Extremism, corruption, and finally unprecedented floods have badly devastated the country. Faced with the scourge of extremism, our image has been further tarnished around the world. War against extremism, has numerous dynamics and geographical implications. The atomic Pakistan, is now being pressurized to do more by the international community led by the US ignoring all ground and historical realities. At the same time, drones are bombing our tribal areas. Its fallout has badly affected Pakistan as it generate a severe backlash against the country. It also has economic implications and foreign investors are loath to invest in Pakistan. We should rethink our alliance with the US especially since its Do More mantra is never going to come to an end. The pity is that the Western leaders like David Cameron openly badmouths Pakistan. The US forces just like the Russians have been humiliated and beaten up by the brave Afghans. Now they are on the run and indeed want Pakistan to clean up the mess left behind. Islamabad under the circumstances must secure its national interests. It ought to realize that the Americans are in the process of packing up and leaving the country and time would not be far away when it would be left to fend for itself in the region. It must be assured that the Indians who have no role in Afghanistan are also taken out of the country and under no circumstances should they be allowed to create unrest in Pakistan. Last but not least we must remember that on account of close cultural and religious ties we share with the Afghan people and most importantly because of our geographical proximity, we have to co- exist with Afghanistan. It is a reality that cannot be wished away. Meanwhile the world community rather than rubbing salt on our wound by slinging mud on us must help us cope with the flood disaster. Shahid Majeed , Lahore, August 25.