Context
Two significant developments have taken place in the last 24 hours. These events signify the continuation of the steps taken by Pakistan to protest the November 26 NATO attack on Salala check post, in Mohmand Agency.
Pakistan has now withdra
wn its officers from some of the joint intelligence-sharing centers, located across the Pak-Afghan border, reportedly for consultation purposes. The country has also recalled its Ambassadors from United States, Russia, the EU countries, Afghanistan, India and many other key countries for an emergency conference, as the nations reorients its foreign policy to the emerging realties. Pakistan’s envoy to US, Husain Haqqani has already resigned due to the Memgate controversy, while three other representatives are also reportedly being replaced.
On the other hand, two powerful Republican US Senators, John McCain and Lindsey Graham,
think that Pakistan is about to rescind its relation with US as it relates to the war on terror, and that US should now review all economic and military aid for Pakistan. McCain is a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee while Graham is on the committee that allocates US foreign aid. In a joint statement, they stated:
“The United States has been incredibly patient with Pakistan. And we have been so despite certain undeniable and deeply disturbing facts,” they said. “The time has come for the United States to fully review its relations with Pakistan. We must assess the nature and levels of our support.”
Furthermore, former CIA official, Bruce Riedel thinks it was time for US to start containing Pakistan’s military as a policy, and with in a broader framework.
