Statements by US Ambassador Cameron Munter as well as State Department Spokesperson Victoria Nuland on Pak-US relations and the state of alliance in the ongoing war on terror merit close attention. These observations at least on the face of it aim to project a friendly image of the US to counter the ever growing anti-Americanism in Pakistan.
Victoria Nuland’s statement that ‘divorce’ is not an option in ties with Pakistan, demonstrates that while Washington might not want to abandon us, leading to a complete estrangement, it also is not considering seriously the Pakistani desire to distance itself from the War on Terror. Since the US has vital strategic goals to achieve that are particularly linked with its military presence in Afghanistan it has been using Pakistan as a steppingstone towards that end. So why would the US want a divorce? But our leaders have also been ineffective to the point that the Americans have started taking our help for granted. The US Ambassador, therefore, should not be blamed for assuming that Pakistani politicians do not want the Americans to pull out from their country. The Ambassador, however, confessed that relations soured after the Raymond Davis incident and deteriorated further after Operation Geronimo and continued drone attacks. Also he confessed that US leaders have failed to fulfil their promises. His words are a strong indictment of US dealing with Pakistan and his has been cited as "the most difficult diplomatic position in the world". The Tina Turner philosophy - 'What's Love Got To Do With It?' Is the main fault with the US strategy. Assuming that Pakistanis are going to chime in with the calculated long-term goals the ambassadors says are common between the two countries is a mistake. Pakistanis value loyalty and are unflinchingly loyal themselves. But such a marriage of convenience does not suit them. A partnership with respect on both sides, because while White House Spokesperson is ruling out the option of divorce, with the promise of not being betrayed, is what they expect. Anything less than that and it's no use. Tina Turner and the Ambassador are getting it wrong.
This policy, started with General Musharraf who jumped aboard the War ship following a telephone call, continues to this day although with a slight aberration, as exemplified by the ban on Nato goods. While relations with the US are important if not a necessity, they must be maintained on the basis of equality. Our national interests, security and sovereignty must receive precedence over everything else. And until the US abandons its Tina Turner philosophy, it will continue to fail with getting through to Pakistan.