Relations, or friendships, as politicians like to call them have remained edgy between Pakistan and the US for the last six months. High level contacts have dotted the alliance between the war-time partners, yet misalignment of interests hinders significant progress for both.
It was only a fly-by visit to Pakistan by the US Vice President Joe Biden this week. Yet, Islamabad was buzzing as the visiting dignitary met the top leadership of the country, the President, Prime Minister and the all-important head of Army, in a matter of just six hours.
Diplomacy was at its peak, as the tone remained difficult to judge. While some sections of the media read a toughening stance, other saw the visit as conciliatory.
It was more sticks than carrots, this time around, as the voices of do more surfaced yet again. Urging Pakistan to initiate a military operation in North Waziristan was seen as the important issue on the table. Pakistan has resisted the calls thus and maintains that it will launch operations on its own timetable.
"An operation in North Waziristan is not viable until cross-border infiltration is dealt-with effectively. Previous experience of regrouping is a major obstacle for any successful operation in the region," commented Dr. Shaista Tabassum, Professor and Head of International Relations at the University of Karachi.
The pressure on Pakistan to act now, was piled further with a briefing on Thursday from Admiral Mike Mullen. Mullen said that alleged safe-havens within Pakistan must be eliminated and that the situation in the region would worsen before improving in 2011.
"No words were minced in the visit, as Joe Biden is candid and forthright in putting the American agenda on the table, and its intentions support any operation with support through equipment and funds" remarked seasoned military strategist, Talat Masood.
An image building campaign, which the US leadership has to tirelessly lead, saw Mr Biden dispel misconceptions about the short-term intentions of the superpower in the region. He emphasised the civilian aid packages and emergency funds in the aftermath of the floods as signs of Americas commitment to the Pakistani public.
"As long as aerial attacks on Pakistanis continue, it will be very difficult to develop the softer image that American leaders have tried long to establish in Pakistan," says Dr Tabassum.
The fragility of economic reforms came under the spotlight as well during the conversation. Leaders in Islamabad are likely to have asked for support on backtracking on promised policy directions with the IMF.
Public opinion in Pakistan remains suspicious of American assurances of a long-term relationship. Wounds from recent history in the region are yet to heal.
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