Fair-weather friends?

According to foreign press reports, the document of the Republican Party’s national convention described India as a geographical ally and strategic trading partner and working relations with Pakistan necessary, though sometimes difficult. Describing Pakistan that way means the GOP only takes Pakistan merely as a fair-weather friend under exigencies and compulsions of the situation in the region.

On the other hand all the former presidents of the US 1960s onward did acknowledge the role of Pakistan in helping the US establish diplomatic ties with China, full cooperation during the cold war, and sacrifices in the war against terrorism. One wonders if relations with Pakistan are merely a ‘make-shift’ arrangement?

Dr Najeeb A Khan

Islamabad