Tayyab Siddiqui
The time is approaching fast when the US-Pak relations will be at a cross roads. The US leadership, be it in the Capitol Hill or White House, while recognising the key role of Pakistan in the success of its AF-Pak strategy, remains oblivious of Pakistan’s concerns that the trust deficit, acknowledged by both sides, is widening. There are stirring statements from President Obama down to a State department functionary that the US is determined not to repeat the mistakes of the past and that it will remain a partner and strong supporter of Pakistan’s solidarity and prosperity. President Obama declared that “America will remain a strong supporter of Pakistan’s security and prosperity long after the guns have fallen silent”. however, the Pakistanis are not convinced. The reason for this trust deficit and suspicion with regard to each other’s intentions and actions are not far to seek.
The chequered history of bilateral relations during the last six decades bears out the fact that the US has been fickle in its policy and unreliable in its commitments. Following the 9/11 tragedy and Pakistan’s pivotal role in the success of the US’ strategy, there have been quite a few occasions when this partnership has come under serious strains. President Bush visited Pakistan in February 2006 and affirmed that the long term strategic partnership between the two countries is “based on the shared interest in promoting peace and security”. The commitment included “wide ranging strategic dialogue under the strategic partnership including increased trade and investment, assistance to Pakistan’s growing energy needs and build a robust defence relationship to meet Pakistan’s legitimate defence needs”. Support for Pakistan’s social sector such as health, education, science and technology etc. was also promised, along with a mechanism and a time frame to achieve these objectives. It is a matter of record that neither of the commitments has been addressed seriously.
Not only that no meaningful action has since been taken to implement the decisions contained in the joint communiqué, but discriminatory and humiliating treatment of Pakistan has periodically occurred. Despite Pakistan’s critical energy needs, Bush declined nuclear cooperation with Pakistan along the Indian model stating “Pakistan and India are different countries with different needs and different histories”. The Obama administration has followed the same policy and no other US cooperation or initiative has been noted in the energy sector. Indeed Pakistan is under pressure to abandon agreement with Iran on the Iran-Pakistan-India gas pipeline. Equally disappointing has been the inaction on the bilateral investment treaty and concessional terms for trade. These references highlight, why the US has lost its credibility and that its declaration of friendship and partnership is taken with a pinch of salt.
In total disregard to Pakistan’s sensitivity and sovereignty, the US has launched drone attacks in the tribal areas with impunity ignoring the official protests. The drone attacks have not only created severe strains, but have also enraged the Pakistani masses and in the process fuelled anti-Americanism.
The Pakistan-US partnership is weak and fragile and cannot sustain any more unilateral actions. The US has been cautioned of the impending crisis both by Zardari and Gilani who have also conveyed Pakistan’s concerns to the stream of high level delegations visiting Pakistan frequently. President Zardari, to underscore the importance of these issues, had addressed a three-page letter to President Obama in December 2009 briefing him on the state of bilateral relations and of Pakistan’s concerns and core interests. The missive remains without response.
The US Congress and media make much fuss on the $1.5billion annual assistance, ignoring the fact that Pakistan has suffered a loss of $35billion due to this war on terror. Military operation in Swat Valley alone has cost Pakistan $2.5billion. As much as 2953 security personnel have sacrificed their lives in this war on terror, which initially was not Pakistan’s war.
If the US is really interested to have a long term relationship with Pakistan it must honour the promises and commitments to make an average Pakistani believe in President Obama’s pledge that “we are committed to a partnership with Pakistan that is built on a foundation of mutual interest, mutual respect and mutual trust”.
The writer is a former ambassador.Email: m.tayyab.siddiqui@gmail.com
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