US offer to Pakistan is a Hobson's choice

In the war on terror, Islamabad is at the receiving end of Washington and Taliban.

Pakistan Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani's intention to quickly defuse the crisis with India has not been lost. However, the real problem, at this point of time lies at home, and in areas closer to it, thanks to the incessant military strikes by the US which are exacting a heavy toll on civilians.

The situation in Pakistan amply highlights the statements made by former President Pervez Musharraf, currently touring the US. Musharraf states that his country is being treated 'unequally' in the US led war on terror in Afghanistan, and in areas within Pakistan, and he is far from wrong in his assessment. As if to add credence to his argument US missile strikes on suspected Al Qaida operated strongholds last Friday killed at least 22 people of which only eight were suspected militants.

This latest act by the US seriously dents hopes that the Obama administration will be prioritising a sudden slump in attacks. All said and done American-led strikes in the northwest are a violation of Pakistan's sovereignty and the belief that there is an unspoken agreement between Pakistan and the US should be discounted simply because the people of Pakistan would disassociate themselves from a policy which sees Pakistani nationals being killed.

In the meantime, the Pakistani government should prioritise a way of seeking out new measures to drag the country out of the economic doldrums. Their focus should be on the welfare of the people. The $10 billion US aid to Pakistan is a pittance given that Pakistan is leading the way for Washington in the war on terror. And yet they are being held accountable, as they have simply not done enough.

In these circumstances, Pakistan's priority should be to seek internal stability, re-energise ties with old allies China and open up a clean slate through fresh talks with India.