The outcome of discussions between Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar and Senator John Kerry, Chairman Senate Foreign Relations Committee in Washington on Thursday could be termed as ‘very encouraging’. The two sides demonstrated great understanding while listening to each other’s point of view alongside underscoring the need for building mutual trust to overcome the strains in the bilateral and strategic relations. It was further encouraging to note that Senator Kerry opposed the move by some congressmen to cut off all aid for Pakistan while arguing that such attempts did not provide the way forward in the relationship.  John Kerry’s remarks: “Walking away is simply not the option and we are not going to do that”, speaks volumes about how much the United States need Pakistan if the on-going war on terror has to be won. Hina Khar also shared with Kerry the anger and anguish caused by making of the blasphemous film. The US Senator did not mince his words while condemning, in strong words, the sacrilegious contents in the said film. He accepted the right to protest by the Muslims across the world while saying, “there is no room for violence and taking lives. One only hopes that the Pakistani delegation attending the United Nations General Assembly session headed by President Asif Ali Zardari would join the efforts by other Muslim states.