"Who dares think one thing, and another tell,My heart detests him asthe gates of hell." The US-led Nato forces have once again crossed the red line by attacking the Salalah check post, which led to the untimely death of 28 Pakistani soldiers. As usual, those who are responsible for the naked aggression have issued routine apologies, promising to hold an inquiry into the incident. As far as Pakistan is concerned, this unprovoked attack displays the American mindset, which has resulted in a strong and swift reaction from the civilian and military leadership. To begin with, the Defence Committee, headed by Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani, has asked the US to vacate the Shamsi Airbase. At the same time, it has decided to cut off supply lines to US and Nato troops in Afghanistan. This was least expected from Islamabad; and now it will not be easy for the government to restore these facilities. On a previous occasion, it restored the supply line (Nato containers) under US pressure. These supply lines are critical for the US and Nato forces in Afghanistan and their permanent closure can hurt Washingtons plans against its enemies. However, the Americans have already been looking for new routes. The US, who has been playing a double game with Pakistan since long, for the first time, has been caught in a vicious act. It will not be easy for it to explain the reason behind the Salalah attack to Islamabad. The Americans, who have been demanding that Pakistan expand its military operation against the Taliban and, at the same time, conducting secret negotiations with different militant groups in Afghanistan, will have to answer some tough questions after the massacre of 28 Pakistani soldiers. Undoubtedly, this attack amounts to murder and must be dealt with according to Pakistans laws. The US administration has virtually reneged on its commitments and obligations made to Pakistan, besides defaulting on the payments of the Coalition Support Fund. Also, Washington through its media has deliberately downgraded the country's efforts and sacrifices in the war on terror, which has resulted in giving rise to anti-Pakistan sentiments among the Americans in the US. Recently, several high-ranking US officials have issued hostile statements against Pakistan assuming that by intimidating it they can to force its leadership to act according to their wishes. However, Pakistani leadership has bravely refused to toe the line and stood up to all sorts of pressure telling them bluntly that it will not compromise on national interests. Also, the civilian and military leadership is well aware about USAs notorious design, which is to promote Indian hegemony in the region. Therefore, it has decided to follow an independent policy, rather than pursue the previous one designed by Dictator Musharraf. It is also well aware of Washingtons decision not to support Pakistan at forums like the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF); so the time to provide undue concessions to the US administration is over. This incident, indeed, has provided an opportunity to Islamabad to renegotiate the terms and conditions with the US on the situation in Afghanistan and other economic issues. It will not be the US or Pakistans interest to completely cut off their relationship. For its survival, however, it would be essential to rewrite the terms and conditions between the two countries. For example, the Americans have enjoyed concessions in custom duties and the provision of cheap petrol for its troops in Afghanistan; this must now be withdrawn. Yet, if logistic support for the foreign troops in Afghanistan needs to be revived, it should be purely on commercial lines. Although some analysts argue that such an arrangement will result in short-term benefits for Pakistan, the present political and security environment demands that it provides no undue concessions to the US. Furthermore, the leadership in Islamabad must ensure that those who are responsible for the killing of Pakistani soldiers must be punished so that such incidents do not occur in future. It would be preferable, if a team comprising American and Pakistani officials is constituted to investigate it. The USA has been pursuing a unilateral policy throughout the world so far, in which its troops have committed human rights violations and were never prosecuted that led to its continuation without hindrance. Therefore, the administration in Washington must understand punishing those who are responsible for the heinous crime will definitely support its long-term interests in the region. But it must be understood that any attempt to push the issue under the carpet, will not be acceptable to the people of Pakistan. Our government is well within its right not to restore the supply lines till the time satisfactory answers are provided about the incident by the US administration. Moreover, the US should ease the restrictions that it has imposed on the provision of equipment required by Pakistani military to fight the war on terror. This time round the Americans have to come straight and clean, otherwise relations will continue to spiral down that will not be in anyones interest. An even-handed American policy between Pakistan and India can also help restore confidence, which has eroded in the Pak-US relations. In case the Americans fail to show visible progress through its actions, the strain that continues to increase between the two nations may not ease in the near future. In fact, it will only prolong the international communitys effort in the Afghan war, thereby, putting additional economic strain on Pakistan and other countries. That may result in further disillusionment, creating the spectre of isolation not only for Pakistan, but also the US - a proposition that will only strengthen extremism in the region and spread violence in several parts of the world. The writer has been associated with various newspapers as editor and columnist. At present, he hosts a political programme on Pakistan Television. Email: zarnatta@hotmail.com