The formidable post-Osama challenge confronting Pakistan is too obvious to need any description. My debilitating anxiety is based on the fact that this challenge is growing by every day of the week. The growth of the monster is faster than most of us can imagine. The problem is that thegrowth of our imagination has been stunted by our collective failure to place reason above dogma and elevate critical inquiry over sycophancy. An extremist mindset cannot see developments clearly, much less see the whole picture. The matching response is conspicuous by its absence. I am happy over the unanimous resolution passed by the joint session of parliament but there are many a slip between the cup and the lips. How shall we implement this bold resolution remains a big question mark in the minds of critical observers here and abroad. Initially Pakistan allied itself with the United States to offset the danger of a much bigger neighbour. The consequences turned out to be contrary to our miscalculated expectations. Then we added China to our diplomatic armour which was a good decision, perhaps the only sane decision of foreign policy wizards. After the death of OBL and threats of punitive action from WashingtonPakistan has lately tilted towardsRussian Federation. This time around we are afraid of two major powers, which are USA and India especially after the former does not trust us any more. In my opinion a foreign policy grounded in fear can be foreign but it cant be called a policy. This cold war paradigm has failed to protect our national interest. Our post Abbottabad response should be normalization with our eastern neighbour to send a clear message to the world that Pakistan is key to emerging South Asia as aregional superpower. I am acutely aware of reservations to my proposed response because old mindsets do not change instantly. The economic and security benefits of the shift suggested by me are more than obvious and need not be elaborated in this brief comment. B A MALIK, Islamabad, May 15.