Zeeshan Adhi The deaths of Pakistani soldiers at the hands of Nato forces has angered and saddened the entire nation. Under no circumstances is the killing of jawans acceptable to Pakistanis, and this has become fairly evident in the last few days. It has also become clear that Pakistanis as a nation continue to stand behind their armed forces. Nevertheless, this very unfortunate episode appears to have serious consequences for the relations between Pakistan and the United States. It appears that the relationship between the two countries is at its lowest ebb, and the general mood, especially in Pakistan, is quite anti-American. This trend is entirely unsatisfactory for both the countries. Despite this anti-American wave that surrounds the nation, the two countries are entirely reliant upon each other and a breakdown of the relationship between the two will be catastrophic. There are certain facts, however unpleasant, which must be acknowledged both by Pakistan and the United States. On the one hand, Pakistan, including its army, is highly dependent upon American aid including, but not limited to military aid. Similarly, as the Wikileaks cables have so eloquently revealed, Pakistani politicians look towards the Americans before taking any major decision, and do tend to get Americas nod before any policy shift. As bitter as this may sound, it is nothing but the truth. On the other hand, the United States of America is also substantially reliant upon Pakistan and its army. It is engaged in a war in Afghanistan, which appears to be a perpetual venture with no end in sight. The Americans are aware that they cannot afford to commit the mistake of leaving Afghanistan without a proper development and peace framework. They also understand that they cannot establish long-term peace in Afghanistan unless Washington has the GHQ on its side, and is willing to accommodate Rawalpindis concerns. It, therefore, goes without saying that the two countries have to maintain an ongoing rapport and the mistrust between them has to be alleviated. This can only happen if the strategic partnership between the two is redefined. The partnership, thus far, has not been based on ground realities, and has failed to take account of the objectives and concerns of each country. Both States need to show the willingness to restructure this relationship, while considering and understanding each others perspective. For example, Washington will have to be told, in so many clear words, that an Afghanistan with a pro-Indian government, and with the Afghan Pashtuns completely sidelined, is not acceptable to Islamabad. It is a strategic blunder that Pakistan cannot afford to commit. The Americans will also have to understand the repercussions of a pro-Indian government in Afghanistan. Surely, it is not in the interest of United States to have an unstable South Asian region. Similarly, Islamabad will also have to be forthcoming in telling Washington that while it is committed to eradicating terrorism, and in eliminating the operations of terrorist groups in Pakistan, at the end of the day, any such effort will result in utter failure unless it is accompanied by talks with all stakeholders, and with a sincere effort to bring the Afghan Pashtuns, including moderate Talibans, in the mainstream Kabul government. In the same vein, Washington will have to express its sincerity in coming to a mutually acceptable solution in Afghanistan: A solution that is acceptable to all stakeholders, including the Afghan Pashtuns and the Pakistani army. Both countries will have to accommodate each others concerns and address each others anxieties. I am, like many other Pakistanis, dejected by the death of Pakistani jawans. It also distresses me that Pakistan has suffered the most in this war, including being subjected to the highest number of civilian casualties in terrorist attacks, and having suffered significant collateral damage to civilians and property in the drone attacks. This is partly because Pakistan has provided unconditional support to the United States in this war. This is not to say that it is Americas war; the war against terrorism is Pakistans war too, but sadly, yet surely, it cannot be won on the battleground; the solution will have to be found on tables and through discussions. That said, I am also acutely aware of the fact that the United States is a strategic partner of Pakistan and provides considerable financial aid to the country. It is often forgotten that America was the largest donor to Pakistan during the 2010 floods and continues to invest heavily in the country. Over the years, the American aid to Pakistan has been substantial to say the least. Needless to say that both the countries have invested heavily in this relationship and a breakdown at this stage will be a loss of both the nations, as well as their respective peoples. The United States of America is dealing with a country with an impeccable army and a nation with an unimpeachable sense of pride. It is inconceivable that the deaths of Pakistani jawans will be forgotten. It is not only fair and conscientious, but also just and equitable that the Nato and the Americans apologise for the deaths of Pakistani soldiers. The Americans must show such grace. Subsequently, this can be used as an opportunity to redefine the strategic partnership between the two countries, based on a candid understanding of each others objectives. It is improbable that Pakistan and the United States can pursue their goals in the region without accommodating each other, and without acceding to each others preferences. To this end, one can wish that the two countries will use this as an opportunity to re-examine and ameliorate their long-term partnership. The writer is a practicing barrister based in Karachi where he also teaches law. The views expressed in this article are solely his own, and not those of the institutions he is associated with. Email: zeeshanadhi@hotmail.com