The New Nation - Internet Edition

THE fraternity between Islamabad and Washington is fast dissipating and both sides seem to be taking hard positions. The US thinks that Pakistan is not doing enough to root out Taleban operators from its territories. Pakistani authorities find the US overlooking the requirements of consultations and understanding that should exist between allies and launching of attacks on its territories flouting its sovereignty unacceptable. It was learnt that President Bush gave consent to US forces in Afghanistan to operate in Pakistan's Waziristan region freely without taking permission from Islamabad. The government in Pakistan considers this to be an affront to its independence and sovereignty.

Pakistan's army chief has ordered his soldiers to shoot and kill foreign soldiers on its soil, a clear allusion to US troops operating inside Pakistan. A report in this paper on Tuesday highlighted that Pakistani troops fired shots in the air to warn and threaten US forces who attempted to enter Waziristan. Thus, a full blown military confrontation is building up between the two erstwhile allies. Security analysts see in the latest moves by the Bush administration, an intention to intervene in Pakistan on the pretext that support for the Talebans is rising in that country.

Washington may also gradually start saying that Pakistan has become dangerously unstable and unable to retain nuclear weapons in its hands. This could mean a serious threat to the security of the US and the West in general. Centering on such perceived threats, even an Iraq-type of invasion of Pakistan is likely. Neighbours may be persuaded to join in such activities. The recent upsurge in the freedom movement in the Indian-held part of Kashmir, are viewed as underhand acts designed to bring tilt towards the US in its confrontation with Pakistan. South Asian leaders should read the signs and refrain from taking steps against each other.