So i take it you are one of those guys who believe in the US narrative than Pakistan's. Well i dont and no where did my government back tracked on its version which i take it as a good sign. If they stick to their version, we stick to ours. Truth might be somewhere in between.
There was no damage control, all Pakistan did was not to pursue it further which was the right thing than as US FM was scheduled to visit Pakistan. The language after Pompeo's visit have erased all doubts in my mind at least that this government will not be a walk over for the americans like previous governments were. Result US has toned down its rhetoric towards Pakistan.
I can give you another example related to IMF even though the government wasnt formed than the americans got a response they were not hoping for. US has played its cards rather hastly starting from the the first statement Trump gave on new year to stopping of CSF and FMF, their last bet was IMF who they were trying to arm twist, Pakistan did the right thing by not going to the IMF which made the americans rethink all their aggressive posturing towards Pakistan.
So by now
1) they thought Pakistan would talk to them about restoring funds, we did not (Pakistan 1 US 0)
2) They thought Pakistan would not be able to work without going to the IMF first, we managed from other sources ( Pakistan 2 US 0 )
3) They stopped Pakistani military officers from getting training in the US, russia filled in the vacuum.
Point being this is not a zero sum game and if US has cards to play, we do too but i do not believe for one second that this is the wrong way to go forward because if history has proven anything its this that US takes politeness for granted as it has been doing for too long with successive Pakistani governments. No more.
I am not sure whose narrative is correct. I just pointed out that this exchange turned into a
he said; she said argument, and wasn't meaningful.
Timing of the exchange also gave the impression as if somebody attempted to sabotage the visit of American delegation to Pakistan, to give India the benefit of doubt.
Trump administration and PML(N)-led government in Pakistan were not on good terms. This much is apparent to all. One reason is that PML(N)-led government took Pakistani relations with US
for granted; did not bother to construct a long-term engagement plan with US, and appointed a Foreign Minister a bit too late.
FYI:
https://tribune.com.pk/story/1474377/full-time-foreign-minister-finally/
Administrations come and go in the US from time to time. This is why diplomacy is a non-stop endeavor. We cannot take any administration for granted there.
PTI-led government provided the necessary impetus to Trump administration to reboot PAK - US engagement process, and this was the need of the hour. Thank God.
Now, Trump administration is not easy to work with. We need to sharpen our diplomatic skills and play our cards right. SMQ have the necessary skills, and I expect him to deliver. Still, engagement process won't be smooth throughout; I am under no illusion in this regard. Americans will continue to push our buttons from time to time, and we need to grow a thicker skin. State-to-state relations are not a one-way street.
Reactionary politics leave little room to maneuver, and looses steam after a while. Look no further than DPRK - US engagement scenario back in 2017. I have documented this scenario, in case you want me to direct you towards it.
