does not sound like responsible political decision-making. Instead, it sounds like an agenda set by the very establishment the US is accusing. The APC is meant to come up with key political solutions, not toe lines or priorities set by any other body or establishment.

It was clear, even before it began, that the APC is nothing more than a political-cum-media circus aimed at telling the US who is boss. We all know who decides policy when it comes to foreign and security matters.. The shrill defiance being touted by the political leadership is synonymous with the defiance being shown by the military.

Although it is unlikely that there will be a mega showdown with US boots on the ground in Pakistan, we should not take the accusations lightly. The drone attacks could definitely intensify and aid could be cut substantially. The terrorists, whether of the Haqqani ilk or other, are no friends of anyone. It is better to have a friendly ally and benefactor than an unruly and untrustworthy ‘friend’ for ‘strategic’ purposes. *