The Pak-US strategic dialogue to be held on March 24 is significant in more ways than one.
Not only is it the first such interaction under the Obama administration but also it comes at a time when US has just begun to feel that its trust for Pakistan is strengthening.
Some of this gap has been bridged by the recent high level militant arrests from Pakistan.
The fact that United States has expressed willingness to speak to Pakistan, a country that it has always considered a difficult challenge to deal with, is an indication that the disconnect between the two has a chance of being corrected.
While US views these talks as a first step towards advanced strategic friendship, Pakistani side has high hopes from this visit.
Among issues such as economic development, aid, energy and water- Pakistan desires to settle the controversial Drone strikes issue with the US.
Many in Pakistan have been wondering why the US has been delaying the aid package to Pakistan.
US on its part wants a strong democracy in Pakistan.
But the buzz in the diplomatic quarters that Army Chief General Kayani is to play a dominating role in these strategic talks might not be seen as being in line with the demands of Kerry Lugar Bill.
US finds it reminiscent of dictatorship in Pakistan.
Shah Mahmood Qureshi has been speaking of asking the US to do more this time around. As Secretary Clinton prepares to welcome her counterpart with open arms, it remains to be seen how the two sides will be able to redefine their strategic relationship that can benefit the two nations and the region.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment