I just wonder what Pakistan has done which is in its best interest. WoT and drone strikes, are over and over again said by many people, that its not working well for Pakistan. Still what they are doing about it ?
Let me correct my statement. Pakistan OUGHT to act in her best interests and while there have been leaderships that placed emphasis on this, we are currently bogged down by a "democracy" whose civilian servants' loyalties and judgement are at times questionable (and suspect)
We do have some bright minds in power (e.g. Hafeez Sheikh, Nadim ul Haq, etc.) but due to politics and domestic issues they have little room to do their work.
When I talk about energy resources, I mean these resources which are used to generate electricity. Lets forget electricity and load shedding which is a major issue for Pakistani economy. We all know how much resource Pakistan have, much more than India. But where is the utilization of these resources ? Why Pakistan is facing this problem ? Don't tell me its the stupid Zardari govt. and what not, as you have had these resources since the beginning and still no effort to get your own resources. In 65 years, you had many govts., no one took the task to utilize these resources.
you're asking the same question that a lot of Pakistanis themselves should be asking
(i.e. thanks for that!)
Where is utilization of these resources? Well there are political issues (e.g. a low level insurgency in Balochistan); the exorbitant costs involved to extract things like shale gas (requires foreign investors....who the f*ck in their right mind wants to invest in a country if they feel it's dangerous and unstable).....we have the means to connect China to Central Asia and by extension Eurasia. But nothing materializes because of the unstable nature of the region; the corruption; and foreign interference/pressure (which the spineless bunch in Islamabad can't seem to shake off or at least contain it)
We know how much influence US have on World Bank and IMF. If you are told, US have no influence, then I am fine with it. How can I change your ideal assumptions.
You don't need to. I'm not stupid. On IMF actually the Europeans have more say and leverage, traditionally.
As for technology, nuclear plants and fighter aircraft doesn't mean you are independent of US. Even China is still dependent on US for many technological issues but they are trying to build everything by themselves. Just look at chip industry. They are trying to build their own. I think Pakistan is no way near China's ability. So Pakistan will depend on US and other western nations for few more years to come.
i never implied that we are independent of US....re-read what I wrote.
Theyre a major export market of ours so obviously a sudden "cut-off" would be detrimental to our economy though nobody here I dont think is talking about "cut-offs" and what not
US dictated their terms when they forced you to join WoT. What did people do ? Still part of this messy war.
The US was like a wounded, hungry bear just after 9/11....a large animal acts irrational when they are injured and/or feeling under threat.
The US didnt act rationally, in my opinion. In fairness - they did HAVE to respond in order to project and show strength. But they went about doing it in a reckless, emotional fashion.
And yes, we're still part of this messy war and we will continue until anti-State elements are either eradicated or at least minimized to a point they could be controlled and manageable.
Are you saying that if US gives Pakistan the ultimatum that sanctions will be imposed if Pakistan imports gas from Iran, Pakistan will not back down ?
If I were in power? Hell no we wouldnt back down. Iran is a Muslim country, they are our neighbour. They were first to recognize Pakistan's independence. But I'm not in charge. So to answer your question, NO I am not saying that.
Oh by the way, a veiled threat was already issued to Pakistan. But there have been no talks to scrap or delay the project thus far. Construction is already taking place.
Being the weaker side, our bozos in Islamabad have to contend with photo-opps and ambiguous statements on state media.
You should also factor in the fact that post 2014, there won't be any leverage Pakistan will have on US in form of supply lines.
You should also factor in the fact that post 2014 that military stuff will have to be brought back to the mainland; moreover, non-military goods (most of which go through Torkham) would need to continue in circulation.
Post 2014 we wont need leverage over USA vis-a-vis Afghanistan because hopefully by then someone more 'friendly' will be replacing the emotionally unstable puppet of Kabul. (i'll get back to you on that one when the time actually comes up). The only thing keeping him afloat is the Americans and we all know that the puppet of Kabul's overall "utility" is waning.
I understand all your points regarding resources, US, China and all......but lets be realistic here. We aren't living in 1990s. Pakistan is now facing some of the most challenging problems. I don't think going against US will help Pakistan.
It's one of the most testing times of our existence, though I do believe that no matter how destabilizing the past few years under this regime has been --- it's almost made us a lot stronger and more resolute in many ways.
I don't want Pakistan to "go against" the US. We had very close relations during the Cold War (the fun Reagan days). It would be sad to see them divorce. The relationship just needs to be reviewed and re-defined. As you know, it isnt about friendships anymore. Just interests (economic, political, military). That's it.
With the US and Pakistan --- there's a reason why there's scores of books out on this subject. Because it can't be answered or reviewed in a matter of lines only. It's been 'complicated'.....ups and downs.
but with Iran --- despite geo-political rivalries of the past and present --- we need to work closer with them. That's my opinion, maybe i'm right maybe i'm wrong.
