The New Nation - Internet Edition

BSS, Dhaka

The relations between the United States and its key ally Pakistan have recently been 'strained', said an American political scientist on Saturday, predicting that such waning ties would bring 'dire consequences' for both sides and the region as well.

Professor Charles H Kennedy of Wake Forest University said the six-decade-long relations between the two countries have not only sustained injuries at official levels, but also at people's level.

"More than 72 per cent Pakistan nationals view US presence in Afghanistan as a major threat to Pakistan's sovereignty," Kennedy told a seminar at Dhaka Club, referring to a recent survey in Pakistan and the US.

He said US military interventions around the world are viewed by the majority of Pakistanis as a measure to 'weaken Islamic world and castigate Muslims'.

On the other hand, he said, many US nationals believe that Pakistan has somewhat kept 'Taliban' alive in its restive frontier provinces bordering Afghanistan.

"Any distance would be disastrous for both sides," said Kennedy, also a charter member of North American Bangladesh Council.

He listed a number of recommendations for improving US- Pakistan ties that include changes in US unilateral policies towards Afghanistan and Pakistan and listening to the voice of their peoples.

The professor said the US needs to change its style of operation in the Pakistan-controlled remote tribal areas, where Taliban and Al-Qaeda members are believed to have been hiding to regroup for a massive offensive to offset President Bush's 'war against terror' agenda.

The operation has so far cost $3 trillion, a figure almost equivalent to China's one-year GDP, he added.

He said Pakistan deserves to have military and development assistance from the US, which on the other hand should involve its key ally, Pakistan, in its operation to quell insurgency and terrorism.

The opium business in Afghanistan, he said, should also be stopped to frustrate supply of money to terrorists.