International politics

This refers to the article, ‘What a friend!’ (April 13) by Saleem Safi. The writer is correct when he says that there are no permanent friends or foe in international relations or politics. Look at Barak Obama shaking hands with Rahul Castro. On the other hand, Saudi Arabia’s close ally US is maintaining a distance in the Yemen conflict to the dismay of the Saudi rulers who had always counted on the US’ active support.
Not less surprising for them is Pakistan’s expressed neutrality in the conflict despite the fact that Saudi Arabia has always been a reliable friend throughout and helped this country in times of need. Saudi Arabia expects Pakistan to reciprocate in their hour of crisis. International politics is a dirty game and so a country needs to stand on its own feet rather than look outside for help.
Kulsoom Arif
Karachi