A Few Reasons For a Divorce

Never have relations between two countries been more tense.

But, given their common interests, the American-Pakistani couple has to avoid a divorce at all costs. It is always sad to see how a love story can be torpedoed with betrayal and end with a multitude of reproaches. This is exactly what has happened between the U.S. and Pakistan. How can they overcome this moment? This is the question that politicians in both capitals are asking. Both countries were disappointed in their relationship — each appearing incapable of understanding what is upsetting the other — but have common interests that need to be put before anything else.

“There exist friction points, but no rupture,” surmises Husain Haqqani, the Pakistani Ambassador to the U.S. who worked hard to avoid such a catastrophe, to the point of contempt from the military in Islamabad.

As far as U.S. officials are concerned, many of them are in agreement with the Pakistani diplomat’s comments. Once the period of decline passes, the relationship will never be the same, but the will also be more respect from the Americans for Pakistan’s independence. This is a good thing, even with respect to American interests. The U.S. embrace had become suffocating, and the Pakistani army started to be seen by the public as the lackey of Washington. It was a large source of growing national shame and indignation, comparable to the anger that led to the fall of Hosni Mubarak in Egypt.

When we analyze the recent events in Pakistan, it is essential to keep in mind some basic realities: it is not surprising that Pakistan arrested people suspected of being CIA informants, even if they aided in the capture of Bin Laden. No country would tolerate its citizens working for foreign intelligence services (even if for those of a friendly service with good intentions). Just remember the American, Jonathan Pollard, who spied for Israel has been behind bars in a U.S. prison for over twenty years. Nevertheless, four of the five informants arrested in Pakistan were released later. It is legitimate that Pakistan criticizes what they see as a threat to their sovereignty. In any other country, the army is the symbol of independence and national pride.