Forum readers know by now that Pakistan has not blocked all NATO traffic, indeed, they have blocked a single route - but there is much politics and anger associated with these events - especially since these events occurred with CIA chief Panetta in Islamabad - Panetta, incidentally, is reported to be of the view that only US military presence in Pakistan itself, can help the US secure Afghanistan -
while the ISAF/NATO have argued "Self Defense" and "Rules of Engagement" - fact of the matter is the crews who fired upon Pakistani FC had to get an OK to fire from officers higher up in the chain at Bagram or even in Qatar -- this is interesting because it suggests that reports about the point of view and the message Mr. Panetta brought to Pakistani leadership, are certainly highlighted -- but a more likely scenario, is that an officer high up in the chain screwed up - yes, it's not sexy, but it's real life .
Now, what if there is a consensus in the near future that this was no screw up ??
As we have in the "Pak-US Relationship" threat on the strategic board, Mr. Zardari has a decision to make, the decision is really on a personal level, about legacy, some will say, personal honor, but Mr. Zaradari is quite beyond such calculations - on the strategic level, Mr. Zardari's decision will have the effect of freeing Pakistan from the strangle hold of the US and the West or of strengthening the strangle hold of the US -- either way, Mr. Zardari is at a crossroads with fatal consequences for him